Nothing makes me want to live a full, honest, hard-working, and heroic life more than reading Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Luke, Rebekah and I have slowly been making our way through the Little House books since last Fall. I needed something that I could do with both kids inside at home. Reading was just the thing. Rebekah was a newborn and loved to have me look at her while I read. Luke was riveted by the stories and played with trains while listening.
At first, I thought that the Little House stories might be too old for him, that he wouldn't be able to sit still for them. Not so. We have often read nearly an hour before either my mouth got too dry to go on or the kids got antsy. Besides, I was really getting tired of going to the library and letting Luke choose some books to take home only to find that they were utter CRAP! (Really, there is no other word for what most children's literature is like today. People always push you to read, just read anything, to your kids. Don't! Read the good stuff! There isn't enough time to waste on crummy literature that teaches kids bad things and deadens their minds to the Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.)
I am preaching to myself there too- even in evaluating what I choose to read as an adult. But enough of that soapbox, back to Laura.
I read the stories like most children, but there is something different about reading them as an adult. As a child, I did not understand what Ma and Pa went through. They lived many years alone, or nearly alone. They roused their family's spirits through a long winter of blizzards that left them nearly starving (and when they were not starving they ate beans, potatoes, and wheat bread!). They made do with whatever they had, or figured out how to invent what they needed. They worked together, raising a family and making a life for themselves in an unknown country. Really, I am in awe.
Here are just a few thoughts going through my head:
1. Ma and Pa knew the value of keeping up morale. They allowed no complaining and used songs or recitation of great poetry/stories/speeches to keep their family going during tough times. (Singing to lessen the frightening, endless blizzards of The Long Winter.)
2. They led by example- working very hard, providing for their children, church and neighbors even while they went without. (Pa gave the church his only $3 to help pay for a bell when he had needed new boots for himself).
3. People don't need much to get an education, but they do need perseverance and the will to do so. (Laura and Mary had one slate between the two of them and learned to read using McGuffey readers and had very few books at home. They memorized many important speeches, ALL of the psalms, etc...) That is more than I can do even now.
4. The Ingalls/Wilders were everyday heores (Almanzo risks his life to go and get wheat for the little prarie town that was starving during The Long Winter. He had plenty of food, but he knew that others would starve without more supplies).
5. I have way too many things and worry way to much about the things that I think I need.
These stories are priceless.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Month in a Minute
We have now been in California for 27 days! As our CA trip draws to an end, I'd like to share some of the highlights:
- Rebekah meets Gus and we all get to spend 5 precious days with him
- This trip, more than any other, I had some amazing talks with my brother and sister. They are both younger than me and are growing into wonderful adults. I am excited to see where life takes them.
- I had the chance to see my cousins- now in CO, TN, and NC
- My dad drove us down to San Diego for the second half of our trip. That was 7 hrs in the car with a wiggly little boy and a baby- they were great!
- We saw some great friends from our old Church in San Diego and Orange County
- We all attended a special party for Nathan's Aunt Susie- it was her 60th birthday, and a celebration of her victory over stage 4 melanoma. Praise God!
- Rebekah got her first tooth 1/6/12, and is now working on #2 (I'll be glad when I get a break fromt he night wakings again)
- Rebekah began to clap her hands all by herself! (See video below)
- I became an auntie once again- Baby Emma Grace Jones born on 1/7/12 weighing 9lbs 13oz, and as Luke would say, a "cutie patootie!"
We fly out tomorrow on a non-stop to Houston. I had a great time, but am certainly looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, cooking in my own kitchen, and opening all of our Christmas cards! Also, stay tuned- we are going to be doing some big work in our yard in the next couple of months- fruit trees, tomatoes, onions, etc... It is going to be a great year!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas in Stockton
Today we (the kids and I) celebrated Christmas in Stockton with my extended family. It was a last minute trip and Nathan had to stay behind to tie up some loose ends at home. We will get to see him again in San Diego-probably on Christmas.
We flew up here especially to see my great-grandpa who was just placed on hospice care. He is 94 years old and is a great man. Time with him and all my family has been precious. I am trying to savor the moments.
