Ninja Wifery

Looking for that Silver Lining.

2012-01-19T13:25:00.002-05:00

Finding the mythical "silver lining" is usually an easy thing for me to do.

Last night Sid and I were talking and I told him that I was an eternal optimist and a hopeless romantic. He laughed at me. He'll easily concede the optimist point, but the romantic... not so much. But I think that he's just confused. Romantic as defined by dictionary.com "imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc." granted it's definition number 3. But that doesn't make it less valid. But that's not really what this post is about. It's about the difference between finding the silver lining and appreciating the silver lining.

Right now, I see the silver lining. Sid's job sucks. I mean really sucks. It's hard physically and emotionally. It is best described as soul crushing. I can't wait until he finds a new job. So what can the silver lining of having a crappy job, surrounded by crude people, and no hope of the situation improving possibly be? Well, I'm glad you asked.

It's this. It has reinforced a conviction in both us that Sid belongs in full time ministry. It has solidified The Call. It has made us realize that we want to be in ministry. Sid was told by his pastor growing up "if you can do anything else (non-ministry, that is) and be happy... do that." Or something along those lines. Well.

Sid will only be truly happy when he is serving God in a full time vocational way. I'm glad. We're sending out more resume's. I'm glad. We've expanded the area we're willing to search in. I'm glad. We're communicating more clearly on where, and why and what-about-part-time? I'm glad.

So what is the silver lining? It's being closer to my husband. It's seeing his passion for ministry renewed. But... I wish it would have been accomplished without the crappy job, thankyouverymuch.

Things I love right now

2012-01-17T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is a random post. A list of things that I'm enjoying, that are making me smile, or laugh. In no particular order.

Stella's ever-growing vocabulary. Careened? Really? You're 4. Slow down.
The books I ordered to teach her to read just came. Thank you UPS.
Bruce would rather not be fulled clothed inside. Even if it is only 35 degrees out there.
Sending out resumes and tracking the hits on Sid's website.
Coffee every morning.
Bruce falling asleep on my lap.
Finishing a school workbook with Stella.
Cuddly reading time with the kids.
Nap time.

No more Milk

2012-01-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

For this boy. At least not regular grocery store milk. Nope. He has a "dairy sensitivity." We (finally) took Bruce to see a homeopathic doctor. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. He got him on his funky little machine and 5 minutes later says it's a dairy sensitivity. Probably to the casein. Probably to the casein that is broken (he described it as folded in half) during the pasteurization process. This was not a real big surprise to me. I have known since he was still nursing that there was a connection to my milk consumption and his gut reactions.

So we have switched him to raw milk and cheese and I am learning just how very much dairy we eat! No cheese! no goldfish! no pizza! Aren't those like the 3 food groups according to toddlers? Oh I forgot chicken nuggets. They're still ok.

We're figuring it out. And I'm learning. He sleeps better and talks more when he feels good. So I'm all for it! We're grateful to have an answer that doesn't include surgery (for tubes) to getting rid of all those pesky ear infections!

Stella's New Dress Up Storage

2012-01-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

Stella's dress up clothes have been housed in a cardboard trunk who's lid had been torn off and an empty diaper box. Glamorous. Or not. Anyway I had seen this thing on Pinterest. It was a converted dresser. I was stoked. I repinned it to one of my boards and then I went to see if I could find the original location... and I couldn't. I clicked through the pin and it took me to google reader. Well, that is less than helpful. Besides that I had just read this thing about pinning with integrity. Which basically means I will find the original post and pin that instead of the link to the link to the link, or whatever the case may be. So in any case.

I have a very talented and handy husband and I said "Can we do this? Would it be easier than building one from scratch?" and he said, "Yes." I said " Sweet. I found this $10 dresser on Craigslist. Will it work?" he said "Yes." I said "Should I call her and see if it's sold? Will you go with me to pick it up?" He said "Yes." Anybody see a theme here? I have the best husband EVER!

Anyway...We bought the dresser. It looked like this:

Then We pulled the top 3 drawers out and cut out the front supports. We opted to leave the side supports in so that when it has outlived it's usefulness as dress up storage in Stella's room it can be repainted and re-repurposed into mostly open shelving. He's smart. And it was easier than cutting them out. We added a bottom "floor" to cover the bottom drawer, and put on a new, sturdier back.
Then we sanded it down, painted and added a bar to hang clothes on. Easy. And functional. And very well recieved!

Here it is in all it's glory!

Also, I did find the original post about the inspiration piece. It can be found here at Rambling Renovators. You should check it out. It's way prettier than mine. And the rest of their site is pretty cool too!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

Christmas this year was fun! With 2 little ones old enough to enjoy every part of it, we had so much fun. We (again) did 4 for Christmas. Which is an idea I read ages ago, somewhere. I can't remember where or I'd share. Anyway the idea is to only get your kids 4 gifts for Christmas. Something they Want, something they Need, something to Wear, something to Read. This helps me to keep from going overboard on the gifts. Because I would!

So, Stella got a new dress-up dress, a new dress-up storage... thing. (That Sid and I made by re-purposing a craigslist dresser, inspired by something I saw on Pinterest). Also a pair of the cutest little navy blue corduroy pants (I went into Osh-Kosh for jeans and came out with cords). And the book The Clown of God, by Tomie DePaola.

Bruce got a wooden train set (which he couldn't wait to open and play with). A Higher chair (since he loved Stella's so much, and since he wanted to sit AT the table with us during meals). A new pair of jeans, and his book is The Story of Jesus which is a little golden book.

And I was super proud of myself because I surprised Sid and got him a GPS. He loves it. And I love it. And it still makes me smile when I think of his reaction when he opened it!

He got me a date to go pick out new boots. Cow~~boy~~ girl boots. It was a fun morning. We went to Green Dragon which is a large farmers market/ flea market/ defies acurate description market. We had a lovely breakfast and I got boots! They make me happy.

