The Hartman House

News

2012-02-01T21:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the video we made sharing the news with Gracie!

12 Things in 2012

2012-01-29T19:15:00.012-05:00

I'm reading through two good books... The Money Saving Mom's Budget and Organized Simplicity. (you can download this to your kindle right now FOR FREE! - or any other reading device I believe, go get it, it's FREE!) Both highly encourage making lists and goals. In that light I've made a list of 12 things I'd love to do/try in 2012. Some of them are not too hard but I want to be successful so I think that by putting them in there that will help!

12 Things to Do in 2012

January- ~~make homemade hand soap~~ I tried this and it was great! It's very cheap and easy. I'd use a different scent next time what what I have works fine. It's a little thinner than regular soap so I may try a foaming dispenser.

February- make homemade laundry detergent. My friends Kelsey and Joanne use powdered but I have all for liquid so that's what I'm going to try first.

March- make homemade wheat thins (found the idea on a few places, doesn't look hard and I love wheat thins!

April- use my new (to me two years ago!) sewing machine. I have never used one before but I have a few fun ideas.

May- plant carrots, beans, herbs, peppers for our garden

June- make Gracie's birthday cupcakes/cake/cakepops. Not sure which

July - crochet a WHOLE potholder. (haha! I've tried this before=fail!)

August- have our baby! Make graham's birthday cake/cupcakes

September- make homemade applesauce. It was a lot of work but it's worth it. I couldn't have done it without my MIL so I'm going to try to recruit her again! :)

October- homemade poptarts

November- make a good loaf (or multiple) of homemade bread

December- make Christmas presents for family and friends. Not sure what yet.

That's all. What do you think? I'm really hoping to try these things and learn some new recipes/crafty ideas. So, um....did you catch anything special for any of the months? That's right!! We'll be adding a new Hartman to the mix in August! I think that feat and making a cake for Graham's second birthday are quite challenging goals for that month. Ha! We are thrilled and so very thankful for the blessing of a new life.

Pinkilicious

2012-01-24T08:30:00.004-05:00

Grace got a Pinkilicious book for Christmas. It has a cd that tells the stories and cute little ideas after each story. We decided to try one of them- Pink cake cookies!

Grace worked hard adding the ingredients and rolling the cookies into balls. Frosting them was her favorite part.

or maybe it was the sprinkles....

or licking her fingers....

No, I'm pretty sure these two liked eating them the best!

It was the first time I've just handed Graham a frosted cookie. He loved it!!

Life

2012-01-18T12:28:00.003-05:00

Life is good. My boy is learning how to color. My girl is learning how to write her letters.

I've been able to use placemats I bought in Haiti years and years go- papaya, mango, avocado, and watermellon (gracie calls it mellon water :) )

Both of my kids like to read. They'll sit quietly with books and sit in our laps to read.

Our family has, in our backyard, beautiful hills and trails and places to walk.

Life is Good.

Joy Dare 17/366 (Count 1000 Gifts in 2012/3 gifts a day)

a gift that made you quiet #54- hubby giving me a foot rub at the end of the day.

a gift that made you laugh #55- dancing to pandora radio/toddler station

a gift that made you pray #56- getting back up the driveway after "trying" to back down it and almost getting stuck.

The Commons

2012-01-17T07:49:00.002-05:00

We have enjoyed getting to know Columbus a bit. They have an indoor play area called The Commons. It has this climbing thing that is unlike any I've seen. Two stories! We went there on a busy Saturday and the kids had a great time.

Graham could have gone up and down the slide a million times.

There are different areas that kids can climb on and around. My favorite part???....

Grace, who can sometimes be a bit reserved on trying new things literally just jumped on the climbing tower thing and took off! She made it about 3/4 of the way to the top!

(that's her above the two people) I was SO SO proud of her!

Flashback Friday

2012-01-13T08:45:00.003-05:00

This was Grace at oh, I think 10 months? Easter time at my sister's.

And here is Graham at almost 17 months. Whenever the fridge opens he drops whatever he's doing and high tails it to the fridge.

Just for fun

2012-01-11T12:10:00.002-05:00

Graham liks to walk around holding on to his pants, just for fun.

Gracie likes to chuck her my little ponies down the stairs and then play with them on the couch, just for fun.

She's also a fan of dressing up (a million times a day), just for fun.

After New Years, Gracie and I trekked over to Sophie and Oliver's house in her new sled, just for fun.

And, just for fun, here is how my kids look when totally enthralled in a tv show!

Friends

2012-01-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

These three are great friends. Grace can hardly walk or drive by their house (they live near us) without begging to go see them.

She has many many friends that she loves to play with. But these two along with Jonah, another neighbor friend- she can't stop talking about. Yesterday we told her we were going to try a new church. She said..."um, no, I think I'll go to Sophie and Oliver's". :) I like that she has good friends.

Water babies

2012-01-07T07:05:00.000-05:00

We were blessed with some tickets to Slash Universe and we used them up during the Christmas break. We had a great time!

Grace would have NOTHING to do with any slide when we got there. She just wanted to stand and play in the kiddie pool. About half way through she decided to try the little slide. She learned that it was fun! Graham couldn't get enough either!

(that's a happy child, who hates water in her face)

We did go down the lazy river a few times and the last time she actually liked it. ha! We also took her down a bigger slide with us= NOT HAPPY. Graham liked it though. All but when the bucket from above tipped on him and daddy and drenched them!

Posts

2012-01-06T13:22:00.005-05:00

It's not because I don't want to post. I do. It's mostly because I have too much to say... and babies to feed and play with, and life to live. Like right now..right now there's dishes to unload, dishes to reload. A pantry to organize, about 3 loads to wash, a Thomas the Train being pushed on my keyboard, and stickers being randomly applied to my shirt.

We've started a new adventure. We'll be spending some time in Brown County. From where I am sitting I am looking down on beautiful trees, a winding stream and total quiet. Brown County- Nashville area is gorgeous and full of things to see/do. So far we've checked out the post office, the library, and the YMCA, ending with a fantastic McDonald's trip. McDonald's tastes the same wherever you go. How about that for always being "home"?

I'm going to do this for 2012. I want to be thankful for everything, for every moment, even the hard ones. Today I am thankful for my sister for sending me my favorite sunglasses. I could have bought another pair, but when you find your favorite... it's hard to find one that just fits perfectly. And I wear my glasses all.the.time. I was lost without them. I am thankful for the abundance of food in our fridge (now I need the gumption to prepare it!) and for my sweet husband who has been doing whatever it takes to make me happy. That's not always easy.

Let me know if you will take this joy dare too. My friend gave me a journal for this adventure and I'm using that to keep track.

And now I smell something that needs changed....

better go!

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T11:49:00.002-05:00

We had a fantastic Christmas day! Gracie actually CHOSE to stay in bed till 7 (the time we normally ask her to stay in bed till, but she rarely does!) She came running in and then we all went to see if Santa came. He did! She was very excited.

Grace was the present hand-er out-er. She took her role very seriously.

She loved opening her presents and was happy with each one. (except the jean leggings. I can NOT get her to wear jeans so I thought I'd try leggings. nope!)

Brother got her a new tea set.

and he got even more blocks!

We had a great day and stayed in our jammies ALL day long. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls for lunch and watched movies. It was a great day!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:58:00.002-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2011-12-19T13:13:00.002-05:00

We are on COUNTDOWN week! It makes us crazy with excitement!

and it makes us make funny faces! We are SO excited!

SNOW!

2011-12-13T08:19:00.003-05:00

On our first real snow day (it snowed before but we didn't see it so we aren't counting it!) The kids made a fort under the counter.

Then we walked over to the office in the snow!

ha! Graham's coat is so big.. I asked Grace to take a picture with him and her arm knocked him down. It was like the little boy in Christmas Story!

We liked making footprints in the snow.

This was just the start of it. We had 9 inches!

See the woodpecker on the feeder?

Saturdays

2011-11-30T21:10:00.003-05:00

Saturdays are for making bread (parmesan herb bread- it was fantastic!)

playing with chalk while it's still nice outside

being silly and running around while Daddy rakes leaves.

and for playing hopscotch.

It was a great day. I love my family.

#2

2011-11-29T10:29:00.003-05:00

Gracie has made Graham her playmate, whether he likes it or not! The door to her room will close and it will be quiet for a looooonnnnggg time. Then out will come sis in a new (for the 10th time that day!) outfit and brother in a tutu and hair bows. It's so funny! He just looks at us like "guys, I just go with it, it's easier, trust me". ha!

