Traveling Fun

Caleb was quite the trooper when traveling last weekend. He made friends with all around him. Here are a few sweet bye bye's. We only have evidence of me skiing because I'm not coordinated enough to ski and take pictures at the same time like Matt is.

Fun in MI

Pretty Ice...Glad It's Gone

In Memory of

This blog post is in memory of a very special woman, my mother. Much of my personality is a direct result of her. If told "you act just like your mother," my reply would be "thank you." Quiet strength, optimistic heart, genuine enthusiasm, calm words, humor a little on the silly side, sharp as a tack with endless vocabulary, made smallest occurrences the biggest of celebrations...wow I could go on. She was full of sayings that I cling to even to this day..."a place for everything and everything in its place" showed me how serene a home can be, "to each his own" teaches me to listen but hold true to my beliefs. "Speak non of what you hear and only half of what you see" and "If you can't say anything nice, bite your tongue...it will only hurt for a minute but words can never be taken back" reminds me that gossip only shallows a person- these are neither my words to say nor makes me a better person for putting my nose where it doesn't belong and challenges me to think carefully before speaking. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" helps me understand that no matter what plans you make to always appreciate and make the best of the unexpected situation, "boredom is admitting you are too dumb to find something to do" keeps me from idleness, and "cherish the little things" helps me find joy in the tiniest details of the day." "Take your 5 minutes to cry then figure out what's next" and "first time shame on them second time shame on you" reminds me that it's alright to mess up or be down but wallowing in sorrows will neither improve the situation nor help me learn from it to keep from repeating. She wanted to be called mommy because there were only two in this world who could and it is the proudest job she had. I hope one day Caleb can also sit in a silent room with me knowing he has my undivided attention or on a porch swing watching the miracle of a storm light up the sky without even having to say a word and reassured in this comfortable silence of how my heart overflows with love for him. I hope he too is inundated with unforgettable memories and positively influenced as I have been when he reflects through his mother's eyes. How blessed I am to have had such a wonderful person in my life remembering her everyday especially today.

When the lights go out in S'dale...

we excitedly look out the parts of the window that aren't iced over, turn on the fireplace that we can't otherwise justify turning on, listen to Daddy play the guitar, and be thankful they were on before night.

More Birthday Fun

Sunday day we attended Kaylee Beth's birthday party. We began the day before coloring her birthday card. Caleb picked out her present...well more of little hands attaching to a toy while strolling down the aisle. Instead of trying to pry open determined hands, mommy complemented Caleb on what a wonderful selection he had made. We also topped the present with a Caleb and Kaylee Beth favorite...Puffs. We pulled up to the party fast asleep and he was still half asleep trying to play in the ball pit. Caleb brought his new red wagon for everyone to enjoy and was mesmerized by all of the big kids running around. As every good friend should, Caleb helped her unwrap her gifts and scatter the paper.



It just seems like yesterday mommies were big and pregnant
and we welcomed precious little Kaylee Beth into the world. Gaining more personality each and everyday, what a blessing they have become. Happy Birthday Kaylee Beth!

Little Feet Take Big Steps

Ta Da! Caleb is not one to rock the boat. He has been so content and extremely fast on his knees that he has shown no interest in walking. With an overly exuberant mommy, he decided to give it a try. Of course I screamed for the first and took a picture for the second step. This weekend his curiosity of Grandma's house kept him brave and on his toes. We also visited our friend Ellen who has been growing up just as fast as Caleb. Ellen was so sweet pushing him around in her new car.
Another funny is watching him play with new dishes. He stirs the fork in the cup just mommy and daddy do in the morning.

Happy New Year

During back to school workshops we were asked to share the best event of the Christmas break. The first thing that came to mind and that I shared with my partner was an enjoyable wagon ride around our circle. Especially among other events, I treasure every moment spent at home with my boys and appreciate everything Matt does to create my favorite place to be.
I have been asked the past week about New Year's resolutions and am reminded how blessed I am that each day is a new day to live according to His will. Resolution...I guess count my blessings (again and again) and seeing the blessing in each detail to truly appreciate what the Lord has provided in our lives.
I also had a big helper over the break and here he is helping me fold laundry. Can't start too early!

More Christmas Happies

How sweet is this little smile! Caleb helped in unwrapping each present, played peekaboo with the boxes and curtains then stopped to give himself a round of applause. Check out the tongue that we see a lot more often these days.


























































Last week we invited Kaylee Beth to play. Because it was so nice outside Cindy and I took the kiddos around the block in Caleb's new wagon. I foresee lots of fun times this summer.