Since it was a Sunday we also did the church thing. You know since it's about Him and all. We waited to do gifts after church, and Henry came with Kerri. It was lovely!

I am so abundantly blessed by my God and my Family. I am so thankful that Jesus would come. And as I was reminded so many times this season He came as baby, but He didn't stay one. He grew up, to die on a cross. And that is why I can celebrate His coming!

Project 52- Week 52

2012-01-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

I did it! I have a picture, at least 1. On the blog for every week of 2011. I am quite proud of myself! It was a good year. Short. But good. I told Sid the other day that I am truly beginning to understand the phrase "The days are long, but the years are short." ~~This~~ Last year just flew by, I feel like I'm not sure where it went! In any case, I'll be putting up an official 2011 recap sometime this week, in the meantime, here is a picture from the last week of 2011.

Presents from G.G.

2011-12-23T13:24:00.000-05:00

This week we got a fun package in the mail... our Christmas presents from G.G.! She's so sweet and fun. We love her and miss her. She sent these:

They are fabulous hooded blankets. The kids were very excited and I wasn't able to get great pictures! Thanks G.G.

52-51

2011-12-22T13:09:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that 1. It's week 51 of 2011. This year has flown by! and 2. I actually put up a picture for each week of the year. Even if most of them were a little bit late!

Project 52-50

2011-12-21T12:52:00.001-05:00

Christmas with Kids is so much Fun!

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2011-12-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

I love these children! They make me laugh!

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2011-12-19T12:45:00.000-05:00

Checking out the Christmas Lights that PoPs had just put up! She was actually much happier than this picture would lead you to believe!

Stella-isms: round next

2011-12-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

Stella's vocabulary continues to grow and surprise me! Recently she has said some very amusing things. For example on Sunday when we got to small group she looked out her window and said "They have quite the sandbox." Quite, really? You're 4.

Then on the way home she told me she had gotten m&m's in Sunday school and "they were delicious, let me tell you, delicious." Let me tell you how hard it was to not laugh at that!

She has also learned to correctly use the word abrasion. As in a scrape. Yep. That's my kid.

52-47

2011-12-12T12:59:00.000-05:00

Wow! I'm really super behind! This is Thanksgiving week that I'm posting, Week 47 of my 52 week Challenge!

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2011-11-30T20:51:00.000-05:00

So, I'm a few weeks behind. No surprise there. I feel like I'm always a few weeks behind! Anyway. Pictures. Of my kids. Here they are. Filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Which Stella loved. And I loved that she loved it! I told her it would go to a little girl who wouldn't get a Christmas present and they would tell her about Jesus. She was pleased about that.

Tea Wallets for Aunt Sue

2011-11-28T17:19:00.000-05:00

Sue Faulkner, this is for you. This is the easiest way I know to get you several pictures! Here are the tea Wallets that I have.

Project 52 Week 45

2011-11-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that we are in the middle of November already! This has been a really fun way to track the year!

Tea Wallets

2011-11-11T20:26:00.000-05:00

I've been making Tea Wallets. They're really cute and useful. I am selling them for $6.00 each (plus shipping, if applicable). Here are some pictures of what they look like. The lighting isn't great on some of them, but you get the idea!

This is all of them

What they look like inside.

What they look liked closed.

clockwise from top left: pink and brown, pink and blue, blue floral and cream, green and pink, navy blue and green, green and white

Comment or email if you want one! I will also be making more, let me know if there are combinations you want to see!

The Hand that rocks the cradle... Part 2

2011-11-11T13:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I wrote about how Audrey Saint came and spoke at my Mom's group about grounding our families in the Word. I also left it hanging about the most important part! That came right at the end. Audrey looked at us and said, I'm going to be radical here. Then she suggested that we make a plan to have our children read through the whole Bible twice before they graduate from High School. She suggested that the first time be from (roughly) ages 2 to 12 and then again from 12-18.

I love this idea. It's new for me. It is radical. But, I think I'm ok with radical. Especially if it's radical for Jesus. I want my kids to be familiar with the Word of God. I want them to have parts memorized.

And, she wasn't totally saying that this is something that has to be done all at home. Certainly it can be. And it should be something that is encouraged at home. But we were encouraged to keep a finger on what they were reading and learning in Sunday School and youth group. Count that! But the other part of this idea is being responsible for my children's spiritual training. It is MY job. Well, mine and Sid's, to make sure that Bruce and Stella are grounded, and rooted in faith. Sunday school should be a supplement to what we are teaching at home, not the other way around.

Audrey shared a sobering statistic. Fewer than 1/20th of all Christian Families worship as a family outside of church. (Barna) Wow. That's less than 5 in 100. And we're not really part of that 5. Hmmp.Guess I better get on that.

She talked about how opening the Bible begins a discussion. Issues will come up during that time. Questions, things that ae happening in their lives come out and are able to be discussed openly. These times of conversation around the Word of God will produce fruit. That's something I want!

So, again. What am I going to do? Well, I'm gonna sit down with Sid and make a plan to get our kids through the Bible before they graduate. I'm gonna sit down with Sid and see if we can figure out a good time to sit down and study the Bible together with the kids, at least 2x a week.

I'm so thankful for the Godly women who are in my life, who challenge and encourage me. Thanks, Audrey, for being faithful to share Godly principles and wisdom with us!

The hand that rocks the cradle...

2011-11-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

Rules the world. -- Napoleon Bonaparte

The name of the Young Mothers Group at my church is called Garlands of Grace. There is a verse, but I'm not sure of the reference. Anyway, we had a speaker come and talk to us last week (Nov. 2nd). Her name is Audrey Saint, and she talked to us about Grounding our families in the Word. It was excellent. I've been mulling over some of what she said.

The thing that most stood out to me, that she said several times, was "be jealous for your kids." I had never thought of it quite like that. I mean, I knew I didn't want someone else to educate my kids. And I knew that I was primarily responsible for their spiritual development. And I knew a lot of things. But to be jealous for my kids... that was a new idea for me. I like it.