He LOVES playing with blocks and can stack quite a few. They keep him entertained.

The Christmas tree was very exciting to him. So are the ornaments. We let Gracie decorate it and her sweet spot seems to be middle right so, there are about 100 ornaments there and not to many anywhere else.

He has also enjoyed coloring lately! If he sees the crayons out he starts squealing and pointing to the paper.

He finally got tooth #4! 5 & 6 are not far behind. Those top teeth sure do change how he looks. :)

Book Review: Thank you God for Blessing Me

2011-11-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

We’ve had this book for a bit now, and it’s already a well loved one in our house! Thank you, God, for Blessing Me, by Max Lucado is a great way to take Hermie books down to a infant/toddler level. It is about little Hermie the caterpillar who goes through his list thanking God for all He has given him.

This story is told with rhyme and is easy to read and understand. Both Gracie and Graham enjoy the verses and pictures. They idea that we should thank God for all we have been given is clear. Little Hermie takes time to thank Him even for the little things in His life.

I have always enjoyed the Hermie books. This one isn’t any different but I do think that the illustrations are not as vibrant and bright like the usual Hermie books. That was more of a disappointment for me than my kids though, they didn’t mind a bit and this book is requested often! I would purchase this book for any young child (baby to 3ish) as a gift!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have express in my reviews are my own. They are based on mine and/or my children’s reactions to the book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#1

2011-11-27T21:13:00.002-05:00

Child #1 has been busy! She has been going to preschool 2 days a week. Her teacher says her gift is dramatic play. HA!

She loved her "new to her" coat from her friend Norah. She feels like a princess in it!

She is also learning how to write! She actually writes her Gs upside down then turns the paper but it's still fantastic!

She is thrilled with Christmas. We are "working" on a memory verse. (I say working because she has ZERO interest in memorizing or really doing what I ask. ha!) It is-

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Every time she says it she says

"for unto you is born this day in the city of David... and Marah...

David and Marah are good friends of ours. She can't imagine a city of David without Marah. :)

Fall is fading...

2011-11-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

I'm going to admit that we put up our Christmas tree this week. We LOVE Christmas and we like to have it up early so that we can take it down right after the holidays. Plus we are so busy that we won't have much time to do it later!

I carved a pumpkin with sister a few days before Halloween. It was definitely an "I" not a "we". She was having nothing to do with that icky stuff inside! When I asked her what she wanted me to make she said a beautiful princess in a pink dress. Uh, not quite in mom's pumpkin carving repetoire....

We settled for triangle eyes and lips. She was pleased!

Flashback Friday

2011-11-10T22:11:00.002-05:00

Look at these two! He was so tiny and I thought he had a lot of hair at the time! And she was JUST potty training. Now they are playing and he follows her all over the house. What a difference a year makes!

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-09T21:54:00.003-05:00

wow, it's been a bit! I need to catch up. Don't give up on me. I do have things to share. I promise. :)

Today I am thankful for...

smiles caught on camera

a great shopping trip for under $5!!!! (that rarely happens, so I had to document it!)

growing teeth

silly time with daddy

newfound curiosity for everything

We are at an exciting time in our lives. God is moving us and pushing us. I was reminded this week of our church's mission "To Know Christ and Make Him Known". It was a reminder to me that it's not just my church's job, that is MY job. No matter where I am, no matter what I am doing, that is my mission. It starts with my kiddos. No, really, it starts with me. To know Christ... that means have a relationship with Him. Getting into his word, spending time with him. To make him known... that's where I can share what I am learning with my kids.

My patience has been thin lately, especially with them. I want to honor my kids by giving them my best and I want to honor my God by giving him my best. I am so very thankful for new mercies every day and for his gentle reminders in my life.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T15:43:00.002-04:00

Minnie Mouse

and Pal the Puppy had a great time last night!

The two "puppies" had a great time playing! (our dear neighbor's dog, Carly)

Graham's puppy ears were in his eyes. There was a lot of bumping into things!

We had a fun night! (yes, that was pre trick or treating chocolate in her mouth- thanks Grandma Sue!)

Fall Leaves

2011-10-29T20:07:00.002-04:00

I love it that we don't have a lot of trees in our yard (try, 1 tiny one-ha!) but there is something great about playing and jumping in a big pile of leaves. Thankfully the camp has that in abundance and it's just across the street!

I love raking up a big pile for the kids and letting them run around. Graham was very happy to do just that.

He was not thrilled about stopping to pose for a picture but I love it when I can catch Grace with a smile. Happy Fall!

The Lake

2011-10-23T08:41:00.005-04:00

We went to the lake a few weekends ago and spent time with Grandpa and Grandma Diane. We had a fantastic time! Gracie enjoyed the homemade ice cream (twice!) Ok, we all did!

Grandma pulled out her tent and the kids had fun playing and going in and out of it.

Graham explored the deck while we got ready for dinner.

There was lots of good food and then more good food!

Gracie loves the swing and she talked Grandpa into taking her down.

We had a campfire and Grandpa LOVED it! (smile) Grace liked the marshmallows but she prefers them uncooked.

We went to LaGrange to their little festival and of course we had to stop at the carousel!

It was a great weekend. We go to the cottage often but we don't usually spend the night. I'm so glad we did!

One

2011-10-19T10:14:00.003-04:00

I knew I wanted to get Graham's one year pictures taken but I wanted to wait until the leaves were changing. I'm so glad I did! My talented friend Marah took his pictures. He was pretty stoic and not super smiley but they turned out fantastic! Here is a link to Marah's blog post with more pictures. If you need pictures taken and you live near us, call Marah!

Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo

2011-10-17T08:26:00.005-04:00

Shane's been getting some good vacation time in (remember that he was gone for like 2 months in the spring? Praise the Lord for vacation!) We were gifted some zoo tickets and decided to make a fun family day out of it. We didn't tell Grace where we were going. We brought a picnic and ate it outside the zoo. She didn't guess until we were right at the gate!

It was a perfect day, warm and not crowded.

Gracie got to feed the giraffe! They were pretty far away but one came up and ate a piece of lettuce right from her hands. It was very cool!

This peacock wanted to snack on Graham's forgotten crackers.

I love that the crowds weren't big so Graham could walk on his own. He is everywhere!

We took a train ride which was very fun for all of us.

Grace and I fed the geese (mean, greedy creatures. ha!) She loved it but didn't like it at the same time. Then we went to feed the goats. There was only one in the yard so I wasn't too worried.... Well... more came when they smelled the food. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

It was a great day!

Flashback Friday

2011-10-14T06:43:00.002-04:00

While Shane was on vacation, we were able to take the kids to the zoo! It was a perfect day and the crowds were minimum.

Graham loved seeing the animals up close. He would make all kinds of oohing and squealing noises. It reminded me of when we took Grace to the zoo at 12 months. :)

She couldn't get enough!

What fun memories! (and they DO look alike eh?!)

Fashion Diva

2011-10-10T21:45:00.003-04:00

We have a fashion diva on our hands.. See this ensemble? That would be skinny blue jeans, leg warmers, one purple sock, and one white one.

She paired it with a blue velour church dress, a fall coat, and winter hat. All necessary to go and work in the garden of course.

Or to do her favorite thing. Trap daddy in the shed and laugh and laugh and laugh. (she just shuts the door, but we better be careful!)

In the above two pictures Grace is modeling how to wear a shirt as a skirt. Who needs to sew? Need fashion advice? Just ask Grace!

September 9

2011-10-10T21:35:00.002-04:00

Here are more pictures from our trip to Traverse City. We had a pizza picnic by the lake!

Then we waked down to explore. Grace didn't really like the ocean but she didn't mind this water at all.

Graham just hung out with mom. :)

While Grace chased waves.

It was a perfect evening to have a picnic by the water . Loved it.

Weather Watcher!

2011-10-05T18:56:00.004-04:00

Grace has been singing this song almost every day since she started preschool. We thought we'd share it with you! I love the sweet little hand motions she does with the song. She also adds a bit of fashion advice and some dance instruction in there after the song!

North Carolina

2011-10-05T08:33:00.004-04:00

I loaded these in a funky order but whatever, here are pics from my trip to NC!

Chimney Rock! Nicole "chose"not to tell us that the elevator was broken till we got there. ha! We hiked it up and then down to a beautiful waterfall.

