The Best Part of Waking Up...

There's nothing like starting your morning with a mouthful of old coffee grounds.
Could it be there is someone in the family who loves
coffee more than me?

Still Here

Hello there! Yes, I'm still here. I'm just having major writer's block...not that I write a whole lot anyway :). A quick update of random stuff:

• We're back to homeschooling. One of the fun things we've been able to do is coincide our study of seeds with a sprout kit Aunt Katie gave the kids for Christmas. The kids have loved watching the changes occur.
• This mild winter weather has allowed for a lot of muddy, outdoor play.
  
• I have a few sewing projects I've been finishing up. Pictures to come eventually.
• As far as new goals for the year, I have a few areas I'm working on, but I've been contemplating them since early December so we don't have to call them "resolutions" do we? :)
• We have been feeding the birds this winter and it's been so nice to see the cheerful red of the cardinal, the sweet black cap of the chickadee, the adorable eyes of the tufted titmouse and the climbing antics of the nuthatch. They make me happy.
• I've been very introspective lately. It makes me quiet. Thoughtful. It's like I can't think about much else until I resolve things in my mind. I'm not sure that's a good quality for those around me, but it leads me to the Lord for his leading and direction. Time spent pondering with Him is a good thing.

Here's hoping your winter is off to a good start... resolutions or not! :)

"one"derful!

Today marks a year when in the wee hours of the morning our sweet boy was born. He was laid in my arms and for the third time in my life I thought I'd never seen anything more precious. To think, after our miscarriages we decided to try just once more. And look at what God's gracious hand gave us. We know he is a gift. He belongs to God, as do our other kids. He is not ours to selfishly hold on to, but it raise up to bring glory to Him. I'm just so incredibly grateful that He chose us, in His perfect plan, to have such precious gift. Thank you, Lord.

Ethan, you are:

• My sweet rascal. You are laid back, yet determined. I don't know how those two character traits coexist, but you pull it off! Curious should be your middle name.
  
• You are a jokster. You tease me already in your own little way.
  
• I love it when you smile and crinkle your nose. Oh, it warms my heart!
• You love the outdoors more than any other place! Absolute glee exudes from you when we step outside to play.
  
• You are quite the conversationalist. I love your jibber-jabber.
• I cherish our snuggle time. Your silky hair on my cheek is good medicine.
• ...and your laugh is music.

Happiest of birthdays to you! We love you!

11 Months...And So It Begins.

It really all started yesterday. First, two separate attemps at four steps each, then nine. He still prefers crawling, but occasionally I catch him taking a few careful steps on his own. I'm excited, proud... and maybe just a tiny bit sad. How can my baby be almost a year old? I'm so grateful for him. What a sweet addition to our family!

Five

On Sunday, Lydia turned five. Oh my! How time just scoots along.
We had a simple family celebration earlier in the day and then with our house church
family in the evening.

Upon waking, she donned the purple crown I made her last year and did not remove it until bedtime. She requested spaghetti for dinner and a chocolate cake with light purple frosting. Overall, I would say her day was a success!

Our sweet babysitter, M, brought Lydia an Aurora Princess Baby.
She's in love.

Some of your favorite things:

Color- purple
Food- spaghetti, oatmeal and french fries
Activity- swinging, twirling, racing your "car" down the driveway
Theme- princesses, fairies

Lydia,

My precious daughter.
You are a great blessing and it is an honor to be your mom. It's been a joy to watch you grow the past five years. My heart melts at your tenderheartedness, yet you have spunk! I love your silly moments... and there are many. You are my sweet girl and I am so thankful you were chosen by Him to be a part of our family. I pray that He will enable me to be a mom who will show you what it is to love Jesus and to love others.

yours forever,

momma

A Robot, Fairy and a Kiss

Last night the kids had such a great time! There was a major countdown going on
here until the moment we stepped out the door.The fairy and the robot, all ready to go.

And of the course, my Hershey kiss who was forced to come along the big event.
He was quite a trooper.

And the only thing he's guilty of melting is my heart.

On a side note, I wanted to share this fun frosting recipe. It's very sweet, so it would
best be paired with a dark chocolate cookie or a cookie that's not overly sweet itself.

Spiderweb Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar
3 Tbsp corn syrup (I would like to try honey or brown rice syrup next time)
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp + 4 tsp milk (separated)
2 Tbsp cocoa, sifted (Trust me, it's worth the effort)

Blend sugar , corn syrup, vanilla and 3 Tbsp milk plus 2 tsp milk until smooth. Remove 1/3 cup icing and stir in cocoa and remaining 2 tsp milk. Transfer chocolate frosting to a baggie. Snip the corner. Ice cookies with vanilla icing. Beginning at the center, pipe a spiral of chocolate icing onto the cookie. With a knife tip or a toothpick, drag through the spiral to create a web pattern. Let stand until set.

10 Months

Do not let this mellow look fool you!

There is a spunky, very curious, active little boy emerging with each new day.
Still as precious as ever though.