We enjoyed a very good meal featuring pork tenderloin:
Rebekah enjoyed her spatula (she really hasn't taken to solid food yet):
Oh and Rebekah sits up really well now! She can sit nice and tall and play for a long time.
Here is a picture of my sister Kelsey and her husband Erik. Aren't they cute?
Here is a picture of the boys. I forgot my camera for the one of the girls :(
We flew up here especially to see my great-grandpa who was just placed on hospice care. He is 94 years old and is a great man. Time with him and all my family has been precious. I am trying to savor the moments.
We enjoyed a very good meal featuring pork tenderloin:
Rebekah enjoyed her spatula (she really hasn't taken to solid food yet):
Oh and Rebekah sits up really well now! She can sit nice and tall and play for a long time.Here is a picture of my sister Kelsey and her husband Erik. Aren't they cute?
Here is a picture of the boys. I forgot my camera for the one of the girls :(
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Faces
I took some pictures today as Rebekah was waking up from a nap. She was making quite interesting faces. You might notice the chubbiness of her face too- she was 10lbs 6oz. and 22 inches long at the Dr. today. Her head also grew almost an entire inch to 15 inches.
And here is Grammy, Luke and Rebekah:
I took some pictures today as Rebekah was waking up from a nap. She was making quite interesting faces:
And here is Grammy, Luke and Rebekah:
I took some pictures today as Rebekah was waking up from a nap. She was making quite interesting faces:
Monday, June 20, 2011
Father's Day and Dr. Appt.
Yesterday, we really had a lovely day. We went to church in the morning and stopped by Subway on our way home. One of Nathan's favorite things is to stop by Subway and get the 2/$10 footlong subs on Sunday after church. Then we go home and read the Sunday paper. It has become sort of a special routine for us, so being that it was Father's day, we made sure that it was on the agenda.
Later, I made eye round steaks. I found a recipe from Cooks Illustrated that turns out fabulous, so we have made it for a few special occasions. Luke even devoured his portions.
After dinner, we all went outside. Luke and I went in the pool (which was glorious!), while Nathan sat on the patio and just enjoyed the outside. We have had great evening weather lately and still no mosquitoes to speak of (due to the really bad Texas drought).
Today, I had an appointment with the midwives. They are pretty sure that there will be no baby this week, but I have dilated 1-2cm and am beginning to efface. The baby still has not dropped too low and was at about a -2 station (for those who speak baby positioning language). That is good news for us- on one hand, she will probably wait for Nathan's mom to get here (June 28th), and on the other, I am actually progressing.
Later, I made eye round steaks. I found a recipe from Cooks Illustrated that turns out fabulous, so we have made it for a few special occasions. Luke even devoured his portions.
After dinner, we all went outside. Luke and I went in the pool (which was glorious!), while Nathan sat on the patio and just enjoyed the outside. We have had great evening weather lately and still no mosquitoes to speak of (due to the really bad Texas drought).
Today, I had an appointment with the midwives. They are pretty sure that there will be no baby this week, but I have dilated 1-2cm and am beginning to efface. The baby still has not dropped too low and was at about a -2 station (for those who speak baby positioning language). That is good news for us- on one hand, she will probably wait for Nathan's mom to get here (June 28th), and on the other, I am actually progressing.
Friday, June 17, 2011
What we have been doing
Here is a list of some things that we have been busy with lately:
1. Today marks 38 weeks of pregnancy. We have been busy getting the final things in order before our little girl comes. Diapers, wipes and other little things are all here. The room is all set up, the baby's bag is packed. I have appointments every week and the midwives have continued to say that everything looks good.
2. I have been working with Luke on a new routine since he has decided that he no longer needs a nap. Now he has a rest time at about 1:30 for about an hour. He stays in his room and listens to Winnie-the-Pooh, Peter Rabbit, or Dr. Seuss. His favorite is Pooh and it has been fun to hear his new vocabulary.