The view from the top.

a little silliness. :)

and for real.. what you see here is brown sugar maple BACON ice cream! Do not knock it till you try it. It was SO good!

but this liquid truffle was even better. Pure "joy" on my face. If only I could bake like this!

Jo, we taught her how to plank then had a great time making her do it everywhere!

We went to Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville for breakfast but had to wait an hour.. so of course we went to a coffee shop around the corner and got PRE breakfast!

Headed into Asheville we stopped in Black Mountain and ate at a fantastic restaurant called Fresh and then found this chocolate shop. (see a theme??)

In Asheville we pricelined our hotel.. and got 1 king! So Jo's airmattress and a little creativity with the chair and tables and we had our beds!

In Charlotte, we had a great time at WOF and walking around.

It rained in Charlotte but the sun came out enough for us to hang out by the pool for a bit.

What a fantastic time. Thanks Ladies! You are the best!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-10-04T07:43:00.001-04:00

I'm not catching up, but I'm not giving up either! I am going to just start where I am and then go.

Wednesday September 14- Dancing in the rain... I loved catching this moment on her face of twirling and dancing.

Friday, September 16- There is a picture of me like this, on the mower with my grandpa. I love that I was able to get Graham with Shane. Gracie would not get near. ha!

Sunday, September 18- I wish I would have got a picture of the little man in his orange vest. This is where he wants to be ALL.THE.TIME. Outside exploring.

Tuesday, September 20- Don't tell Graham no, or he'll melt to the ground like this! I can only dream of being that flexible!

Wednesday, September 21- Sister found a tiny inchworm on some flowers. She loved watching him move around on her arm.

Friday, September 23-North Carolina! I went down with Jodi and Joanne to spend time with Nicole. We had a fantastic time. I'm not sure we ever stopped eating! This was a double baked croissant with chocolate from a 24 hour french bakery. Ah-ma-zing!

Saturday, September 24- At the NC Women of Faith. We were able to hear Ken Davis and Karen Kingsbury on this tour.

Sunday, September 25- Climbing Chimney Rock! (I've been practicing, I said Castle Rock ALL day!) There were a gazillion steps and we were sweating like animals but it was beautiful.

Monday, September 26- Ending a fantastic eating tour of Charlotte and Asheville by stopping at the Sunny Point cafe. If you are ever there, you must stop in and eat!

Tuesday, September 27- home to my babies!

Where does it go?

2011-09-21T13:28:00.004-04:00

Time is going by too fast. Not just the part about my kids growing up, but time in general. There doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything! Time to blog, time to exercise, do my devotions, visit with friends, grocery shop, cook, clean, play with the kids, relax...

So, the blog has been suffering a bit. This whole project life thing is fantastic (I'd recommend it to anyone!) but I find myself saving pictures and then it's Monday night, then Tuesday then the day is done and I'm a week behind. again.

But life is good! Apart from the lacking blog and Project Life, I am feeling on top of things, and getting things done. I'm working part time and enjoying that challenge. I think that I need about a year after having a baby to feel back to myself. The lists have begun and I will catch up. I will exercise, feed my kids, even play with them!

Ok, enough. :) I'm loving this fall weather. We've been doing some great fallish things-- playing outside in long sleeves (graham is fun to watch as he explores!)

climbing fences, running races,

picking up leaves, getting dirty,

playing peek a boo, and cleaning up the yard (ok, just shane and I have been doing that!)

I've made applesauce in the crock pot and next month I'm going to can some with my MIL. Can't wait for that!

Fall candles are going in the house, an orange wreath is by the front door, and the mums are finally showing their colors. So, while I'm super busy, I'd love to have you come over and share some applesauce, or a cup of tea, or coffee. Come anytime! :)

Another fun book!

2011-09-15T07:18:00.002-04:00

We have enjoyed Max Lucado’s “Hermie” series on DVD many times at our House. This series of children’s stories is cute, relevant, and has messages that are meaningful. In this book, Hermie and his friend Wormie, wonder why God make them so common. They compare themselves with other bugs they see and want to be like them. They don’t understand God’s plan and ask him why he made them as he did. God continues to patiently speak to them and let them know they are loved and that he has a special plan for their lives.

This is a cute book with colorful pictures. They draw your attention in. While I don’t think being “common” is a problem our kids will have to deal with, the idea of wanting to be like others, or have whatever someone else has will be something they will most certainly deal with. It’s a challenge to make sure our kids know that they have been made exactly how God wants them to be and that they are a continuous work in progress. This book is a good stepping stone for discussion.

It’s written as a level two reader and while the words are most certainly readable, in my opinion, I do think that it is a bit long and when reading it, the child’s attention may not last but I still think that it’s a great book with a great message for kids!

(If you have a blog and want to get great books to read, sign up with booksneeze! )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Project Life Tuesday

2011-09-13T08:43:00.004-04:00

I just spent the last hour trying to load the last week of August pics, and then I did it and captioned them and ... lost the post. So we'll go backwards again. at least their up! Words to come...

Monday, September 12- Playing outside with Daddy!

Flashback Friday

2011-09-09T10:09:00.004-04:00

This is a flashback for Shane! We went through the attic and I found a pile of his baby clothes!! This outfit fit Graham perfectly, if not a little small. (sizes have changed since then, this was 18 months!)

A flashback from 36 years ago or so! Thanks Grandma Shirley for saving these!

Birthday Boy

2011-09-08T13:53:00.003-04:00

We had family and some friends come over on Saturday to celebrate Graham. It was a fun day!

loving his gifts!

and his cake!

how hard is it to get a fam. picture? (hard!)

lovin the balloons!

his owl cupcakes!

Catching up #3

2011-09-04T20:06:00.003-04:00

Here's the final catch up.. (besides birthday celebrations!)

Graham loves to pull all the magnets off the fridge.

Grahams first owie. He fell on Gracie's castle in her bedroom (he loves being in there!)

Gracie loves her princess book from the library. I love walking there. Two birds with one stone!

Graham is getting into his toys. This race car goes down the track and he'll do it over and over.

He'll also stand on things now. He's very adventurous!

Kels and I went down (to the front!) to sit with Jayma and Joanne and Nicole for part of the Women of Faith Conference. LOVED seeing them and being close for part of it!

Reading with Grace

2011-09-01T11:01:00.002-04:00

Grace and I love to read together. So when I showed her Gabby God’s Little Angel, by Shelia Walsh, she was thrilled. I have seen Shelia Walsh’s God’s Little Princess Series a few times and have been looking forward to reading them with her. While this book isn’t a direct part of the series, it does not disappoint. Gabby is a sweet guardian angel who herself is a bit… mishap prone! She’s sent to watch over Sophie as she learns to ride her new horse Glitter. Sophie herself has had her share of mishaps and so they are a perfect match. Their adventure is fun and makes Gabby’s first assignment a big one!

When I sat down to read this with Grace, she was immediately drawn to the pictures. They are colorful and perfect for even small children. She asked about the angels and that let to a good discussion of what an angel is and how God sends them to protect us. Her attention was held throughout the entire story. Although she can’t read, the color changes in the wording made it fun for me to read with expression. Because she’s so young, she didn’t catch all of the humor that makes this book so cute, but she did understand that the angel helped Sophie.

This book was great for her level but also would be good for older children, as they will be able to understand it at a deeper level. Our discussion was simple but relevant to her at her age. No matter what the age it’s a fun read and a great look at how God sends his angels to watch over us always!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-08-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

ok, this is two weeks worth, my pictures are not in the right order and I still have some to add, but whatever Here they are! :)

Sunday August 21- my boy loves to swing!

Monday August 22- and get himself into tight spaces!

Tuesday August 23- no picture (I may or may not have misplaced my camera again for a few days...)

Wednesday , August 24- no picture

Friday, August 25- We celebrated Graham's birthday on mine with Grandma Shirley and he had his cake!

Saturday, August 27- he started taking a few steps!!!

Then the previous week- backwards. :)

Saturday, August 20- Women of Faith! It was a fanstastic weekend and I felt so "full" Loved all of it, especially seeing one of my favorite bloggers, Angie Smith from Bring the Rain!

Friday August 18- Pic from Kelsey of the two of us waiting to go to Women of Faith!

Thursday Aug 17- no pic

Wednesday, August 16- Can you see this? he's standing all by himself!

Tuesday, August 16- Gracie's best bud's playing in the sand.

