Quite some time ago we referred to the boys as Trouble. Big T and little t. The two of them seem like they could work together to cause mischief. Well...it's starting to happen.
On a recent Sunday morning I heard Ethan get up first. He came into our room and saw us still in bed, so he went into Micah's room next. Since I love to hear them talk with each other, I stayed in bed so I wouldn't interrupt. I smiled as they talked, and then listened closer as I heard Ethan say something about getting Micah out of bed. You see, Micah is still in a crib. This mom is not ready for a big boy bed and Micah has only climbed out of bed once. So, he's still confined when he wakes up.
Anyway, I could hear Ethan trying to lower the side of the crib. He was busy telling Micah that he couldn't get it. Then I heard the sound of the bean bag dropping. Ethan's next words? "We'll put this here in case you fall so you won't get hurt." I almost jumped out of bed and went running, but I really wanted to know what they would do next! After that, there was silence until I heard two sets of feet coming. They both came into our room with beaming expressions. Ethan was so happy that he helped Micah...he told me he just put his arms under Micah's armpits and helped him over the side. We may have to switch to a big boy bed sooner rather than later!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Quote of the day--Thursday edition
My boys crack me up. This morning Micah and I were playing pretend eating. It's a thing we do lately. :) Apparently it was someones birthday because we were having birthday cake. He kindly put some in front of me as well as himself. I reached out to sample my "cake" and was informed that "we have to pray!". Oops! So, I folded my hands and he nicely said his prayer (which he says on his own without direction!). "God is great, tank-you for this food, God bless mommy, daddy, E-tan, Micah, E-tan, Micah, and a happy day, amen." He then looked at me and said "your turn!". He's such a sweet boy!
Not to be left out, Ethan had his own cuteness. I worked until bedtime today, so when I came home the boys were already in bed. I went upstairs to talk with Ethan for a few minutes. He noticed that I had forgotten to take my name tag off and asked me what it was. I explained that it was my name tag and it had my name on it so people at work would know who I was. I slipped it off and he held it and looked at it for a few seconds. With a puzzled expression he said "shouldn't it say 'mom'?"
Not to be left out, Ethan had his own cuteness. I worked until bedtime today, so when I came home the boys were already in bed. I went upstairs to talk with Ethan for a few minutes. He noticed that I had forgotten to take my name tag off and asked me what it was. I explained that it was my name tag and it had my name on it so people at work would know who I was. I slipped it off and he held it and looked at it for a few seconds. With a puzzled expression he said "shouldn't it say 'mom'?"
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Quote of the day
Tonight I read the kids their Bible stories (they each have a book and we read a story from each book). Ethan's story was on the Ten Commandments. Since he's learning to read, he helped me with a lot of the words. There were some sentences where I read most of the words, but he did a great job. This Bible story book had the Commandments worded in such a way that it was easier for kids to understand, like "obey your father and mother" instead of "honor your father and mother". I read that one, just to be sure he understood the word. :) Here's the conversation when we got to number 8:
Ethan: "Number 8, do not"
Me: "steal"
Ethan: "Oh, that's a good one"
I don't know why, but his comment struck me as funny, especially since he didn't comment on any of the other commandments! Maybe that means that the 8th Commandment will really stick with him!
Ethan: "Number 8, do not"
Me: "steal"
Ethan: "Oh, that's a good one"
I don't know why, but his comment struck me as funny, especially since he didn't comment on any of the other commandments! Maybe that means that the 8th Commandment will really stick with him!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
What a year!
I've been meaning to write this post for a few weeks now, but I can't quite seem to make myself do it. I think it's mostly because I don't quite know how to describe what the year 2008 meant for our family. To say that it had "ups and downs" just doesn't do it justice. This post doesn't have the pictures like I usually post, but I think it will be worth your time. It's not a book or anything, just something I really wanted to say. So, stick with me while I do my best!
Many of you know that Jason and I started a business a little over 2 years ago. We chased a dream, and it is incredible to look back and see God's faithfulness through that time. Jason and I found that working together and following where God was leading made for many learning opportunities in our marriage and family. Our priorities changed--spiritually, financially, and in our married and family life. We had to say "no" when we wanted to say "yes". We had to make hard choices. We had to do without. We had to ask for help even when we just wanted to do something ourselves. In short, we were humbled. But ultimately, we were blessed beyond measure to be loved and supported by our family and friends.
We closed the doors of the business in March of 2008. It was an awful day. It was easy to look around and feel like we failed. Our dream didn't turn out the way we planned. But, in all honestly, failure was a term that the world would use because we had to close. If you ask Jason or I if the business failed, we would likely tell you "no". In our eyes, it didn't. Yes, we no longer operate the business. But, God used the business for so many successes. He opened our eyes to areas where we needed to trust and follow Him more. He showed us that HE is our provider and that He will never forsake us. Our lives have changed because of the path that our Lord took us down, and those changes are the successes that I am most thankful for.