I wish that he would have waited a little longer before dropping the nap since it does make him cranky, but Nathan and I are enjoying the earlier bedtime. Also, if I get really desperate to get him to rest, I can usually take him for a short ride in the car and he will sleep for a little bit.
3. Nathan has been working away on all of his work projects and took a trip to Ohio last week. That was the last trip before the baby comes, and hopefully for a while after that. We have been discussing baby names and still have reached no conclusions. I think that we will just take a list to the hospital and decide when we see her.
4. My dad visited last week and spent countless hours playing with Luke. They went outside and they played with Luke's Thomas the Tank Engine Lego set that I found at yard sale (score!).
We also celebrated Father's Day early with a trip to a BBQ place. It was definitely a Texan way to celebrate. :)
5. Most of my free time has been taken up with selling things on Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist. We continue to find things that are just taking up space around here and it feels good to see them gone.
Also, selling off stuff is part of our larger plan to pay off debt. We have recently been turned on to Dave Ramsey and his getting out of debt plans. We don't have a whole lot to get rid of, but it would be really nice to finish up paying off Nathan's student loan and a couple of other things. At first, I thought that Dave Ramsey was kind of a used car salesman, but after listening to the testimony of others that I knew and reading The Total Money Makeover, we decided to try it out. It is really motivating to have someone encourage you not to spend money when everything else tells you to buy, buy!
That is about all for now. I'll try to be posting more often and will definitely post when the big event occurs.
1. Today marks 38 weeks of pregnancy. We have been busy getting the final things in order before our little girl comes. Diapers, wipes and other little things are all here. The room is all set up, the baby's bag is packed. I have appointments every week and the midwives have continued to say that everything looks good.
2. I have been working with Luke on a new routine since he has decided that he no longer needs a nap. Now he has a rest time at about 1:30 for about an hour. He stays in his room and listens to Winnie-the-Pooh, Peter Rabbit, or Dr. Seuss. His favorite is Pooh and it has been fun to hear his new vocabulary.
I wish that he would have waited a little longer before dropping the nap since it does make him cranky, but Nathan and I are enjoying the earlier bedtime. Also, if I get really desperate to get him to rest, I can usually take him for a short ride in the car and he will sleep for a little bit.
3. Nathan has been working away on all of his work projects and took a trip to Ohio last week. That was the last trip before the baby comes, and hopefully for a while after that. We have been discussing baby names and still have reached no conclusions. I think that we will just take a list to the hospital and decide when we see her.
4. My dad visited last week and spent countless hours playing with Luke. They went outside and they played with Luke's Thomas the Tank Engine Lego set that I found at yard sale (score!).
We also celebrated Father's Day early with a trip to a BBQ place. It was definitely a Texan way to celebrate. :)
5. Most of my free time has been taken up with selling things on Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist. We continue to find things that are just taking up space around here and it feels good to see them gone.
Also, selling off stuff is part of our larger plan to pay off debt. We have recently been turned on to Dave Ramsey and his getting out of debt plans. We don't have a whole lot to get rid of, but it would be really nice to finish up paying off Nathan's student loan and a couple of other things. At first, I thought that Dave Ramsey was kind of a used car salesman, but after listening to the testimony of others that I knew and reading The Total Money Makeover, we decided to try it out. It is really motivating to have someone encourage you not to spend money when everything else tells you to buy, buy!
That is about all for now. I'll try to be posting more often and will definitely post when the big event occurs.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Trip to Blue Bell
On Monday, we went to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory in Brenham, TX. For those not familiar with Blue Bell, it is the best ice cream around! We enjoyed the tour and got a scoop of ice cream each at the end. Luke has a book that talks about a bear who likes chocolate ice cream, so when we asked what kind he wanted, he replied, "choc-o-wate!" Here are some pictures:
Luke with the Blue Bell Ice cream delivery truck:
With the cow and the milking girl. While on the tour Luke asked where all the cows were. Not at the factory. :)
Posing in front of the display that showed all the flavors Blue bell makes (55)!