Monday, August 15- not sure what's happening here, but when it gets quiet, I come and check pretty quickly!

Sunday, August 14- waiting to pick up sister from her fun weekend with Grandma Shirley.

One

2011-08-28T20:33:00.005-04:00

One year ago tonight I was in the hospital. I was waiting for this sweet little face to arrive.

One year ago I didn't know how long it would take him to get here.

I didn't know how crazy life would get with two little ones.

I didn't know how much fun he would be, or how curious, or hungry!

I didn't know how my heart would melt when I would see his sister taking care of him

or when he would lay his head on my shoulder or give me sloppy kisses.

But here it is one year later and I am so very thankful for now knowing all of that and so much more. Happy Birthday baby boy.

Happy Day!

2011-08-26T06:51:00.002-04:00

(my birthday last year with Gracie -3 days before we met Graham!)
Today is my birthday. It's a little funny, I have always LOVED my birthday. I remember letting everyone know as soon as Aug. 1 rolled around that THIS was my birthday month and isn't is SO exciting?!

But there's been a little bit of change recently. While I still like having a special day, it's not quite the same. All I can think of is it's because I have little ones now and *gasp* it's not all about me! Now I get to make their birthdays amazing and fun and so important. That's a change, but a good one.

My top favorite birthday memories-

my 6th birthday- getting 6 jars of homemade pickles and 6 bunches of carrots from my grandma and grandpa. Loved it.
my 16th birthday- having a big party with all my friends and celebrating with a friend, Daniyel who's birthday is 3 days before mine
my 21st birthday- going out to eat with my girls and ordering a drink (I can't even remember what, something big and slushy) and not really liking it or wanting it but then having it dumped in my lap before dinner (and no other drinking!!!!) even started!
my 22nd birthday, feeling down and being at collage and then having Jess surprise me and drive down to spend the night with me, eat ice cream, then get up very early to go back to Lansing to work.
my Haiti birthdays- being in the country and getting real milk and some brownies from the Baptist mission, sharing one with my sweet friend Jess in our little bedroom in our on campus apartment, my 26th on the 26th birthday with all my friends and our great bakery cakes from Marie Beliard. So very good.
my 30th birthday- bringing Shane home to meet my family and friends, knowing he was the one!

I am blessed indeed. :)

Catching up #2

2011-08-18T12:25:00.003-04:00

Camp! Hannah had a good week at camp. This is her bunk (she had already taken her things down)

She was in Purple Violet.

Her counselor. There were some great pictures of her and her new friends on flicker. I hope she goes back next year!

Yes, that's right. see his face? I cut Shane's hair!!! I watched a tutorial online (ha!) and thought, why not? Well, apparently there is more of a learning curve needed that a youtube video!

He ended up with a buzz cut. I guess I did an ok job doing that!

Catching up #1

2011-08-18T11:30:00.001-04:00

I have lots of fun pictures to catch up on. Sometimes I want to save them for Project life before I show them and then... well I apparently never put any of them up! So here's catch up #1

sprinklers, splash pads, and softball.

Look at Grandma Shirley catch! She's got it going on!

going, going, gone!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-08-17T20:30:00.005-04:00

Sunday, Aug. 7- Our last day of camping! Graham had lots of people to ~~feed~~ love on him while we were camping!

Monday, Aug 8- We went on the back porch after dinner and Graham learned how to climb steps!

Tuesday, Aug 9- Grace's first trip to the dentist! She did a fantastic job. I was so proud of her for sitting so well and being such a good listener.

No pic for Wed so here is what we did after the dentist, played with Jonah!

Thursday, Aug 11- I love this pic for two reasons- 1) we took out the tv in our living room and Grace really hasn't missed it that much. She plays so well but now watching tv is a treat! (and helps mommy get dinner ready!) and 2) Grace came to me that morning with her pajama top (pink) with a pink skirt (of course) that she'd pick to wear every day. I told her it was a pj top not a shirt. She said "trust me mom. trust me. it's a shirt". Well, ok then!

Friday, Aug 12- Cousins! We haven't seen Rilee and Reese since Christmas and that's way too long. They have grown so much! Grace had another first. She went to Grandma Shirley's "just because". We met her halfway and she had the girls with her. Grace had a fantastic time. I love this pic!

Sat- Aug 13- We went to the cottage on Saturday for lunch to visit with Brad and Diane and Shane's Aunt and Uncle, Lisa and Randy. It was great to see them and catch up!

Still doing it!

2011-08-14T20:51:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm still taking pictures of Graham with his monkey. These were his 11 month pics. (I did miss month 10, oops).

At 11 months, Graham is

pulling himself up everywhere!
letting go and standing by himself for a few seconds
sleeping the same, 12 hours at night and two naps during the day (he may be ending the morning nap soon though....)

putting everything in his mouth! We went camping and I don't know how many stones I fished out of there...
becoming so independent. DO NOT take food out of his hand when he wants it. DO NOT put him down when he wants to use you to get somewhere/something.
Tried a new recipe this week and liked it. Black bean lentil enchiladas! :)

is a happy boy, always smiling.
gave me kisses today for the first time! I love love love it!
is waving now too!

is starting to mimic our sounds. Today he and his daddy spent a good 5 minutes clearing their throats. cute!

She/He

2011-08-12T06:59:00.007-04:00

She loves all things pink and girly.

She cannot get enough dancing and twirling.

She tells us to "watch me" "watch me" over and over.

She loves going places and although is hesitant to try new things, once she does, she never looks back.

She went to Bible School last week and I hear bits of "Jesus" and "God" peppered into her play each day. My heart can hardly take it- crack.

She is a good eater but could live on cheese and cheerios.

She's not happy about trying new things, especially if they are mixed but she will.

She asks "why" a thousand times a day.

She likes to pretend still. Yesterday I told her I loved her. She replied. "I love you too Grandma". :)

He is into everything and everywhere.

He is letting go of furniture and standing by himself for a few seconds.

He loves to eat but is not a fan of veggies. When he's done his hands go right to his hair so he always has a greasy/messy/dirty spot on his head that often stands up by the end of the day.

He loves his daddy fiercely. (No one can make my kids smile like their daddy)

He may be cutting a few teeth because there have been some fussy days/nights/naps in the past few days.

He learned how to wave bye bye last week. We can't get enough of that. His crawling is lightning fast.

He likes to share.

He's been sleeping later but napping less. His hair is growing fast and I'll need to trim it soon. He loves his sister.

WE are blessed.

Project Life Tuesday

2011-08-09T20:17:00.007-04:00

Friday, July 22- Love his smile. He's into throwing everything. Give him a toy? He'll chuck it for sure.

Saturday, July 23-I posted a video yesterday of Grace eating corn. MMMMmmmm with every bite. It was so good though. Sweet Corn Charlie is expensive but oh.so.very.good.

Sunday, July 24-can you see how much food he has shoved in there? He LOVES to eat!

Monday, July 25- We went to the zoo with some friends from camp and their kids. It was H.O.T. and very crowded but we had a great time!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday- no pictures - camera lost, er, in stroller that apparently I didn't use all week to exercise!

Saturday, July 30 (thanks for letting me borrow the old camera hubby!)- My sister and her family came to visit. We went downtown to the mermaid festival and watched the Good Samaritan Helicopter land to give tours!

Sunday, July 31-Grace and Hannah played in the sprinkler. Then Daddy taught Grace how to spray water. She loved it!

Monday, Aug. 1-How did she get so big? Gracie went to her first VBS! I loved seeing her go off with her class. Really how did she grow so fast?

Tuesday, Aug 2- here she is going to her class!

Wednesday, Aug 3-Hannah was with us all week for day camp and Grace could not get enough of her. Everything was HANNAH! HANNAH! HANNAH! We loved having her around to help with the kids too. We told her we weren't going to let her go home!

Thursday, Aug. 4- Hannah's counselor at Day Camp. She had a great time!

Friday, Aug. 5- We left on Thursday afternoon and drove up to Michigan to go camping! We were at Leisure Lake Campground which I lovingly call "the Pits" (it's an old gravel pit, but it really is a great place!) Our friend Linda was there with her son David, who has special needs. We love having David around and this time Grace and David spent a lot of time coloring together. I loved how sweet they both were to each other!

Saturday, Aug. 6- It rained quite a bit but there is a big pavilion across from where we camp and so we hung out there. The rain came in anyway and sister spent a lot of time stomping in the water and dancing around. My sister got some great pics of that!