I am jealous for my husband. I get that. I want his time, attention, and affection. Why shouldn't I also be jealous for my kids? Why shouldn't I be the one to teach them in the ways of the Lord? Why shouldn't I be the one to teach them their academics? I need to be jealous for their time and their hearts.

She took us to Acts 17:26-27a. Which says "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him." We talked about our boundaries and periods. Our job is to help our children to seek God. She talked about taking advantage of teachable moments. I've been trying to do that with more purpose. To really answer the questions.

We talked about verses that describe what we want our children to be like. Psalm 3 talks about a tree planted by a stream. It grows strong and bears fruit in season. I want that for my kids. We talked about really being purposeful! She took us to Deuteronomy 6:6-8, of course. You know, where it talks about teaching your children God's laws when you sit, stand, walk, lie down. I knew that. I love those verses. But one of the things she said was that you can't ground your kids if you aren't first grounded yourself! Oh, yeah.

I love that we talked about honing your craft. Audrey said if you had a job you would always be working to better yourself in your field. Taking courses, or going to seminars, or reading the latest trade magazines. That sort of thing. This is no different. Read books (good ones), and be purposeful. Don't leave it to chance!

We discussed Bible reading, too. As in DO IT. At. home. And Dad too. In front of your kids. And WITH your kids. From a real Bible. Those little story books are all well and good, but they need to know that you think it is important enough to share with them from your Bible. There is more. That, maybe, is the most important part. But I think that will be a different post, for a different day.

But to wrap up this enormously long post, What am I going to do with all this info? Because it's one thing to HEAR good, sound, Biblical advice. It's another thing altogether to follow it.

I am going to try to be more intentional about answering my kids questions Biblically, and making sure they understand that it's biblical. I am going to surround myself to the best of my ability with like-minded Christians. I am going to try to make sure that my kids are hearing the Word of God regularly. From my Bible or Sid's.

Little Things

2011-11-02T20:18:00.000-04:00

that brought me smiles in October:

My kids laughing together... this one will probably always be on here!
Weddings, and family.
Apple Butter.
Apple pie.
My friends.
sunshine after lots of rain.
coffee.
Halloween.
My red vest.
Sid being home for dinner more!

So pleased to make my list of little things! Thanks Katie for the inspiration, and the nudge!

Halloween 2011 52-44

2011-11-02T14:23:00.001-04:00

What my neighborhood looks like

2011-11-01T14:23:00.000-04:00

After a freak October snow storm dumped 5+ inches of snow on us.

And this is just my block! It's crazy the damage that has been done.

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2011-10-28T20:19:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that next week is November already! I also can't believe that I - more-or-less - kept up with a picture a week. The best part will be looking at them all again to see how much they've grown!

They are getting so big! And I love how much they enjoy each other. Most of the time, anyway.

Birthday Girl

2011-10-19T12:58:00.000-04:00

Stella turned 4 on the tenth. Oh. My. Word. Where did that time go?! Anyway. She wanted Barbies, with a horse and a house. She wanted a crown. And she wanted rainbow cupcakes. Thanks to Pinterest. So, I hopped online and found some rainbow cupcakes. These are the ones she wanted:
These are what mine looked like.

Psychedelic, rainbow cupcakes. But she was a happy camper! I actually really liked the way they turned out. It wasn't exactly what I was going for but they sure were fun! I even took a picture of the inside of one. Cool, right?

She also got barbies, and a Barbie horse, and a crown, and fabric of her very own. Along with some big embroidery needles. She loves those too! That makes me a happy Momma!

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2011-10-18T12:58:00.000-04:00

Look at me staying up on top of things! These two keep me busy. I love it though. And I wouldn't give up being home with them for anything!

"Dual Citizenship?"

2011-10-15T08:40:00.001-04:00

Last week I read an article that talked about how we are raising our kids, as a society. The author asked what your mission statement was for raising your kids. Uhhh, mission statement? For my kids? Yeah, haven't thought about it. He suggested that most modern parents would respond with some variation of "I want them to be happy and successful adults." Then he pointed out that until sometime in the 1960's the answer would have been more along the lines of "Good Citizen." He suggested that this was a better answer.

I can see his point. I want my kids to be good citizens, that pretty much includes happy and successful. But you can't be happy or successful if you're you know, in jail, or constantly in trouble with people because you were never taught how to properly interact with society.

All that to say that I have been mulling over that thought all week. I think that as a Christian we have an even more daunting task when raising our kids. We need to help them, and teach them how to become good citizens of two nations. This temporal earthly one we live in, but also the kingdom of Heaven. That one is even more important.

So this morning, faced with the reality that I have to teach my kids a sort of "dual citizenship" my prayer became "Lord, give me strength, grace, and wisdom as I teach my children what it is to be a citizen of heaven here, on earth."

Kristin came to visit me!

2011-10-14T14:22:00.001-04:00

And we got really cute pictures of the kids in an apple orchard. Made 4.75 pints of Apple sauce and 7 1/2 pints of apple butter AND and apple pie, including a from-scratch crust! It was fun. And busy. We also went shopping at the outlets in Lancaster and just had an overall good time hanging out. Here are some pictures!

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2011-10-13T14:21:00.000-04:00

This makes me all caught up! Bruce is a little over-exposed in this pic, and those are Kristin's kids in the van with mine! Yay for friends! More on that later!

52-40!!

2011-10-13T14:11:00.000-04:00

Do all children like to play in closets? or is it just mine?

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2011-10-12T15:37:00.000-04:00

To Stella, On your 4th Birthday

2011-10-10T15:25:00.000-04:00

Stella,

First and foremost, I love you. So does Daddy. You are a joy and a delight. I love to watch you learn and play and imagine and make friends. I love to listen to your stories. And you can tell some stories. Just like Uncle Henry. He could tell some stories too. Still can. I hope you never lose your love of words. Speaking of words you have a great vocabulary. Keep making me read to you. Even after you know how to read for yourself.