Grandpa and Luke eating their ice cream:
Luke with the Blue Bell Ice cream delivery truck:
With the cow and the milking girl. While on the tour Luke asked where all the cows were. Not at the factory. :)
Posing in front of the display that showed all the flavors Blue bell makes (55)!
Grandpa and Luke eating their ice cream:
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Grammy and the Budding Musician
When it gets quiet, Grammy whispers to Luke to stop playing, since it is the end of the song. Then he waits until they begin again. He calls the song that they are singing the "Angel Song." Doesn't Grammy have a nice voice?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Announcement and Thanksgiving Weekend in Pictures
For those of you who haven't heard, we are having another baby! He/she/they are due around the end of June/ first of July. We are very excited!
This is pretty much why it has been a while since I updated our blog. Usually, when Luke naps, I have a little time to do things. Usually, after he goes to sleep for the evening, I also have some time. Right now, most of my extra time is going to sleeping or just laying down. Morning sickness hit with a vengeance at week 6, but has been improving a little each week since then.
I am very grateful that this time I am at home. With Luke I was working 10-12 hour days for much of the pregnancy. Now, I get to control my day a bit more.
So, now onto Thanksgiving. We went to Nathan's sister's house and had a few other families Join us for a lovely meal. The turkey was smoked again this year and was quite tasty:
I brought this (the toasted almond, cranberry, citrus spinach salad and the fall M&M's):
And this:
Nothing that required too much cooking this year. :) Finally, my rolls turned out well. I nixed the use of whole wheat this year. No more dense rolls. My favorite was definitely the mashed potatoes. They were fluffy and buttery.
The kids all enjoyed playing with one another inside and outside and all around. Luke definitely loved spending soo much time with his cousin! This year, Luke was able to say Happy Thanksgiving in a way that we could understand.
On Friday, Bethany and I took baby Jane shopping (briefly and later in the day), while Nathan and Evan took the older kids to lunch and to play in the back yard. We all had a great time and pretty much finished up Christmas shopping.
Last night, Nathan, Luke and I all helped putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it. I wanted to wait a while, because we are really in the Advent season, but since we are leaving for CA in less than 2 weeks, I thought it would be ok this year. We do have our advent wreath out too. We turned on some beautiful Christmas music and got to work. Luke ran around saying "Christmas tree! Christmas tree!" and tried to pull all of the bells off of the tree. I was afraid that he was going to pull the tree down on himself- he doesn't know his own strength!
Luke has also been saying "Baby Jesus is born!" It is really a gift to watch him this year. He doesn't know anything about all the presents and hype of the Christmas season yet. he loves the simple things, the manger, the tree with lights, listening to Christmas songs with mommy and daddy. I want to preserve this as much as we can. Being a grown-up, I know how hard it is to keep the real meaning of Christmas alive when the world at large pushes glitz and gifts.
An add for a local store came in this week with an ad that said, "Bring the Joy home!" How about that? For just $19.99 plus tax you can bring joy to your own house. Not that giving gifts is bad. Really, it is one way that I can tell people that I love then the best. But the love that comes with the gift is the real gift, just as God's great gift to us was given in love.
Enough of my soap box. As I end this post, I will give you a glimpse of this year's photo Christmas card. This was one of the photos in the running, and is not cropped (note the boxes on the shelf in the background):
This is pretty much why it has been a while since I updated our blog. Usually, when Luke naps, I have a little time to do things. Usually, after he goes to sleep for the evening, I also have some time. Right now, most of my extra time is going to sleeping or just laying down. Morning sickness hit with a vengeance at week 6, but has been improving a little each week since then.
I am very grateful that this time I am at home. With Luke I was working 10-12 hour days for much of the pregnancy. Now, I get to control my day a bit more.
So, now onto Thanksgiving. We went to Nathan's sister's house and had a few other families Join us for a lovely meal. The turkey was smoked again this year and was quite tasty:
I brought this (the toasted almond, cranberry, citrus spinach salad and the fall M&M's):
And this:
Nothing that required too much cooking this year. :) Finally, my rolls turned out well. I nixed the use of whole wheat this year. No more dense rolls. My favorite was definitely the mashed potatoes. They were fluffy and buttery.