YES!

2011-08-08T13:19:00.003-04:00

found my camera! This little gem was on there... Both my kids and my hubby make this noise when they are loving their food. ha!

Trucking along

2011-07-31T19:18:00.002-04:00

we are here! Wouldn't you know that I have ~~lost~~ misplaced my camera again. I have some great zoo pictures on there from last week! So.. after a few days I finally pulled out Shane's camp camera. took some good pics today of Hannah and Grace playing outside. (my niece is here this week!) Will post later!

Catching up PL (again)

2011-07-26T07:54:00.002-04:00

Here is last weeks project life post!

Sunday, July 17- Grandma Shirley found Grace this Indy 500 shirt at a garage sale. We had her wear it to bed because it's a bit big. She was NOT happy! I think because it looks boyish on her? This pic isn't her being mad about it (although she will not wear it any more-ha!) She was playing pretend with her brella

Monday, July 18- Graham loves to pull all things off of tables, fridges and he cannot stand to have his toys open. He MUST close them. I love watching him do it! He's learning so much every day.

Tuesday, July 19- can you see this silly face of his? Love this too.

Wednesday, July 20- all ready to go to Sophie's 5th birthday party! I wasn't feeling well that day so after the party Grace stayed with the Gernand family and swam at the lake. I'm so thankful for friends who will step in and help! We do miss having family nearby to help us but we are blessed with many friends who fill the gap.

Thursday, July 21- The Ackermans! John and Jodie Ackerman are missionaries in Haiti and were/are like family to me. I have great memories with them on CHOG retreats and up at their house eating the best birthday cake EVER. Seriously. You can't beat it. :) They have been in Anderson for the summer so we went to visit. It was a bit chaotic, as is always with two small children who haven't napped properly but I still enjoyed seeing them.

Friday, July 22- picture on missing camera

Saturday, July 23- picture on missing camera

Chasing Graham

2011-07-23T16:51:00.002-04:00

This is what happens when you chase a cute 10 month old. :)

Flashback Friday

2011-07-22T07:58:00.007-04:00

July 2008- Grace's first smile

July 2009-Silly girl

July 2010-

July 2011

_____________________________________________________________________

July 2010- Graham

July 2011-Graham (he's come a long way in a year!!)

2011-07-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for:

- summer. running outside, swimming, bare feet in the grass. Even hot sweaty days.

-Visits with family. Unexpected gifts from loved ones.

- Cards in the mail. A real paper card to open and read.

-My family. Two wonderful healthy children who are growing like weeds.

-A husband who cleans up after meals, who actually makes meals, and who wants to organize to make our lives easier(and who is a good hugger!).

-sweet baby faces who just take it all in. Love.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T10:54:00.002-04:00

4H Fair

2011-07-19T13:32:00.004-04:00

We went to the 4H Fair in Warsaw last week. It was a fun evening. Little man here is perfecting the feet up look. (love it)

Rides are crazy expensive. We decided we'll do 1 ride only so of course Grace picked the horses!

We walked through the animal barns and stopped at the baby section. She loved touching the chick that was two days old!

Is he not adorable in his hat???

The PNC bank booth was great! They had fun activities for the kids and also did a picture of them dressed up with a green screen and then printed it with a fun background. Graham was a cowboy and Grace was a ballerina.

And of course ice cream! Can you see Graham's face here? Begging, PLEASE DAD!!!!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-07-18T20:41:00.009-04:00

This week was a long one, but Praise the Lord his mercies are new every day. I am so thankful for my family and friends (and that I did a whole week of PL pics!)

Sunday, July 10- I love that she's becoming a little less camera shy. I picked this picture because it shows our life- full of stuff (tent and toys) and then both kids doing their thing! Graham is loving the music table and Gracie loves her some snacks!

Monday, July 11- I love this expression- those lips pursed out like that... I see it often! Grace I love your spunk and your playfulness. I wish I had half of it- you keep me on my toes!

Tuesday, July 12- Grace was telling me the names of her babies...

Wednesday, July 13- not a great day for us, but we decided to make a memory and so we went to the fair. Grace liked the horses and baby ducks the best. (and the ice cream)

Thursday, July 14- My little man loves to eat!

Friday, July 15- He's been pulling himself up for a bit now but this was the first time he was standing in his crib when I came to get him!

Saturday, July 16- Grandma Shirley came for the weekend! We pulled out all our junk, I mean stuff, from the attic and then organized it. We also pulled down new toys that have kept the kids entertained! (not new to us, but toys that have been in the attic since Grace was about 2 so new to Graham and fun for Grace!)

Growing

2011-07-18T12:27:00.002-04:00

He's growing so fast. He learns something new every day. But he's still my baby and I love it. I will so miss when he grows out of crossing his feet like this. Love.

Flashback Friday

2011-07-12T20:50:00.001-04:00

Gracie at 6.5 months with her new tricycle from Grandma Shirley

Gracie at 3yrs 1 mo. on her tricycle. She is still a few inches to short to get the push part down but she loves it!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-12T20:43:00.000-04:00

Project Life Tuesday

2011-07-12T08:23:00.000-04:00

Sunday, July 3- no picture

Monday- July 4th- we went to the Lake and spent the day with Grandpa and Grandma Diane. grace had a great time swimming and playing with the neighbor's granddaughter. I was a bit worried about Graham during the boat ride, but he did great! Sis? She was antsy but I'll chalk that up to lots of late nights. They were both asleep in about 2 minutes when we left.

Tuesday, July 5th- Took the kids for a walk and sister insisted that she needed her winter boots, cause it was muddy and rainy. Who am I to argue with that? :)

Wednesday, July 6- Our kids from church were at "that thing" (camp) this week. Shane has been helping with the youth for the past few months so he was there for camp. (like not working but being a leader). We spent our free time over there as well. Graham and Grace had many friends who helped by playing with them!

Thursday, July 7- Gracie's new friend, Abra. I wish they lived closer! :)

Friday, July 8- Girls weekend! Jo, Jodi and I went to Indy to run a 5k. Running was great, but it's all about the food!

Saturday, July 9- our race! This is us, just rolling out of bed and going to run. The run was along the canal and it was beautiful and fun. The girls did a great job encouraging me and keeping me going- I know I used to run often but it's been a long time and it was a great accomplishment. :)

5K

2011-07-10T20:44:00.004-04:00

I did it! I ran my first (in a long long time) 5k! My friends had encouraged me a few months ago to get back in shape by signing up together to run a 5k. We picked one in Indy, along the canal. (It was sponsored by a black men's fraternity, who was having their national convention- offering free prostate exams after- HA!)

Here we are getting ready to go. I wish we would have taken pictures right before. It was a beautiful day and running along the canal was awesome! We finished around 35:30 I am very happy with that. It's not great but I hadn't run at all last week and I am still lugging around baby weight. I thought we'd do it in more than that but Jod and Jo are much faster than me and they kept me going with a few stops. They even went and ran another mile or so after- crazy girls! :)

We had a great time, but the race wasn't all,

There was the food. Much good food. (Five Guys Burgers)

delish!

On Saturday after the race we went to Stir Crazy at Castleton. It was delicious! (waiting for their food)

Jo and Jod made their own creations and they cooked it in front of them. They were both very good!

I picked sesame chicken and it was the.best.I.have.ever.had. Hands down. I was so full but could not leave any of that good chicken.

I don't remember the name, but a yogurt place we stopped at- It wasn't the add your own toppings that Jo wanted but I think you can see below that we were satisfied. :)

Camp Indicoso

2011-07-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

A week or so ago we were able to go with Shane to Camp Indicoso for the night. It was where he was working on the ropes course this spring. It was great to be able to see the camp and all of his hard work! It's a beautiful camp and we enjoyed our short trip there.

When we got there we unpacked and stayed in the lodge where summer staff stay. Even though it was late, the kids were up and the girls were so sweet to them! They oohed and aahed over them (that does make me smile, I'll admit it) and one even let Grace borrow the movie Tangled to watch. Monday morning it was rainy so it was a perfect thing to do. And me? I enjoyed a book while she watched the movie and Graham napped. It was like vacation! (above- one of the girls, Becca, loving on Graham)

That afternoon it had stopped raining so we hit the pool! Graham enjoyed swimming with Daddy.

It took Grace a while to warm up (and she made it VERY clear she wasn't going on that diving board!) but she had fun swimming with Daddy too. A fun family trip!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-07-05T08:11:00.005-04:00

Sunday, June 26- I love these two!