Let me tell you a little about you at 4. Your favorite color is purple. When I asked you what you wanted for your birthday dinner you wanted chicken "with breadcrumbs." We're having home made chicken nuggets for dinner! You have the most infectious laugh and smile. You're beautiful.

I love the way you love your friends, and your brother. I love the way you are learning to love God. It makes me smile in my heart, and sometimes on my face, to hear you pray and ask God to help you be "obenient and respeckful."

You are always surprising me with the things you say. Just today you said "sure enough" to Daddy. He loved it. You can, and do, also use assumed, realized, option, adorable, and actually in sentences. It's quite amusing to hear.

You make my life fuller and better. I can't imagine my life without you. You are my first baby, and you are a baby no longer. I'm not ready for you to grow up, but I love to watch you grow. Keep on loving, Baby Girl.
Love, Mommy

Things I never played

2011-09-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

as a child. Not counting electronic gadgets, naturally. Today, Stella built a church with her blocks. Not the outside "look I built a house/castle/church" kind of building. Nope. Not this kid. She built the inside.

"This is the stage and the piano, and the Bible. And these are the benches."

5 minutes later when she overheard me telling my mom about it, she added that she had a pastor, and there were now people on the benches. It. was. wonderful.

The picture above was already missing the piano, bible, and pastor. I moved too slowly!

Look, it's People. On benches!

I love that my kid plays church. We went to church when I was young, but it was not a big part of our lives. We were Sunday church people. So, to me, it's so exciting to see my kids embracing church as a part not only of our lives, but in some ways as who we are.

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2011-09-23T10:09:00.001-04:00

More Book photos!

52-37 - The We LOVE Books Edition!

2011-09-22T10:09:00.000-04:00

We really do love books around here! I love that my kids are readers, and that they like to just find books and flip through them.

Week 36

2011-09-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

I am alive, well, and taking pictures. I love the way their names are in these. Bruce's was an accident, Stella's, obviously, is staged!

Project 52 week 35

2011-09-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe that August is over, September is here and School is started! We finished up Bb Week, and are preparing for Cc! These are last weeks photos (I know, right, I'm actually on time with them!).

I couldn't pick just 2 this week! We had some fun, and my kids are super photogenic!

More Little Things Bring Smiles

2011-08-31T14:07:00.000-04:00

So, another list of things that make me smile, August edition:

My kids laughing, yeah, I know that was on my last list, but it's still true.
coffee in the morning
sweet tea
cooler days and almost cold nights
snuggling with my kids
teaching Stella
watching Bruce learn
cuddling with Sid.

To see Katie's list head over to Little Things Bring Smiles.

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

Typical morning scenes!

New Blog

2011-08-26T20:07:00.000-04:00

Well, with the start of our homeschooling adventure, I started a new blog. I'm blogging at Starting with Aa, with my Partner in ~~Crime~~ Homeschooling, Kristin. She's getting both of her kids in on the action! They're pretty close in age. We're doing a letter of the week theme, and started this week! So far it's been lots of fun. We even had the girls chatting on Skype last night! Way fun. You should check it Out!

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2011-08-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

Project 52-32

2011-08-24T15:05:00.003-04:00

52-31

2011-08-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

The first week of August. So I'm a little late, but my word, August already!

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2011-08-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

So, as usual, I've been a bad blogger! Here are the pictures from the last week of July!

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2011-08-05T20:36:00.000-04:00

Is there anything better than a box to play in?

Conversation

2011-08-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

heard in our car today.

Stella: Mommy, when will we die?
Me: I can't answer that, honey.
Stella (without a moment's hesitation): Also, my socks are dirty.

Sid and I laughed. Hard. Stella didn't get it.

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2011-07-30T18:56:00.000-04:00

Family Photos

2011-07-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

We recently had family pictures taken by the very talented and very fun Sara, from More Photos, Less Words. They are fantastic! It's very hard to believe that she is still in high school. We believe that she has a bright future. Here are some of my favorites, and here are the links to her blog posts specifically relating to us!

Sneak Peek

The F Family

This Smile...

2011-07-13T20:10:00.000-04:00

Is so contagious. I cannot see it and not smile back. It is so lopsided. It has been since her very first one! I'm so glad that she didn't grow out of it. She smiles and her whole being lights up. From the inside out. She smiles with her eyes more than anyone I've ever met. I'm sure you've read in books where the character has smiling, or dancing eyes. Well, this kid's got 'em!

And this one? This smile lights the whole world.

His eyes smile too. And that dimple! Oh, I am in trouble. These two are gonna break some hearts for sure! For now though, I am gonna do my best to make sure that the joy and delight in these smiles stays there.

52-27

2011-07-12T19:39:00.000-04:00

This Weeks photos, taken Sunday evening. Right before I got to experience the magic of Beauty and the Beast, Disney-style, with Stella. And right before we put Bruce to bed!

I looked at this picture after I took it, and realized how big he's getting!

Thoughts

2011-07-10T13:16:00.001-04:00

To start, a warning. I will not be re-reading or editing this post. It is very much a post for me. It's really to help me gather my thoughts, hopefully coherently. Ok, consider yourself warned.

Today, church was hard. Why? I'm not really sure.

Maybe because today marked the 1 year point for us of attending Trinity. Don't get me wrong, I love it there. I have enjoyed being a part of the fellowship of believers there. I have enjoyed getting to know people there. It's starting to feel like home. I guess that's the problem. It also makes the one year mark of Sid and I having no ministry. And I feel like none, at all. And that's hard. I haven't sung in a choir, served in the nursery, or worked with a teenager, worked, HA, I don't think I even know more than a handful of names of teens there let alone anything about them!