The kids all enjoyed playing with one another inside and outside and all around. Luke definitely loved spending soo much time with his cousin! This year, Luke was able to say Happy Thanksgiving in a way that we could understand.
On Friday, Bethany and I took baby Jane shopping (briefly and later in the day), while Nathan and Evan took the older kids to lunch and to play in the back yard. We all had a great time and pretty much finished up Christmas shopping.
Last night, Nathan, Luke and I all helped putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it. I wanted to wait a while, because we are really in the Advent season, but since we are leaving for CA in less than 2 weeks, I thought it would be ok this year. We do have our advent wreath out too. We turned on some beautiful Christmas music and got to work. Luke ran around saying "Christmas tree! Christmas tree!" and tried to pull all of the bells off of the tree. I was afraid that he was going to pull the tree down on himself- he doesn't know his own strength!
Luke has also been saying "Baby Jesus is born!" It is really a gift to watch him this year. He doesn't know anything about all the presents and hype of the Christmas season yet. he loves the simple things, the manger, the tree with lights, listening to Christmas songs with mommy and daddy. I want to preserve this as much as we can. Being a grown-up, I know how hard it is to keep the real meaning of Christmas alive when the world at large pushes glitz and gifts.
An add for a local store came in this week with an ad that said, "Bring the Joy home!" How about that? For just $19.99 plus tax you can bring joy to your own house. Not that giving gifts is bad. Really, it is one way that I can tell people that I love then the best. But the love that comes with the gift is the real gift, just as God's great gift to us was given in love.
Enough of my soap box. As I end this post, I will give you a glimpse of this year's photo Christmas card. This was one of the photos in the running, and is not cropped (note the boxes on the shelf in the background):
Friday, November 12, 2010
San Antonio
Last weekend, we went to San Antonio to celebrate our brother-in-law Evan's 4oth birthday. Here are some pictures of the good times that we shared:
1. On the River Boat cruise:
2. The birthday boy:
3. How we got around with 3 kids in tow. Yes, this was not the happiest of pictures, but overall, Luke and his cousin Clara enjoyed their time together. They were both sad when the weekend ended and we went our separate ways.
4. Luke on the cruise.
5. Me holding a sleeping Jane (we wore her out!) and listening to the cruise conductor (who was excellent!).
1. On the River Boat cruise:
2. The birthday boy:
3. How we got around with 3 kids in tow. Yes, this was not the happiest of pictures, but overall, Luke and his cousin Clara enjoyed their time together. They were both sad when the weekend ended and we went our separate ways.
4. Luke on the cruise.
5. Me holding a sleeping Jane (we wore her out!) and listening to the cruise conductor (who was excellent!).
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Together
Luke really loves when we do things together. He loves when Nathan and I kiss him on either cheek after saying prayers in the evening. With a huge grin he remarks, "All together."
Today I was doing laundry and asked him to help. He smiled and said, "Working together, Luke, Mommy!"
He really likes for everyone to sit down when we eat so that we are "all together." It brings him great joy to run around saying, "Dinner ready!"
I think he will like his birthday party on Sunday!
Today I was doing laundry and asked him to help. He smiled and said, "Working together, Luke, Mommy!"
He really likes for everyone to sit down when we eat so that we are "all together." It brings him great joy to run around saying, "Dinner ready!"
I think he will like his birthday party on Sunday!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Our Loss, California's gain...
Today is a sad day. This morning we said goodbye to the Getz's (for one month), and this afternoon, we will say goodbye to Grandpa (probably for longer). For those of you in CA, you are lucky to have 5 great people coming today.
As I was driving home after taking the Getz's to the airport, I was reflecting on what it means to live somewhere. I live in Houston. I come from CA, and most of my family still lives there. Do I miss the golden state? Is it better to be in Houston? Really, it is pretty easy to answer these questions from a practical perspective. But, it is hard some days to think about being out here when so many that we love dearly are far away.... really hard...