Monday, June 27- We went with Shane to camp Indicoso. I loved seeing the ropes course he built. It is beautiful and will be an awesome addition! We had a great time meeting all the summer staff too.

Tuesday, June 28- we don't have a tv in our living room, but some evenings we'll put a movie in the one in our room. It's nice to quiet down with Grace and watch a movie.

Wednesday, June 29- Kelsey and I took the kids to Deep River Water Park. We had a great day! (and Graham turned 10 months!)

Thursday, June 30- Gracie's attire as we walked to dinner in the dining hall. (with too big black dress shoes)

Friday, July 1- Can you see that tooth? There are two there, I need to keep taking pics so you can see them!

Saturday July 2nd- We woke Graham up around 9:00 (he had been asleep since 5:30!) to go to the fireworks. I'm not sure he was impressed but we had a good time!

Last catch up of PL!

2011-07-03T21:05:00.004-04:00

Tuesday, June 21- One last playdate with Caroline before she moves to Florida. Caroline, Grace has informed us that "she's going to Florida with Jason and Alex and Kristi and Caroline and we can't come. We will miss her but we can send her cards!" :)

Wednesday, June 22- Graham is crawling now- EVERYWHERE! He got himself stuck in the bookshelf and couldn't get out. (it was cute so I snapped a picture then I did help him!)

Thursday, June 23- Shane was gone so I took the kids to the beach house for dinner and met up with the Gernands. We watched the camp's art show. The kids liked it but the interpretive dance of Jesus taking our sins away was a bit confusing for them!

Friday, June 24- our crawler!

Saturday, June 25- we had a garage sale! Jayma and Kelsey were there with all of our junk, I mean, stuff. :) It was a slow day but we still had fun!

Project Life catch up

2011-06-30T13:26:00.007-04:00

UPDATED PICS!

June 7- Grace and Graham are now bath buddies! He loves splashing and she's been so good with him in the tub too. It makes it easier on me!

June 8- Grace and her friend Ian watching Sesame Street. We loved having Ian with us for a

bit!

June 10- Happy Birthday Gracie! We celebrated "THREE" by having streamers and balloons in the living room and we opened presents first thing. Her favorite- a pink umbrella of her very own.

June 11- Grace and her friend Jonah are three days apart so we celebrated their birthdays together! Alexis, Jonah's mom, planned a fantastic party!

AND.. just for fun, here is the birthday girl AND boy at two weeks old! :)

I have a few days before this to catch up on but the computer isn't letting me so I'll add those later.. Here is ALL that we've been up to.. Still a ways behind and I have missed some days so I'm adding more pics from certain days.

June 13- First day of swim class! See that smile? It didn't last. :) She was so nervous going to sit with her class and she totally started crying! (heart cracking here!) I had to actually leave the second day because she was running for me.

She's on the right her with her little class. Her teacher was so patient with her.

Here she is going off the diving board! They do this every day and I'm so glad. She eventually stopped crying and started to maybe enjoy it. We would pray every day for Jesus to give her strength and to hold her hand on the diving board. So sweet!

Thursday, June 16- The Mermaid Festival! We had a great time eating good food, and playing fun games. Did you know they give away rabbits and pigs at the mermaid festival? We are way beyond fish people. PIGS. Seriously. who goes home with a pig and says "look mom!" I wonder how many of those pigs actually stayed!

Hannah and Shane rode this ride.. I think it was called the Pharaoh?

They had fun and Shane INSISTED that I ride it again with Hannah. Oh, my riding days are so over. I had fun the first loop, then... not so much. It was a hold on, close your eyes, this will end soon type of feeling.

Hannah used some of her spending money to ride these! The first time I wasn't sure how she liked it but it was apparently enough to go again! :) She also did a fun trampoline thing.

Friday, June 17- Finally a nice enough day for Hannah and Grace to play in the water! (Hannah was visiting us for the week)

Graham was enjoying the sand and water. He is a hot potato like his daddy.. He gets sweaty in about 2 minutes being outside!

And... Shane got to fly! I had gotten him a flying lesson for his birthday and he was able to finally use it! He had a 45 minute flight and was able to go all around our house and Warsaw. I think he may be hooked! :)

Project Life Tuesday

2011-06-21T10:17:00.005-04:00

Here is my project life. I have so much to catch up on so I'm starting back at the beginning and then will post as I can upload them. :)

Sunday, May 29- We went to Deep River Water Park with Jonah and Alexis. The kids had a great time even though it was overcast. We left early and as we were leaving there was actually a tornado warning so they closed the park- so we got free tickets- woohoo!

Monday, May 30- 9 months old!

Tuesday, May 31- Grace and Ian having fun on the splash pad. They played outside in this all morning!

Wednesday, June 1-Graham was sporting some fun sunglasses. He's not yet like his sister. These came immediately off after the picture.

Thursday, June 2- We won this beautiful quilt in an auction. Sari Bari is a ministry that gets women out of prostitution in India and then gives them a trade by taking old saris and making them into blankets and quilts. I love the meaning behind this beautiful piece of work.

Friday, June 3- One of Graham's favorite things to do with Daddy.

Saturday, June 4- The grand opening of Dueker Lodge. It's amazing!

Sunday, June 5- We had a going away party for our friends Jason, Kristi, Alex and Caroline. They are moving to Florida and we (yes, all of us, but mostly me!) am going to miss them like crazy!

Monday, June 6- Grace decided to have a baby today. :)

Siblings?

2011-06-19T21:05:00.002-04:00

Grace 9 months (March 2009)

Graham 9 months- June 2011

you think?

First

2011-06-17T14:38:00.002-04:00

We put Graham in the tub with Grace last week- his first time in the big tub!

As you can see from his face- he loved it! :) And big sister was a great help to him too. She let him touch her toys and splash her a bit. It makes bathing a bit easier for mom now!

Still Here!

2011-06-15T07:08:00.003-04:00

We are here! Crazy busy but here is what I promise will come

two weeks of project life- never been behind- boo!
grace and graham in the tub
gracie's birthday weekend :)
hannah visiting!

Stay tuned!

Three Years

2011-06-10T07:44:00.005-04:00

My "baby" is three today. Three!

She was such a sweet baby. I remember looking at her when the Dr. held her up and thought..so that's what my child looks like. Wow.

As a 1 year old she was learning so fast. She took to walking so fast and then she was everywhere. She loved being outside and following Daddy around. :)

At two she loved reading and her words were new every day. She became a big sister and learned how to use the potty.

And now she is three. She constantly surprises me with her imagination, ideas, and will power! :) She is indpendent and loves her friends. This year she will go to preschool.

Happy Birthday baby girl. We love you so very much.

Grandma Visits

2011-06-09T13:55:00.002-04:00

Grandma Shirley came to visit last weekend. She brought our birthday girl some presents and then spent some time playing with the kids. I tried to get a picture of Grace and Grandma but it was SO funny! If I got Shirley to smile and look, Grace wouldn't.

So then I'd say Grace look here say Cheese! And Grandma would say "come on Grace- Cheese" and while she was getting Grace to say it, I'd get Grace smiling and Grandma would be in Mid sentence!

ha! I know you don't like this Grandma, but it was SO funny! I'm not kidding when I say I have NINE of these!

finally! One of the two of them! Thanks for coming Grandma, we love you!

9 Months

2011-06-08T13:59:00.003-04:00

Graham was 9 months on May 29- but at least I'm getting it recorded right?

at 9 months he-

is a HUGE 14lbs 10oz. I know, some of you had babies that started out pretty close to that size. We are working on fattening him up.
goes to sleep at 6:30pm and wakes up around 6am (just like his sister did!) He then plays quietly in his bed till 6:45-7:00am when we get him

loves to eat sweet potato, muffins, toast, yogurt, and cheerios
loves his daddy-when daddy grins at him he can't help but smile so big!
is wearing 6-9 month clothes (the shorts fall of though!) and size 3 dipes. We use cloth when we are at home during the day and disposable when we are out or at night

often sits with his feet crossed like this. Isn't it so sweet?!
is so very close to crawling. He has lunged forward a few times but never gotten more than that. He is good at scooting where he wants to go though

learned how to clap yesterday! He took his first big boy bath with Grace (pics to come) I've been practicing all day to try to get him to do it again.
is so very sweet. He's a mama's boy and I love it.

