It's good to be short

Sunday, January 31, 2010

So, with Jake's computer broke and my now lack of someone to talk to in the evening I decided I'd write a few things down on the blog instead. I'm sure you all are excited for this!

I'm happy to say that the first time in five months a month went by quickly. January sped by and I can only hope the same for the next seven months. Save the two week break that Jake will be here. There are many times this month that I have thought back to last year and all that took place...

Had kid number 4

Moved to the Northwest

Joined Army Life

Sent Jake off for a year

Found a new church home

Man, that is a lot in one year. I'm hoping for a little tamer 2010. Looking back over the month of January though, I'm a little nervous!

Had one kid suspended

Locked little guys in the car

Have had to endure recorder practice every day for a good hour

Had our toilet clogged too many times to count...in fact they came and took our toilet off to finally get it figured out (thank you God for free home maintenance!)

Oh wait, there is light

Joined a new Bible study

Started working out again

Made several trips to Tacoma, Seattle and surrounding places

And it flew by!

So, Happy February everyone! I'm so happy your the short one of the group as with March comes Jake!

Habla Ingles?

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Manuel had a life changing moment a few weeks ago when he was at school. (not the being suspended for shooting rubber bands incident!) He was near the office and some lady started talking to him in Spanish. He came home frustrated that he doesn't know Spanish. A week or so later a new student came into his class that only speaks Spanish. Manuel has been picking up words very easily from the new kid and comes home to share them with me all the time. I'm excited to have him get in touch with his culture! Now, don't get me wrong I'm all about teaching Manuel and Karmen Spanish and would love to incorporate that into their world more. But sometimes I'm wondering if maybe I need to be teaching them English...

a note from "Karme"...wishing me love, joy peace, kindnees and sweat!

Apparently my attempt to distinguish when to use the word "good" and when to use the word "well" has been in vain. Neither of which make sense in this sentence.

This one is hard to make out but it is Karmen's bag of "Pennis" that she is taking to school to help the people of Haiti. Pretty sure they don't need any of those!

John One:One

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Gage almost has John 1:1 down...

Number 4

I feel for Boyce. He truly gets number four syndrome very undeservedly so! He is such a cute little boy and a really good baby. Aside from our weekly visits to the doctor to figure out his incessant runny nose, He keeps us all pretty entertained. He weighs in at a measly 18 lbs and 28 inches just short of his first birthday (Gage's stats at 6 months!) but makes up for it in his personality. I think someone told him that he was actually two on the inside because he definitely acts like it. He really has been emerging in the past few weeks though and so I've been able to capture it on video for you all to enjoy.

The Big City

Thursday, January 21, 2010

We have had an awesome week of weather and actually ended up going to Seattle twice this week. Here are some shots...We went to the Pacific Science Center where they were having some model train exhibits along with tons of other stuff. We all had a great time.

Watching Trains

Boyce was super excited on this ride...this doesn't even look like him!

Gage even got to ride on a "train" I love his smile here!

Therapy

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Last year we started a new Christmas tradition in our family. We decided every year that we would think of more creative gifts to give others. One of my challenges was to develop some gift ideas that I could spend time making rather than buying. We then give the money we save on presents to an organization called adventconspiracy.org. I started this year with some ideas and ended up getting most of them accomplished. I realized that sewing is a form of therapy for me and spend many evenings after the kids are in bed unwinding and sewing. Here are some of my latest creations.

Giant Checkerboard that I made for Karmen and Manuel

Travel pillow I made for my sister

Christmas ornament I made for an ornament exchange. I forgot to take pictures of the other finished ones. I loved this and plan on making some more!

Journals for Karmen and Manuel

A crochet hook holder for my mom. After taking the picture I realized I still needed to burn the ends of the ribbon. (in case you were worried!)

Cd case for a friend. It was double-sided so it actually holds 12 cds.

A cup cover for Boyce's sippy cup. I hate putting tape on their cups but needed to have his cup labeled for nursery at Bible study.

Gage Unplugged

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Gage decided to have a singing session during lunch the other day. Look out American Idol!