Well, I will be grateful today for my wonderful husband and my beautiful little boy. That is an awful lot to be thankful for! And...I will begin looking at Southwest again to see how good the air fares are for my dad, and begin planning a great welcome home party for the Getz's.
As I was driving home after taking the Getz's to the airport, I was reflecting on what it means to live somewhere. I live in Houston. I come from CA, and most of my family still lives there. Do I miss the golden state? Is it better to be in Houston? Really, it is pretty easy to answer these questions from a practical perspective. But, it is hard some days to think about being out here when so many that we love dearly are far away.... really hard...
Well, I will be grateful today for my wonderful husband and my beautiful little boy. That is an awful lot to be thankful for! And...I will begin looking at Southwest again to see how good the air fares are for my dad, and begin planning a great welcome home party for the Getz's.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Buckle
This past weekend we all went to Brenham, TX to spend a night away for our anniversary. We had a very good time together and especially enjoyed picking blueberries at a local farm on the way home.
Today I made Blueberry Buckle. Luke loved it and learned to ask for it by name. :)
Today I made Blueberry Buckle. Luke loved it and learned to ask for it by name. :)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
"No Scream."
A quick story about our ever changing little boy. :)
Today we were over at the Getz house celebrating Jane Marie's 1 week birthday. It was lots of fun- we dressed up, had cupcakes and tea, presents and all. Clara was the party organizer. I think that she is really enjoying being a big sister!
After the party part was over, we stayed around for a while and the kids played in the living room. Clara was frustrated about something and screamed. Luke, sitting and playing with stacking blocks, put down the blocks and went over to Clara. Then he told her quietly, "No scream. No scream." Apparently, though he does not always follow the rules, he is learning them! We laughed and Uncle Evan yelled from the kitchen, "No hypocrisy!"
Yes, as has been mentioned here before, Luke has a bit of a reputation as a screamer. :)
Today we were over at the Getz house celebrating Jane Marie's 1 week birthday. It was lots of fun- we dressed up, had cupcakes and tea, presents and all. Clara was the party organizer. I think that she is really enjoying being a big sister!
After the party part was over, we stayed around for a while and the kids played in the living room. Clara was frustrated about something and screamed. Luke, sitting and playing with stacking blocks, put down the blocks and went over to Clara. Then he told her quietly, "No scream. No scream." Apparently, though he does not always follow the rules, he is learning them! We laughed and Uncle Evan yelled from the kitchen, "No hypocrisy!"
Yes, as has been mentioned here before, Luke has a bit of a reputation as a screamer. :)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Red Hat Photo Shoot and New Cousin!
Here is Luke in his red hat. We were getting ready to go to a splash park. It is HOT here now, so we are outside in the water a lot. I think he looks like he could go on safari.
In other news, Luke has a new cousin. Clara is staying at our house tonight- hope she has a peaceful night! She was SOOO excited!
In other news, Luke has a new cousin. Clara is staying at our house tonight- hope she has a peaceful night! She was SOOO excited!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Preparations for Pascha
We have been very busy as of late, but wanted to update the blog with some of the events from the past week.
Last Sunday, Grammy and Papa came to town. We have had a wonderful time seeing them and get to enjoy there company for one more week!
On Tuesday, I got go to go church ALL BY MYSELF. I love taking Luke, but once in a while it is nice not to have my Mr. Wiggly, Mr. Talkative toddler sitting/standing next to me. The Orthodox Services for Sunday- Tuesday night of Holy Week are called the Bridegroom Matins. The theme of these services is watchfulness- we are reminded that the "Bridegroom (Christ) comes in the middle of the night," and our lamps should be lit. These have long been some of my most favorite services to attend.
Wednesday, we dyed eggs with Grammy, Aunt Bethany, Clara and the Hemati's. Luke loved coloring the eggs with a white crayon and watching the eggs go in and out of the dye.We made some for our egg hunt on Sunday afternoon and some for our Pascha basket. Here we all are:
Our red Pascha egg:
All of our dyed eggs. Notice Luke's artwork on the blue egg in the middle? He can even say blue, green and purple (bu, green, and pupple) now.