I guess part of it too, is that I just figured we would never be there for a year. I thought for sure that God would have moved us to a new church where Sid would be working. So maybe it's hard because I was so sure we'd only be there 6 months. I keep holding on to the hope that He will, someday. But I have stopped putting a time frame on it. The other part of that is that I haven't allowed myself to make real friendships. I want to, but why put myself through the pain of having to tear myself away if we're just gonna be here for a little while. But now it's been a whole year. And I have and am friends, and more and more I am allowing myself to make the deeper connections that I want, and need, and I think that God wants us to have with other believers. I mean, how can we lift each other up, if we aren't close enough to reach each other, right?

I hate being or feeling like I'm in limbo. And yet, here I am, a year of it. I don't know why. I keep asking myself, and God, what haven't I learned yet? Why are we still here? What comes next? When will Sid have a regular, full time job? This cobbling together hours from 2 or 3 places is slowly killing me. And him.

The other thing I was thinking about this morning, was why do I feel like I've been shunned? Not by Trinity, by any means? But the last one? I have seen, with the exception of a retreat in March that none of them knew I would be at, 2 of my friends. And one of them it was only once. Is that just out of sight, out of mind? And I know that a telephone works both ways, but really? I was so hurt when we left, and this house is mine, but only kinda-sorta. It's hard to invite people over. It's getting easier to do that, but it's taken almost a year.

I guess I'm still sorting everything out, and typing it all out helps.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

Since we now live with my parents, "on the parade route," big deal that it is, we got to enjoy every bit of the decorating and preparing. My mom and I prepared sandwich stuff, cleaned like mad, and had no idea how many people were coming! We prayed that God would feed the hungry masses, and just like with loaves and fishes, there were even leftovers! He's faithful!

We had around 40 people, and it was really fun. Stella had lots of friends to play with, and play she did. The parade is as hokey and fun as ever. About 45 minutes worth of bands, kids on bikes, and, well, how many mascots do the Reading Phillies have?
Bruce seemed to enjoy it a little more this year. He even enjoyed his very own 1st lolli-pop! I have just a few pictures of the festivities, mostly taken by my cousin Josh. Thanks Josh!

We spent the afternoon hanging out and enjoying the beautiful weather, and went swimming at my cousins inlaws house. Thanks Jake and Nicki!

Just for fun I went back to look at last years 4th of July post. The difference is amazing in the kids! Here's the link in case you are interested!

52-26 Half-way!

2011-07-08T21:14:00.003-04:00

I Know! I can't believe it either. Half-stinkin'-way through the year. That went really fast. I am actually pretty impressed with myself for making it this far! I wasn't sure I could remember, and there have been ~~weeks~~ months where I forgot to put them up on time, but they are all up! The mid-way point in the year happens to coincide with the 4th of July, so... yes I know that last weeks picture was technically taken the day before this one, but... I'm gonna count it!

Cute, aren't they?

Drama, Drama, Drama

2011-07-07T20:58:00.001-04:00

My son, whom I love with my whole heart, is a drama king. He will throw himself, face down on the floor, arms out and wail. I'm not talking about that whiney, wimpy crying stuff. None of that for this kid. I mean wail, big tears, heart-breaking stuff. And then he peeks, to make sure you're watching. Not always, but man oh man. My favorite was the day he started to, he made the face, started to lean forward, but he was in his high chair. Then he opened his mouth WIDE, we all braced ourselves, he had his eyes closed and... no sound. He opened his eyes, took another look around, and did it again. No sound. he peeked. We laughed. And he's caught. It doesn't work so well anymore. But it doesn't stop him from trying. This is the only picture I currently have of the face-planted wail sessions.

He gets over it pretty quickly. This picture was taken about 30 minutes after the first!

52-25

2011-07-06T08:53:00.000-04:00

Sad to say, I was a slacker mommy. I have exactly 0.00 pictures of my kids from the last week of June. I'm not exactly sure how that happened. This is picture is actually from Sunday July 3.

Walking!

2011-07-05T08:18:00.009-04:00

Bruce is learning to walk. It's so much fun. As of yet he will only walk to a person, or maybe from a person to a large stationary object, like a chair. But he's getting better and better! He's just starting to stand up on his own, with no help. Stella did that first, then walked. But Bruce? Who wants to stand still long enough to figure out how? He still pulls himself up on whatever happens to be handy, then takes his few wobbly steps. Then, of course, everyone claps and cheers, and Bruce looks quite pleased with himself.

He's pretty good if he has a finger to hold, though we sometimes get that walking-in-circles effect. Like if you rowed a boat with just one oar. It's actually kinda funny. It won't be long until I'm really chasing down a toddler. I can wait, but at the same time, I can't! It's super fun to watch. And I'm so glad that he decided to start now, while Grandma was here to enjoy it!

I hope the video loads, then you can see how cute those first steps are!

I love my life, I wouldn't trade it for the world!

52-24

2011-07-04T19:44:00.000-04:00

This was the week that Grandma was here!

Little Things Bring Smiles

2011-06-30T13:35:00.000-04:00

My very talented and fun friend Katie has a blog called Little Things Bring Smiles. Every month she does a round up post of, you guessed it, Little Things that made her smile that month. I think this is a fabulous idea, and I thought I would copy the idea. So without further ado my list:

Smiles from my kids
Listening to them laugh together.
Chicken salad with Chinese Rice Noodles
Talking to friends on the phone
Seeing friends in person
Spending time with Sid
Watching Bruce learn to walk
Grandma coming to visit - actually that's a big thing!
Wooden Blocks
1st Birthday Parties
"Dates" with Stella

That's what I have for now, but I'm sure I could add more later.

Now you should go and check out Katie's list!

A Boy and His Cake

2011-06-27T20:48:00.001-04:00

A story in pictures of a Boy and His First Birthday Cake.

We think he liked it.