Jason began working at a new job, but God wasn't finished yet! In August we found out about a job opening that would fit Jason perfectly. All of the skills and knowledge that he had from operating his own business, plus the job that he had prior to that, made him seem like a perfect fit. Through a wonderfully swift process (though it seemed agonizingly slow some days!), he was offered this new job. We saw God's faithfulness and provision once again--a few days prior to him being officially offered the job, our second car died. We knew it was coming, but pretty much had prayed that the car would continue operating until we had the ability to replace it. Well, it died, and a few days later the job offer came...which included a company car. Jason started his job in September and has loved it ever since! We're adjusting to the new routines of the job, and it has it's own challenges, but it has been a gift that we are incredibly thankful for!
2008 will always be a year of bittersweet memories. It's wonderful to look back and see the many ways that God has taken care of us. I also remember days where I was brought to my knees and all I could do was cry out to God. I've spent more time in prayer and devotions than I ever have in my entire life. Jason and I started reading through the Bible and we've been blessed by that time together (our goal is to read through the Bible in a year...we should be done around September!). Our challenges are not all behind us. We have responsibilities that we need to take care of that will be with us for a while. But, we now have established a firm foundation that we can use to make decisions and plans.
Will life be perfect in 2009? I definitely don't expect it to be! But, I'm looking forward to many more memories with family and friends and seeing God's faithfulness on whatever path He takes us down this year.
Many of you know that Jason and I started a business a little over 2 years ago. We chased a dream, and it is incredible to look back and see God's faithfulness through that time. Jason and I found that working together and following where God was leading made for many learning opportunities in our marriage and family. Our priorities changed--spiritually, financially, and in our married and family life. We had to say "no" when we wanted to say "yes". We had to make hard choices. We had to do without. We had to ask for help even when we just wanted to do something ourselves. In short, we were humbled. But ultimately, we were blessed beyond measure to be loved and supported by our family and friends.
We closed the doors of the business in March of 2008. It was an awful day. It was easy to look around and feel like we failed. Our dream didn't turn out the way we planned. But, in all honestly, failure was a term that the world would use because we had to close. If you ask Jason or I if the business failed, we would likely tell you "no". In our eyes, it didn't. Yes, we no longer operate the business. But, God used the business for so many successes. He opened our eyes to areas where we needed to trust and follow Him more. He showed us that HE is our provider and that He will never forsake us. Our lives have changed because of the path that our Lord took us down, and those changes are the successes that I am most thankful for.
Jason began working at a new job, but God wasn't finished yet! In August we found out about a job opening that would fit Jason perfectly. All of the skills and knowledge that he had from operating his own business, plus the job that he had prior to that, made him seem like a perfect fit. Through a wonderfully swift process (though it seemed agonizingly slow some days!), he was offered this new job. We saw God's faithfulness and provision once again--a few days prior to him being officially offered the job, our second car died. We knew it was coming, but pretty much had prayed that the car would continue operating until we had the ability to replace it. Well, it died, and a few days later the job offer came...which included a company car. Jason started his job in September and has loved it ever since! We're adjusting to the new routines of the job, and it has it's own challenges, but it has been a gift that we are incredibly thankful for!
2008 will always be a year of bittersweet memories. It's wonderful to look back and see the many ways that God has taken care of us. I also remember days where I was brought to my knees and all I could do was cry out to God. I've spent more time in prayer and devotions than I ever have in my entire life. Jason and I started reading through the Bible and we've been blessed by that time together (our goal is to read through the Bible in a year...we should be done around September!). Our challenges are not all behind us. We have responsibilities that we need to take care of that will be with us for a while. But, we now have established a firm foundation that we can use to make decisions and plans.
Will life be perfect in 2009? I definitely don't expect it to be! But, I'm looking forward to many more memories with family and friends and seeing God's faithfulness on whatever path He takes us down this year.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Keepin' it real
I didn't send out Christmas cards this year (again). I may do it again someday, but for now I'm taking a break from that ritual. However, I still took pictures of the boys by the Christmas tree. It's a great opportunity to get the two of them sitting by each other. So, if I had gotten Christmas photo cards with the boys on it, I would have probably used this picture:
Or, maybe even this one, with a little cropping:
Or, if I decided to use a picture of the four of us, I would maybe have used this one:
(OK, maybe I wouldn't have used that one...I probably would have tried for a few more options, but I still like the picture) Anyway, if you're like me, you send out the best looking picture. As I scrolled through what I had, I decided that while my boys are adorable in the previous pictures, it doesn't necessarily show their true personalities. At our house, it's more like this:
And this:
Or this:
I have to say that this next one is one of my favorites, simply because it shows just how much Micah loves his big brother.