The pascha (easter) basket traditionally includes red eggs, cheese, a sweet bread, and several other items and is taken to church and blessed at the Easter service.
Yesterday and today, Luke and I went to more services. We also made kulich-a traditional Easter bread. Kulich is a traditional Easter bread that will also go in our pascha basket. Luke received a little table and chair set from his godparents and has already logged many hours sitting at it. Here he is with Daddy, playing with some plastic eggs that we will also use for our Sunday hunt. I am not sure yet if I will put any candy in them- he seems to like them enough as they are. Also, he and grammy have been pretending that they are cups and have been drinking juice out of them. :)
The egg tea party:
Video at the little table with Daddy:
Last Sunday, Grammy and Papa came to town. We have had a wonderful time seeing them and get to enjoy there company for one more week!
On Tuesday, I got go to go church ALL BY MYSELF. I love taking Luke, but once in a while it is nice not to have my Mr. Wiggly, Mr. Talkative toddler sitting/standing next to me. The Orthodox Services for Sunday- Tuesday night of Holy Week are called the Bridegroom Matins. The theme of these services is watchfulness- we are reminded that the "Bridegroom (Christ) comes in the middle of the night," and our lamps should be lit. These have long been some of my most favorite services to attend.
Wednesday, we dyed eggs with Grammy, Aunt Bethany, Clara and the Hemati's. Luke loved coloring the eggs with a white crayon and watching the eggs go in and out of the dye.We made some for our egg hunt on Sunday afternoon and some for our Pascha basket. Here we all are:
Our red Pascha egg:
All of our dyed eggs. Notice Luke's artwork on the blue egg in the middle? He can even say blue, green and purple (bu, green, and pupple) now.
The pascha (easter) basket traditionally includes red eggs, cheese, a sweet bread, and several other items and is taken to church and blessed at the Easter service.Yesterday and today, Luke and I went to more services. We also made kulich-a traditional Easter bread. Kulich is a traditional Easter bread that will also go in our pascha basket. Luke received a little table and chair set from his godparents and has already logged many hours sitting at it. Here he is with Daddy, playing with some plastic eggs that we will also use for our Sunday hunt. I am not sure yet if I will put any candy in them- he seems to like them enough as they are. Also, he and grammy have been pretending that they are cups and have been drinking juice out of them. :)
The egg tea party:
Video at the little table with Daddy:Saturday, March 20, 2010
Old and New
This week was rather a whirlwind. Grandma and Grandpa Holman came to visit us from California. We had a great time with them and were very sad to see them go today.
While they were here, we pretty much completed an overhaul on our home. When we first moved in, there were two big cosmetic problems with the house- 1) the main bathroom was a bright yellow (with both blue and oatmeal colored tile with white trim- what were they thinking?), and 2) Luke's room was a pinkish-peach color (previously belonged to a seven-year-old girl). Now, after a week of painting, we have a cool greyish-blue in the bathroom that pulls together all the colors, and a great khaki color in Luke's room. Here are some pictures:
Also, Saturday was another banner day in yard sale hunting. We found a whole new living room set (couch, chair, marble top coffee table, and two end tables) for a great price after some serious haggling. The furniture is very old, but was completely re-upholstered very recently.
We will miss Grandma and Grandpa very much, but will remember their visit everyday.
While they were here, we pretty much completed an overhaul on our home. When we first moved in, there were two big cosmetic problems with the house- 1) the main bathroom was a bright yellow (with both blue and oatmeal colored tile with white trim- what were they thinking?), and 2) Luke's room was a pinkish-peach color (previously belonged to a seven-year-old girl). Now, after a week of painting, we have a cool greyish-blue in the bathroom that pulls together all the colors, and a great khaki color in Luke's room. Here are some pictures:
Also, Saturday was another banner day in yard sale hunting. We found a whole new living room set (couch, chair, marble top coffee table, and two end tables) for a great price after some serious haggling. The furniture is very old, but was completely re-upholstered very recently.