Thomas the Tank Engine

2011-06-26T20:48:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday we went to the Stroudsburg Railroad. They were having a special "Day out with Thomas," the Tank engine that is. We went, despite the threat of rain, and I am so glad we did. We wound up having a beautiful day. And since the weather looked a little threatening we didn't have quite the crowds we might have. Grandma had never ridden a train before, and Stella has been talking about how her Mommy was going to take her to the Train Station sometime. We thought it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Bruce got a ride from Daddy, in the Kozy.

There was a very cool mega-blocks Thomas. I'm impressed!

Bruce looks adorable in a hat, even if it didn't last very long.

THOMAS!

Steam Engine. We got rides behind both!

Stella waiting for our turn to ride Thomas.

A child's eye view of Thomas pulling in.

Riding in an open car behind Thomas.

Waiting for our ride to start.

The inside of a regular "coach" car behind Engine 475.

Engine 475, halfway through our ride!

Did you know that it gets up to 130 degrees inside the engine? I am glad that I am not the guy shoveling coal into that fire!

Grandma!

2011-06-25T20:47:00.000-04:00

Grandma came to visit us this week. We had so much fun. Most days we just hung out around the house, but we had a few "outings" as well. This was the first time we have seen her since August. That is a long time for us, but it seems like an eternity when there are little kids involved. Bruce was 2 months old the last time we saw her. There is a big difference between 2 months and 12 months, see?

Stella couldn't get enough of her, and Bruce warmed up quite well. Grandma really couldn't get enough of either kid!

52-23

2011-06-16T13:57:00.000-04:00

It's actually on time! These were taken before church last week. I love that my kids love each other!

Verses for my kids

2011-06-15T14:32:00.001-04:00

When Stella was born I was given the book Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper. I loved it. I've read it a few times now and I still love it. She talked about how she chose a hymn for each of her children, learned it, and then sang it to them as a lullaby, or to comfort them, or whenever. I really liked that idea, and have chosen songs for my kids. Stella's is A Mighty Fortress is Our God by Martin Luther, and Bruce's is In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Along the same lines, and I don't know if this is something I picked up from the book or not. I really feel like I just stumbled into it. But I also chose verses for my children. With Stella it was a verse I was just in love with at the time, and really wanted her to grow up with the understanding of who God is, and what her response to him should be. Her verse is Deuteronomy 6:4-5 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your might."

Bruce's Verse is Proverbs 31:9 "Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy." I want that for my son. Not that I don't want it for Stella, or that I don't want Bruce to understand Stella's. This verse stood out to me in it's context. It's a mother speaking to her son who will be the king. She wants him to be a righteous man, and a godly man, and leader. Things I want for my son.

So tell me, have you picked a verse for your children? What are they?

I'm linking up with WFMW at We Are That Family.

Strawberries

2011-06-14T18:06:00.002-04:00

We went to pick strawberries at a friends "little" strawberry patch. Stella enjoyed herself. For a few minutes.

She enjoyed carrying the basket around for a few minutes longer.

Bruce Really enjoyed himself. Caleb decided he would rather watch Bruce than pick strawberries. Fine by me! He asked if he could give Bruce a berry, I acquiesced and a moment later He exclaimed "he's like a vacuum!" He had literally sucked all the berry off. Right down to the stem.

We had to chase the stems. Holding the stem as tightly as possible we all almost lost fingers! I think it's safe to say he's a fan!

We picked A LOT of strwberries! We ate them for 2 days and then still "canned" 10 pints of freezer jam.

Stella's First Ride

2011-06-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

On a four wheeler.

She loved it. It was "a long ride." She talked about it for days!

I am Bossy...

2011-06-13T20:59:00.000-04:00

is giving away an iPad2 on her very fun blog. It's sponsored by Brad's Deals. You should maybe check it out. Or don't. I don't really want any more competition for that thing!

The Teacher

2011-06-11T21:56:00.000-04:00

My husband is a teacher. Not by trade. By personality. It's a gift. Truly. He thrives on it. He was in his element at the Magee's teaching the boys how to build (and why it's done that way).

He taught them to use tools.

Put up sheet rock on walls...

and ceilings.

He even taught Martha how to use a nail gun.

Even I used it! Like I said. He's a teacher.

Magee's

2011-06-10T21:00:00.000-04:00

When we left Kristin's home improvement project we went straight on to the Magee's home improvement project! Martha's mom is moving in with them, so some basement finishing work was occuring at their house. Since we were there... we helped. Well, Sid helped.

The kids and I mostly watched. My kids had a ball at their house. Stella LOVED the freedom she was able to have. They have 5 acres, 2 are open space. They live on a private dirt road, where the neighbors are known and trusted. Stella was given permission to let me know, and go play outside. She had 2 rules. 1. Stay out of the woods (no problem, since that doesn't really appeal to her anyway). and 2. Stay off the driveway. She spent lots of time outside.

Both kids also got lots of love from the boys. Especially from Josh! What a sweet heart that boy has.But they are all wonderful with both kids.

Bruce got a present, a Kozy. I love it, and he's learning to. : ) We felt truly blessed to be there and able to help.

Aunt Kristin's House

2011-06-09T20:29:00.000-04:00

Kristin is my best friend from college. Her daughter is the same age as Stella (really, it's less than two weeks). Her son is a little over a year younger. As you can imagine fun is never far for these kids when they are together!

There was porch-swinging, bubble-~~mess-making~~-blowing, soccer-ball kicking outside fun.

Slumber party with your friends fun.

Stay in your pj's all day fun.

And fun new games to play fun. For the kids.

We were there to work on the house and that all got done to Kristin's satisfaction, so it was a good time for us too.

Project 52-22

2011-06-08T22:47:00.000-04:00

So proud of himself. He moved that cushion and climbed up there all by himself!

Having "lunch" in a Stella-sized Rocker at a side table. With Mommy. Life doesn't get much better.

The drive

2011-06-07T19:43:00.001-04:00

We recently took a trip to Lynchburg, Virginia to help some friends do some work on their houses. The drive was beautiful. And the kids were so good.