New Recipe

2011-06-02T13:22:00.003-04:00

Hungry? New recipe up for these beauts. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T21:29:00.001-04:00

Project Life Tuesday

2011-05-31T13:30:00.005-04:00

Sunday, May 22- This was the storm that rolled in. The clouds were moving so fast. We've had quite a few large storms like this lately!

Monday, May 23- Graham will start off sitting somewhere but more often than not, he ends up under the coffee table. :)

Tuesday, May 24- Grace has been playing restaurant. She carries around an Elmo pad of paper and asks you what you want and "what else?" It's cute. Her lips purse up like this picture.

Wednesday, May 25- A girls night! I met Jo, Jodi, and Courtney at Flat Top Grill and then we went to Debrands for these delicious ice cream desserts. Oh.my. They were so good and I promise there was not one drop left!

Thursday, May 26- I'm so happy with my garden this year! It's really coming along. Can you see the hummingbird hovering over these iris'? I need to find out what kind they are too.

Friday, May 27- Sophie and Oliver came to stay with us for a few days! This was Sophie's last day of school so we took some pictures.

Saturday, May 28- fun with S&O!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T12:25:00.001-04:00

New recipe today on the food blog- I'll have a few more coming this week too. Check em out!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-05-24T15:29:00.004-04:00

Sunday, May 15- getting ready for Church.

Monday, May 16- Graham helped me hang dipes on the line. :) He liked sitting in the basket better than the grass.

Tuesday, May 17-

Wednesday, May 18- He did this at Grandmas but I thought it was a fluke, but not now! Graham is now sitting up on his own! This is how I found him when I went to get him out of bed.

Thursday, May 19- snuggling with daddy after bath time (I think they were pretending to sneeze here)

Friday, May 20- I have a picture like this from January but Shane had pulled it forward for him to chew. This day he did it all by himself.

Saturday, May 21- A Date Night! We had a night out in Ft. Wayne with just the two of us. Lovely and much needed.

Siblings

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Grace (5 months- I think?)

These two like to work their way out of their jammies! :)

Graham 8 mo.

Hallelujah!

2011-05-20T08:02:00.007-04:00

Hallelujah is all I can say. For the past 10 weeks (minus our Florida trip) Shane has been driving down to Southern Indiana to work on a ropes course at one of the camps. He would leave on Sunday or early Monday morning and come home on Friday. The last two weeks he just stayed down there to get it finished. For the most part we were great. There were a few meltdowns (me) and a few tantrums (me again) but we kept busy and knew it wasn't going to be like that forever. We were able to talk to him on the phone lots and we video chatted as much as we could each evening. The kids were so good- Grace has some signs of missing daddy but she is a tough cookie. I have a great respect for moms and dads who have to leave for extended times for work or the military. It is difficult on both ends! But I also learned, that I can do it. I was more organized, and more on top of things since I was the only one to do them. I'm thankful for the help I did have (and for chocolate treats when the kids went to bed!).

But he is home and we are so very proud of him. I'm not sure if you can, but go to this link and you can see what he has been doing. And I'm going to brag a bit. He built every.piece.of.this. He chopped trees, climbed poles, used a lift, laid a road, all of it. He had some great help the last two weeks and I'm so thankful for them because they got him home to us faster! He says I will love it, but if you look at those pictures... I'm not so sure I will LOVE every part of it. Like that ladder? Uh, no thanks. :) We love you babe and are so happy you are home. You have done a great job and we are praying that God will be glorified through this amazing addition to camp.

(my two lovelies before church on Sunday)

Project Life May 8

2011-05-19T09:57:00.003-04:00

Not a great week for pictures. We were busy and outside as much as we could. I need to try to keep my camera with me always.

Monday, May 9-I did a little rearranging and took this end table out- Grace grabbed it for her computer stand!

Wednesday, May 11- We have been playing with Ian! He's grown so much. He loves to play outside which is great because we do too!

Thursday, May 12- See this little coral bell plant? Not too much of anything. Yet some animal keeps digging it and a few other of my plants up! It's not eating them, just digging them up roots and all! Grrr. I keep replanting them and hoping they aren't too damaged. I've been spraying ammonia water around them. Any other suggestions? My neighbor thinks it's a wild cat.

Friday, May 13- Having a tea party with Ian. Tea parties are always better in a leotard and dance skirt. :)

GBH

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Graham either loves playing by himself or hates it with a passion. There is no in between. He's getting close to going mobile. When he's on my lap he squirms all around, and he's just starting to get up on his knees!

He still loves his paci but he doesn't need it in all the time and if he's made he will spit it out faster than you can catch it!

and still no teeth!

Busy Bee

2011-05-13T19:15:00.002-04:00

Little Miss Busy Bee...

- likes to eat yogurt (outside with mom)

-can build some great towers

-thinks dandelions are the greatest flower

-tries to be silly by wearing daddy's socks. :)

2011-05-12T12:48:00.000-04:00

New recipes up on the recipe blog! I still need to add a great cookie recipe I tried this week too!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-05-10T16:37:00.005-04:00

May 1 & 2- No pictures. I didn't have my camera and we had the flu. But our friend Alexis brought over two things on Tuesday- anti nausea medicine for Shane AND MY CAMERA! I had left it at her house when we went over the weekend before and of course forgot completely. I'm so thankful it was there- I love my camera. :)

Tuesday, May 3- These two are starting to interact more. We'll see what happens when he starts wanting her toys, or chops off her barbies' hair. (I may or may not have been guilty of playing beauty shop with my sister's dolls when I was little-ha!)

Wednesday, May 4- Grace and I spent some time outside, me pulling weeds and Grace picking them!

Thursday, May 5- Our fourth anniversary! I love this picture of Graham trying to get the camera. His hand framed his sweet little face so well.

Friday, May 6- talking to his friends! (he's also getting closer to crawling- now getting up on all fours just a little bit!)

Saturday, May 6- so yesterday I got the bright idea to trim Grace's hair. Seriously. What was I thinking? It was not even by any means. So then we made and appointment to get it trimmed. Grace got to sit in a race car and when the lady was done she pulled it back and sprayed it pink! It was pretty shockingly pink but Grace loved it. And it washed out (thankfully!)

Happy Mother's Day!

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We have three mothers in our lives and we love all three dearly. I have been blessed to get two moms through marriage. I know some people have trouble with in laws. Not me. I have the greatest ones. We share common likes. I love to garage sale with Shane's mom. She and I can spend a whole day reading a book on opposite couches, or searching for great deals. We can talk forever about our faith, or just what we have been doing. Diane has a great eye for decorating and is always helpful with any ideas I have for my house (I am so NOT a decorator!), and we like to pass books along too. She has a great memory for plants and can name anything I point to in her yard, or mine!

(my sister, my mom, and me- April 2011)

Then there's my mama. Today Graham was not feeling well. Sick baby laying on my chest and all I could do was cuddle him and pray he felt better. I remember being sick and I swear to you the only thing that helped- my mom's tea and buttered toast. Not just any tea or toast- my mama's. When I was little I had growing pains in my legs. They hurt so bad they would keep me up at night. I have many memories of getting up and having mom rub my feet. And still to this day my favorite morning wake up is my mom's voice. I have always liked to call my mom and I'm pretty sure that when we talk she gets about 10 words in to my 100. I can call my mom with a new bird I see at my feeder and she'll know it, hands down. She's a giver too. You won't leave her house without something that she was thinking of when she saw it and had to get it for you. She remembers the little things - saving the coupons for me, the local paper, a treat for the kids. Not necessarily big ticket items, but it's the little things that mean something.

Happy Mother's Day Ladies. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for loving the four of us!

-S, S, G and G

Funny Sister

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Graham thinks his sister is pretty funny!

4 Years

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It's our fourth anniversary. We got up this morning and watched our wedding video. Grace liked seeing mommy as a "princess" and told us we gotta get married again. :)

He has always made me laugh. He still does and I pray he always will.

Happy Anniversary honey!

The view from here

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She is full of energy. From the moment she wakes up she's ready to go. She jumps up from her nap and the first words our of her mouth are that she wants to show Daddy the birdies outside.

She makes up her own words and sings little songs to herself while she plays dolls. She pretends they are her friends and she goes through the hardship of making them share with each other.

She cannot wait to go outside and explore. She loves to be the helper and do whatever needs done- fill the bird feeders-check. Work with Dad in the garage- check. Pull some weeds- check.