We will miss Grandma and Grandpa very much, but will remember their visit everyday.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Ahh.. Dear, Neglected Blog.....
This past month has been a whirlwind!
We finally said goodbye to our CA vacation (sort of- Nathan worked a bit while we were there) last Saturday. Luke spent he morning getting in some last minute snuggles with Grammy ("nammy") and Papa ("papa"- he can say this one, though it is usually whispered), before we headed home to Houston. Luke was great on the completely full, 3 hour flight.
To our relief, our home was much as we had left it. Thanks to all our friends who helped watch it for us. Some even wrapped out pipes before the freeze-amazing. We were all exhausted so that night we unloaded all of our goods, ordered a pizza, and watched Father Knows Best.
It was good that we had that little break because this first week at home was crazy.
Sunday, I went shopping so that we would have something to eat. I also kept working on unloading suitcases, did some laundry, and tried to be emotionally supportive of Luke as he came down from weeks of the extra special attention that he received in CA.
Monday: We sorted through all of our mail (30 days worth!!) and cleaned.
Tuesday: Bible Study and some more shopping.
Wednesday: Library hour and picked up our new and amazing elliptical (paid for with Christmas money). Also, I began work on cleaning up all the of the leaves that had fallen while we were gone. Began is the key word- this will take some time!
Thursday: MOPS group and a trip down to Gymboree with Bethany and Clara to use our gymbucks.
Friday: Spent the morning playing with friends, then prepared for a birthday party in the evening.
Luke news:
Luke loved his time in CA. He loved all the attention from his relatives and misses everyone terribly. I have to be careful not to mention people's names or he looks around for them, and gets sad when he realizes that they are not around. He learned many new words while we were gone too. He loves to say: car, chair, up-sie (to be picked up), down, nigh-nigh, bee-bo (belly button) no-no, and make all sorts of animal and vehicle sounds. He also learned how to understand more questions. I can ask him where his head, eyes, nose, ears and mouth are, and he will point to the body part and say the word. It is amazing!
Here is Luke playing with Daddy's radio:
And watching Father Knows Best:
We finally said goodbye to our CA vacation (sort of- Nathan worked a bit while we were there) last Saturday. Luke spent he morning getting in some last minute snuggles with Grammy ("nammy") and Papa ("papa"- he can say this one, though it is usually whispered), before we headed home to Houston. Luke was great on the completely full, 3 hour flight.
To our relief, our home was much as we had left it. Thanks to all our friends who helped watch it for us. Some even wrapped out pipes before the freeze-amazing. We were all exhausted so that night we unloaded all of our goods, ordered a pizza, and watched Father Knows Best.
It was good that we had that little break because this first week at home was crazy.
Sunday, I went shopping so that we would have something to eat. I also kept working on unloading suitcases, did some laundry, and tried to be emotionally supportive of Luke as he came down from weeks of the extra special attention that he received in CA.
Monday: We sorted through all of our mail (30 days worth!!) and cleaned.
Tuesday: Bible Study and some more shopping.
Wednesday: Library hour and picked up our new and amazing elliptical (paid for with Christmas money). Also, I began work on cleaning up all the of the leaves that had fallen while we were gone. Began is the key word- this will take some time!
Thursday: MOPS group and a trip down to Gymboree with Bethany and Clara to use our gymbucks.
Friday: Spent the morning playing with friends, then prepared for a birthday party in the evening.
Luke news:
Luke loved his time in CA. He loved all the attention from his relatives and misses everyone terribly. I have to be careful not to mention people's names or he looks around for them, and gets sad when he realizes that they are not around. He learned many new words while we were gone too. He loves to say: car, chair, up-sie (to be picked up), down, nigh-nigh, bee-bo (belly button) no-no, and make all sorts of animal and vehicle sounds. He also learned how to understand more questions. I can ask him where his head, eyes, nose, ears and mouth are, and he will point to the body part and say the word. It is amazing!
Here is Luke playing with Daddy's radio:
And watching Father Knows Best:
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