At a rest stop

Stopped for lunch

More on our time in "the burg" is forthcoming.

Week 21

2011-06-05T22:41:00.002-04:00

another just pictures post

Week 20

2011-06-04T13:49:00.000-04:00

Week of May 15

Week 19

2011-06-03T14:14:00.000-04:00

Just photos! Week 19

May?/ Project 52- 18

2011-06-02T13:40:00.000-04:00

I'm not really sure what happened to May! It's... gone. We did spend 2 weeks away so that didn't help. As for blogging though, it's been quite the silence. Here are the week 18 pictures!

Make Way for Ducklings?

2011-05-03T20:01:00.001-04:00

Why yes, we live in a suburban neighborhood. Why, no we don't really live close to water. Not terribly far, but not terribly close either. In the children's book Make Way for Ducklings a pair of ducks make a home in a pond in the middle of Boston, and then the mama duck has to take her ducklings to the river. Quite a walk through Boston. It's a cute story, and I felt sure that we were going to get to see it happen sometime this summer. After a few particularly rainy days in April, I got a call from Sid. He told me to bring Stella outside, that there was a pair of ducks in front of a tree next door. So, out we went to see the ducks. They waddled around, ate some... i don't know actually, but they were definitely eating, and just watched us watch them. They didn't stick around too long though. I guess they needed a real water source.

52-17 is Easter!

2011-05-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

Stella's Easter Basket

The good picture before church.

The keepin' it real picture, before church.

Bruce and Daddy enjoying the Easter Egg hunt.

Stella did all the hunting and the rest of us watched and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

If you choose to...

2011-04-25T09:40:00.001-04:00

read the paper for 2 more minutes and let your 3 year old entertain her brother, when you go upstairs to get him out of his crib this is what you will find:

Project 52- 16

2011-04-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

Sleepy Pictures this week! Stella had just woken up from a nap on my bed. She was looking so sweet, and had such rosy cheeks that I couldn't resist a few shots! This is my favorite.

And Buck-man here was all excited because A. I had come to get him, and B. because his sister decided to get into his crib to play with him before I got upstairs!

New Toys

2011-04-21T09:56:00.000-04:00

Well, as my mom and I were discussing earlier, I don't need to buy my kids toys to keep them happily entertained, as evidenced by the bins upon bins of unused toys and the overworked plastic-ware drawer. But that's another post for another day. This is about Stella's new-to-her Dress up clothes. That's right, folks.

We are now proudly in posession of 1 fairy dress, 3-5 princess dresses, 1 witch costume, 1 High School Musical costume, and countless accessories.

Thanks to my friend Trisha (no, really, THANKS!!!) we have already had hours of fun with these. These pictures are all from day 1 (fairy outfit and purple(!) high heels).

Week 15

2011-04-19T13:13:00.000-04:00

These are the pictures I usually choose to leave off the blog. But really, She's a very good big sister. He didn't want to sit like that... or at all... for that matter. Just thought I'd do a "keepin' it real" post.

Stella's Hairscut

2011-04-18T09:34:00.001-04:00

Several weeks ago Stella and I decided it was time for her to get a haircut. She informed me that I could get "haircutting scissors" at Walmart the next time we went, and I could cut her hair. I figured that if I would have taken her to a salon to get her hair cut it would be $13 or so. Or I could get the $8 scissors. I chose the latter. If it bombed, I would only be out 8 bucks, and if it worked... I saved 7, and I get to do it again. This sounds like a good plan. So Stella's hair is cut. Short.

Before

After

I love it. She loves it. I'll be cutting hair again. Sweet.

Week 14

2011-04-16T21:34:00.000-04:00

At the "March Birthday's" Party at Aunt Sue and Uncle Tom's.

Week 13

2011-03-27T19:57:00.001-04:00

My latest project

2011-03-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Bruce likes to try and eat things. Anything he can get into his mouth. Like shopping carts. It's gross, makes me gag. So I decided he needed one of those cart covers. You've seen them. They go over the seat and you plunk your kid inside to keep them all germ free. I had one for Stella. I used it one time and decided it was too much work and that the people who used them must be germ-phobic. But, then again, Stella wasn't trying to eat the metal on the side of the basket. So anyway, Bruce was trying to eat the metal, so he needed something. Well, I did anyway.

So like anyone with a sewing machine, I took my measuring tape to market with me and measured the cart. In the parking lot. While getting strange looks from people. I determined that I needed a 40" x 40" square. (Having now made it I would probably go with a 40" x 42" rectangle in the future.) Armed with my measurements I went to the fabric store and bought myself 4 feet of two very cute fabrics. Polka-dots and stars. Blue and brown. Cute, but boy-ish enough for a baby.

Now begins the semi-tutorial. I used no pattern. I'm a rebel like that. Actually, I thought "how hard can it be? It's a square of fabric with some elastic and leg holes." Ha.

It really wasn't too hard. I trimmed my fabric to 41" x 41", to leave room for seam allowances and the (very narrow) elastic I chose.

Sew fabric right sides together, leave a hole for turning.

Turn right side out. Iron seams. Top stitch very close to the edge.

While you have that iron out... find the longer strip from where you trimmed your fabric. Use it to make the binding you'll use for your leg holes. There is a great tutorial here, if you need it. (One half of the 48 in. strip of fabric will bind one leg hole. Just. (Measure twice, cut once applies well here)).

Now it's time to make the leg holes.

Lay your fabric down and find the center point of an edge. Preferably not the side where your hole is. Measure 2 inches (you could get away with 1.5" but I wouldn't go any less than that) toward the outside. Then measure 12 inches down. This point will be your top inside corner of leg hole #1. Make the leg hole 5 inches wide, 6 inches deep. Mark and cut out. Repeat for leg hole two.

Take the self-fabric binding you just made and sew the binding onto the leg holes.