Now this one's pretty good:
But this one's a little scary:
And all I can say about this is that Ethan, well, he's 5.
"Cheese" can only be said with a goofy look:
And, quite frankly, this one just looks too posed:
However, I think my little guys are pretty cute, whether they are sitting calmly or trying to be silly for mom. Which one would be your Christmas card pick?
Or, maybe even this one, with a little cropping:
Or, if I decided to use a picture of the four of us, I would maybe have used this one:
(OK, maybe I wouldn't have used that one...I probably would have tried for a few more options, but I still like the picture) Anyway, if you're like me, you send out the best looking picture. As I scrolled through what I had, I decided that while my boys are adorable in the previous pictures, it doesn't necessarily show their true personalities. At our house, it's more like this:
And this:
Or this:
I have to say that this next one is one of my favorites, simply because it shows just how much Micah loves his big brother.
Now this one's pretty good:
But this one's a little scary:
And all I can say about this is that Ethan, well, he's 5.
"Cheese" can only be said with a goofy look:
And, quite frankly, this one just looks too posed:
However, I think my little guys are pretty cute, whether they are sitting calmly or trying to be silly for mom. Which one would be your Christmas card pick?
Chicago
Jason and I took off the Friday after Thanksgiving for a weekend away. His parents generously took care of the kids so we could have a chance to go away...something that we haven't done together in about 5 years!
It was a wonderful trip...full of lots of fun, rest, and time away with my awesome husband!
We spent Friday wandering around downtown Chicago. Our main mission was to go to the Lego Store for a Christmas present for Ethan (shhh...don't tell!). Since it was "black Friday", there were TONS of people on the Magnificent Mile. I haven't seen that many people, well, ever. It was just the two of us, so it was relatively easy to manuever through the crowds (plus it was a great excuse to hold my husband's hand!). We enjoyed sightseeing, people watching, and just plain wandering around without having to worry about naps and meal times. It was great to dine out and stay in the wondeful hotel room that our brother-in-law got us a niftly little deal on (you know I love my deals!).
Saturday morning we went to a wonderful bagel place. Let me tell you, fresh bagels, toasted, with a little honey butter and a cup of hot chocolate was a lovely way to start the day. I could get used to that part of city life! We then spent a few hours just wandering and enjoying being together. We walked the streets, the parks, Navy Pier, and more streets until we finally had to go back to the hotel room to warm up.
After we thawed, we hopped in the car again and headed to the next city so we could get ready for Suzanne's wedding (the real reason for the weekend away!). We enjoyed the lovely ceremony and had fun hanging out at the reception. We finally took pictures there, so you get to see us all dressed up instead of bundled up!
It was a wonderful trip...full of lots of fun, rest, and time away with my awesome husband!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Gingerbread Houses
Jason was out of town last week, and the days fell on my two days off from work, so I was the sole entertainer in the household for the whole day. No aunts or grandparents to step in while I went off to work! No daddy in the evening as a fresh playmate!
The "Gingerbread" houses were milk cartons (from a school...thoroughly rinsed and sprayed with air freshener) that had graham crackers stuck to them. We used frosting from a container and it was plenty thick for making the candy stick.
I sat back and took pictures (though I helped with the spreading of frosting). The boys happily covered the house with candy, candy canes, mints, Smarties, M&M's, gumdrops, colorful marshmallows, and gingerbread men cookies. They used Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for the roof.
I was really surprised that they didn't even eat that much of the candy! They were so happy sticking the candy on the house that I think they forgot how much they like to eat it.
One of the fun parts of my job is the programs that I get to participate in. But, even better than that is when there are leftovers from the programs that I can snag and take home for my boys. This time Jason's days away fell a few days after a Gingerbread program. I grabbed extra supplies and saved them in a container for a fun task that would fill a few hours...OK, I was optimistically hoping for a 1/2 hour. The boys were excited when I showed them all the supplies--really, what kid wouldn't be excited when their mother sets a bag of candy and a pile of frosting in front of them! So, they went to work...
The "Gingerbread" houses were milk cartons (from a school...thoroughly rinsed and sprayed with air freshener) that had graham crackers stuck to them. We used frosting from a container and it was plenty thick for making the candy stick.
I sat back and took pictures (though I helped with the spreading of frosting). The boys happily covered the house with candy, candy canes, mints, Smarties, M&M's, gumdrops, colorful marshmallows, and gingerbread men cookies. They used Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for the roof.
I was really surprised that they didn't even eat that much of the candy! They were so happy sticking the candy on the house that I think they forgot how much they like to eat it.
Ethan loves to use the camera, so I gave it to him to take pictures of the finished houses while I cleaned up Micah. He takes a lot of...shall I say "artistic" shots!
This was really fun and I think it would be easy to do on my 0wn without grabbing supplies from work. Really, I would gladly buy numerous bags of candy...just for the houses.
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