She cannot stand to be wet (unless she is swimming). One drop of water will insure a clothing change. Graham must not dare to think about sucking on one of her stuffed animals. Please do not wash her hands. Ever. And if you clean her face off, kindly make sure the washcloth does not touch her shirt or hair.

She loves to read. She will read as many books as you can before you tire. She is noticing things on the pages and can chime in on the end of rhyming words. She can say many nursery rhymes and enjoys reciting them with me.

She is strong willed. She wants what she wants and gets desperate if she can't get it. She is working through a phase where transitions are so hard and leaving is so sad. She has changed from super outgoing to - "give me a while before I warm up". She and I often butt heads (I think we are alike?!) Her demanding nature gets tiresome at times..

But just when I can take no more. Just when I've had enough of "I want" and "Give me" I hear a spontaneous "please" and "thank you". When there is no more room for another whine in the van, instead she shares randomly "I'm so excited to ride on a school bus Mama". When the tears have dried from another disaster, there is a little body crawling up in my lap with her blanket who falls asleep at my side. And my heart swells and I think I can't love her any more than I do.

PL and Spring!

2011-05-03T19:50:00.005-04:00

My great hubby let me borrow an old camp camera last week so the entire week was not lost!

Thursday, April 28- both of these were taken that day but I'll put the one of Shane and the kids on Wednesday. The other one is my dear friend (lived with her in Haiti) and her hubby and their sweet new baby N. We stopped on our way to visit my parents. It was too short of a visit but still so fun.

Friday, April 29 (Graham is 8 months old!) Making silly faces with Aunt Michelle.

Saturday, April 30- We had an Easter egg hunt at my sisters. Grace loved it! not the best picture (mom, yours was, I'll need a copy!) but it's still fun.

And the following- SPRING!

The bird's nest in our wreath. I was wrong. I've ALWAYS thought that blue eggs were robin eggs. I swore this up and down to Shane, no matter that the next is small and the eggs tiny. Well, I saw a sparrow fly out.. oops. :)

Our front yard- love the hyacinths!

I loved coming home from Florida to this beauty!

Finishing last weeks PL

2011-05-02T09:47:00.003-04:00

Still haven't found my camera but thankfully Shane had uploaded the rest of our FL. pics on his computer!

Thursday, April 21- Our view from our balcony!

Friday, April 22- We went to Pier Park for dinner. They had a great kids area full of carnival type rides. Grace loved the carousel

Saturday, April 23- We drove all the way from Panama City to Indy. When we got in we made sure that the Easter Bunny came!

Sunday, April 24- Gracie loved finding the eggs!

The Ocean

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Here she is hightailing it to the ocean, she was so excited! AND... that ended the excitement. She was not thrilled with the noise, the waves, the temperature. She spent about 2 minutes down near the water and then wanted to walk back up near the condo. Far away from that threatening ocean!

(she did LOVE collecting shells, but she was happy to find them in dry sand)

This was our walk the next day. Shane and I walked along the water line. She walked parallel to us but farther up on the shore, well away from the water!

And here's Graham's first time dipping his toes in the water! He was not impressed- ha!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-04-26T10:05:00.001-04:00

Sunday, April 17- On our way to Florida! We stopped off at the Opryland Hotel. It was beautiful!

Monday, April 18-This is our condo we stayed at- The Boardwalk Condo. Shane stayed at the neighboring conference center a few years ago when he went on a youth trip. There were no other high rises around us- I liked that! We were on the 21st floor, (2nd from top) on the left hand side.

Tuesday, April 19- We walked down to Spinnakers to eat dinner. We had a GC for $25 off of $50 so we ATE a ton! It overlooked the beach and was a fun atmosphere. The best part? Peanut Butter pie ON a stick! :)

Wednesday, April 20- Our good friends Jason and Kristi are moving to Florida- They bought a pizza place there called Pizza by the Sea. It's not far from Panama City beach so Shane golfed with Jason today and then we all went over for dinner! I had spaghetti pizza- sounds funny but it was so good! The restaurant is right beside Seaside which is super cute and has fun stores. I liked seeing Jason there and knowing where my friends will be living (but I'll miss them like crazy!)

Aaannnnndddd...... that's all. I did take more pictures, but I cannot find my camera anywhere! I am so bummed about that. My house is mostly clean too! I know it's here because I took pictures of the beautiful tulip tree and our flowers out front on Sunday. Praying I find it quickly!

Florida!

2011-04-25T14:17:00.003-04:00

We are back from a great family vacation to Florida! We had a fantastic time and the weather couldn't have been better. 80's all week! (sorry you IN and MI people!)

Grandma Shirley went with us and we drove down. We stopped in Nashville because Shirley and I had never been to the Opryland Hotel. It was a great stop! The pics above are when we stopped for lunch. (and yes, our kids were properly buckled in when driving. :) )

We walked around the hotel for a bit, and then got Gracie some pink Ice cream.

After the hotel we drove on to Birmingham and spent the night there. I'm glad we did it like that. It made the trip easier driving down. We drove all the way home and it was a long long day.

but then we got HERE!!!! This was our hotel! Look all the way up to the top, go one floor down and two windows over on the left and that was our condo! It was so nice and we didn't hear any noise from the pools below. AND with the windows and sliding door open we had great sounds of the ocean every night. Loved it!

More pics to come!

Chalk Fun

2011-04-22T16:50:00.001-04:00

I love warm days outside! (and my family)

Easter Egg Hunt

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We went to our church's Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Grace was a bit unsure about all the people and didn't want to play the games. She had to be persuaded.

This one she got to throw an egg into a bucket. She won this cute pink chocolate bunny.

And could not get enough of it. It was gone in a heartbeat!

Graham liked watching everyone. He didn't get to partake of the egg finding. There were so many kids there! The could get 10 each but either the parents didn't hear or didn't manage their kids because they ran out fast! Grace was very happy to get 6 of them and then gave three to a little girl who only found one. I love that she was ok with sharing!

They had a cake walk and I made this cute sunflower cake! It was super easy and super cute if I do say so myself-ha! (it looks more like a sunflower when you look down on it)

Project Life Tuesday

2011-04-18T22:29:00.006-04:00

Monday, April 11- Grace and I went outside to play with chalk. She had fun putting it on her face and I had fun making signs for Shane- ha!

Tuesday, April 12- a quick visit to see Grandma Diane at the lake. We had a nice time and Grace liked walking down by the water.

Wednesday, Apri, 13- Story time at the library! We go every Wednesday and Grace has really started to enjoy it. This time we walked there (I needed a good walk!) and they had two alpacas come for the kids to see/touch.

Thursday, April 14- no picture

Friday, April 15- Shane went to take down the Christmas wreath (yup, in April...) and look what we found! There are five eggs in there and I am so excited to see them as baby birds! (but it's a small nest so I'm hoping I don't have to clean up any little ones who get squished out and onto our porch!)

Saturday, April 16- Trying out his hat.. it came off about 10 seconds later.

Sunday- April 17 - road trip= more to come!

Two Things

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1) This little man wiggled out of his jammies the other day!

AND....

2) SUMMER is coming! That means good friends and ice cream cones- how fun!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-04-13T19:25:00.009-04:00

Monday- April 4- no picture. I drove to the airport in South Bend to pick up my friend Eva! Her husband surprised her with a week away for her birthday to visit with me!

Tuesday, April 5- No other pictures today but this one! It's called Blueberry Dutch Baby! YUM! Check out the recipe here

Wednesday, April 6- We had so much fun trying new recipes! Eva and her family really strive to eat healthy, good for you foods. I'd like to think we do too, but we have a ways to go (smile). It was fun to try new recipes with Eva. Here she is making fudge babies. Recipe is here

Thursday, April 7- My two sillies.

Friday, April 8-Eva ordered a special pie from a coffee shop in town- DELISH! We celebrated her birthday and her time with us.

Saturday, April 9- We stopped at Target after we dropped Eva off at the airport- Look who got to ride in the front of the cart! I couldn't stop smiling at him!

Sunday, April 10- Today was HOT! I went up in the attic to get Grace's summer clothes down and pulled out a few swimsuits from last year to see if they still fit. She wore it all day and had her own little "beach time" in our mulch. Ha!

Spring!

2011-04-11T20:23:00.002-04:00

We are LOVING this beautiful spring weather! Yesterday it was actually HOT out and I had to put sunscreen on Gracie.

And nice weather means... dipes on the line again! :)