Now mark the hole where you turned your fabrics right side out, both sides of it. Measure in enough to fit your elastic through. I used 1/4" Sew a seam around the entire cover. This will make a channel for the elastic to go through. Thread elastic through. (This was the single hardest part! Sid laughed at me.) Sew elastic ends together.

Close up the hole, being careful not to get the elastic.

Finish binding the leg holes (if you haven't already).

I added some rings that I had on hand, so that I could attach toys (or my keys) to the cover. I used some leftover scraps and some D-rings. Do a very tight zigzag around the edges, fold over the very edge, then just enough to make a loop for the ring, and still be able to sew it on. Sew on to the front, wherever you want!

The last part is to measure down 5 or 6 inches (on the back) and put in some large buttonholes. Mine are about a foot apart, and more or less centered. These will enable you to strap your cart-eating baby in so he (or she) can't climb out. Not that they would try of course. But there's something about wanting your kid to be safe, just in case. Falling headfirst out of a cart just doesn't sound like a real fun idea to me. I know, I'm a fun-sucker.

I got a 6 foot strap with a buckle at Walmart, because they didn't come in shorter lengths, and most of the carts at market don't have straps . There I go again with the falling out thing.

Put your cover on your cart on your next shopping trip and enjoy!

Isn't he cute?

A Mini photo-shoot and Week 12

2011-03-21T09:54:00.001-04:00

These pictures turned out so well. My kids were unusually cooperative, and we had a blast taking pictures in their bedroom the other day. I just wish the background was better! That last one is obviously not in the house, but at the playground!

A girls day with my cousins!

2011-03-19T15:00:00.001-04:00

Caroline

Yesterday I spent the day at my cousins house, with two other cousins (four total), plus our kids (four total).Jane

It was way fun. Caroline

We hung out and talked, ate, laughed at kids, read books, and took a walk to the park. Bruce and Jane sharing a swing

Stella entertained everyone with her songs and random sharing of stories. Or should that be sharing of random stories? Megan reading to Stella

My cousins girls are both 1 year old, and give my kids a run for their money in the "cutest kids in the world" competition. Stella

My kids still win, but I guess I am a little biased.

Bruce and Jane, Don't worry he didn't hit her.

Week 11

2011-03-18T21:22:00.000-04:00

At ~~the~~ a park in Wayne, PA. It was a fun day with my cousins!

Week 10

2011-03-15T13:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, I skipped week 9. They were sick. It wasn't pretty. Here's a week 10 shot (or shots rather).

Daddy and I have a bad feeling...

2011-03-02T13:02:00.002-05:00

That's what Stella says to me every time they have a pillow fight!

But does this look like a "bad feeling" to you?

I love my family!

Name Banners

2011-02-28T11:01:00.004-05:00

I had so much fun taking this,

and this

and making it these!

These were very much fun to make. Tutorial found here at Made by Rae.

Week 9

2011-02-27T13:45:00.002-05:00

Wow! The first two months of the year have gone by fast! These were taken this morning (2/27) before church.

Project 52-8 and a Pop-Pop Morning

2011-02-23T13:39:00.001-05:00

This week (since I forgot the Sunday morning photo) I got pictures of the kids on Wednesday with Pop-Pop. He was such a good sport. He held them, read to them, loved them.

And they loved him back! He even watched a video with Stella. I remember cuddling with him on the sofa and watching cartoons when I was a little girl, so it was fun to see Stella have that experience too.

Project 52-7

2011-02-19T16:11:00.002-05:00

Bedtime stories with Daddy last Saturday!

When headbutting is a good thing!

2011-02-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

I love to watch Sid and Stella play together. It's so sweet to watch their relationship develop.

But I Have to admit, that my favorite thing is when they give kisses for goodnight, or goodbye.

Sid will say something along the lines of "I want my Kisses." So Stella kisses one cheek,

Then the other, and then his nose.

Finally, they bump foreheads and say "BONK." I melt every time. It's so cute. So, in our house headbutting is a good thing. It is also sweet to see Stella gently (usually!) give Bruce bonks.

In her mind I'm sure it's an expression of love! Every now and then I also get bonks. They're fun and sweet. I'll take them.

Most of these pictures are from last spring or summer.

Hair Clips!

2011-02-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

The other night I was playing with felt, and made some cute little hair clips for Stella.
Just because I could. I love the way they turned out! And so did she! She couldn't wait to wear them.

I am so pleased at how they turned out, and how cute they look in her hair. I got the idea from here at made.

Here's a sneak peak of my next project. Coming soon!

Project 52-6

2011-02-06T15:37:00.001-05:00

Winter wonderland

2011-02-02T21:38:00.000-05:00

I love the way that trees look when the branches have a thick coat of ice all the way around the branches.

Unfortunately is hard to get really good shots of them with out leaving the porch, or your living room.

Of course, there is a dark side to ice covered trees. Downed branches. They were everywhere on our block. This was the big one. Right in the middle of the street.

It all got cleaned up. The road is passable.

And tonight I am especially thankful that we have a nice warm house to be all cozied up in.

Buck-man!

2011-02-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Bruce woke up early from his nap today. He was in a good mood and so I grabbed my camera. He was unusually cooperative, but he had my full attention since Stella was still sleeping. I couldn't help but snag and post a few pictures of my rapidly growing boy!Enjoy them!

So proud of himself, for getting up on the step, and trying to get up the stairs!

My happy guy! A smile when I'm not holding him!

Hey, look, I crawled up your leg!

Yeah, I'm cool. Too bad his eyes aren't open in this one!

The slightly-elusive-but-oh-so-fun laugh. I got it by pushing him in the chest every time he leaned forward. What a boy! What a joy!

Project 52-5

2011-02-01T15:52:00.001-05:00

January 30th in the evening, before bed.

Snow!

2011-01-28T12:01:00.000-05:00

We had Snow much fun. A snowman and a snow angel. Two different snowstorms. Lots of fun!