I love the Playdate Crashers. If you haven't checked them out, you should! It's a great site for parenting information, product reviews, real life stories and other fun stuff. I wrote a product review for them a while back, and today they've posted a guest blog from me. I love having the opportunity to do it. Today, I wrote an article about my struggles as a mommy. It's called "Let's Get Real." Hopefully the honesty and transparency in it will be helpful to someone else in my shoes. Here's a link to the article. Check out the rest of the site while you're at it!
If you're looking for more real, candid writing about life, check out this site: ineachcircumstance.com. It's a neat little site from a friend I've made through the blogging world. Check out her sweet, honest, Christian perspective on life. It's refreshing!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Happy Friday!
I really am happy that it's Friday. All in all, we've had a decent week. It could've been worse, especially with the water heater situation, but it wasn't. Praise the Lord. I've had a very productive week and, since we hosted life group last night, the house is clean. I'm enjoying the fact that I don't need to rush off to clean something!
I still have a lot to do, though. Kraig started his "Girls and Boys" sermon series (aka the big sex and dating series) on Sunday. It's based off a series that someone else did and the second sermon was called, "What a Girl Wants." This girl gets to teach that. I'm seriously excited about it, but I'm not ready yet. I need a couple good hours to finish writing and get it ready to present. Who has time with little kids running around? Kraig's gonna get to play with them all by himself tonight while I finish up. I can't wait. I love what I have so far, and I can't wait to see where it ends. I'm praying that it will be helpful to someone. Oh, and the original sermon manuscript, the girl that spoke said the words, "penis and vagina" multiple times. I edited that out. I didn't find it necessary. We all know the words, right? No thanks. If you will, pray that it goes well. Not sure that public speaking is my forte and it's been FOREVER since I've done anything. If it wasn't such an important topic, I wouldn't have agreed to do it. Anyhow...
In other news, I'm doing a guest blog for the Playdate Crashers again! Should post soon. I'll send a link when it's available. Happy Friday!
I still have a lot to do, though. Kraig started his "Girls and Boys" sermon series (aka the big sex and dating series) on Sunday. It's based off a series that someone else did and the second sermon was called, "What a Girl Wants." This girl gets to teach that. I'm seriously excited about it, but I'm not ready yet. I need a couple good hours to finish writing and get it ready to present. Who has time with little kids running around? Kraig's gonna get to play with them all by himself tonight while I finish up. I can't wait. I love what I have so far, and I can't wait to see where it ends. I'm praying that it will be helpful to someone. Oh, and the original sermon manuscript, the girl that spoke said the words, "penis and vagina" multiple times. I edited that out. I didn't find it necessary. We all know the words, right? No thanks. If you will, pray that it goes well. Not sure that public speaking is my forte and it's been FOREVER since I've done anything. If it wasn't such an important topic, I wouldn't have agreed to do it. Anyhow...
In other news, I'm doing a guest blog for the Playdate Crashers again! Should post soon. I'll send a link when it's available. Happy Friday!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I'm so behind!
It's been a decent, productive week thus far. Some of it by choice, some not so much.
I've been on an organization streak and Kraig's motivated to paint, so we're getting some things done. Sunday night and Monday, Kraig painted the basement bathroom and did a few odds and ends. I cleaned out and organized the spice cabinet, cleaned the microwave, taught piano lessons, cooked dinner.
Yesterday, I ran downstairs to start some laundry and realized that the pile (or MOUNTAIN) of laundry in front of the washer was wet. Not good. I moved it around and realized that the floor was wet and there was water all over the floor and under the washer and dryer. Not good. I quickly figured out that the hot water tank was leaking all over the floor. Who knows how long it had been that way. I called Kraig and he came home to check it out. Not long after he got home, I called my dad. Thankfully, he'd been rained out of work, so he could help. I described what was going on and he immediately knew the problem. After a trip to the hardware store, Kraig went back to work. He was able to fix the problem after work in like 15 minutes for about $10. What a relief! As first time home owners who live far, far away from our parents, we're learning a lot! So thankful for my husband!
I made delicious Olive Garden style zuppa toscana for dinner. It was fairly simple and very delicious! It was even better today for lunch. We also had a loaf of artisan bread that I made. My mom turned me onto a recipe for a quick, no knead artisan bread that is delicious. We've thoroughly enjoyed having fresh bread with our meals. You can find the recipe here. Seriously, so easy that Kate could probably do it. The perfect recipe for a crazy, busy mommy!
Today, we've done about five loads of laundry and I'm trying to find some decorating inspiration for the house. We're trying to pick paint colors and it's sooooooo hard!
Hope you're all doing well:)
I've been on an organization streak and Kraig's motivated to paint, so we're getting some things done. Sunday night and Monday, Kraig painted the basement bathroom and did a few odds and ends. I cleaned out and organized the spice cabinet, cleaned the microwave, taught piano lessons, cooked dinner.
Yesterday, I ran downstairs to start some laundry and realized that the pile (or MOUNTAIN) of laundry in front of the washer was wet. Not good. I moved it around and realized that the floor was wet and there was water all over the floor and under the washer and dryer. Not good. I quickly figured out that the hot water tank was leaking all over the floor. Who knows how long it had been that way. I called Kraig and he came home to check it out. Not long after he got home, I called my dad. Thankfully, he'd been rained out of work, so he could help. I described what was going on and he immediately knew the problem. After a trip to the hardware store, Kraig went back to work. He was able to fix the problem after work in like 15 minutes for about $10. What a relief! As first time home owners who live far, far away from our parents, we're learning a lot! So thankful for my husband!
I made delicious Olive Garden style zuppa toscana for dinner. It was fairly simple and very delicious! It was even better today for lunch. We also had a loaf of artisan bread that I made. My mom turned me onto a recipe for a quick, no knead artisan bread that is delicious. We've thoroughly enjoyed having fresh bread with our meals. You can find the recipe here. Seriously, so easy that Kate could probably do it. The perfect recipe for a crazy, busy mommy!
Today, we've done about five loads of laundry and I'm trying to find some decorating inspiration for the house. We're trying to pick paint colors and it's sooooooo hard!
Hope you're all doing well:)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Update on the kiddos
Jack turned five months old on Sunday. It's hard to believe that he's that old, but he is growing like a weed and learning so many new things. So what's Jack up to these days? Here's a run-down:
-Weighed in at 16lbs 11oz today (90th percentile). 26 1/2inches long(90th). Head circumference of 45 cm(95th).
-He got an exersaucer for Christmas and he loves it. He loves being able to stand up and he's figured out how to get each of the attached toys in his mouth.
-He's still breastfeeding exclusively (though not for long!)
-He has great hand-eye coordination and loves playing with toys.
-He cries when I leave the room and stops when I return (cute, but not fun).
-When laying on his belly, he can scoot himself forward and backwards.
-He can sit up. Obviously, I still put pillows around him for safety reasons, but he loves sitting up. He has a tendency to dive at toys when they get a little to far away, but he doesn't seem to mind.
-Anytime he's on his back and isn't wearing socks, his toes are in his mouth. Gross.
-He's still much fussier than Kate was and isn't sleeping so well, but the doctor has given me a few suggestions to try. Hopefully they work! Momma needs some sleep!
Kate is ornery. She has the vocabulary of a teenager and the attitude of a teenager. Can you tell Daddy's a youth minister? She's potty trained, but traveling seemed to bring out the accidents. All in all, though, she's doing very well. She's a pro at puzzles, even ones that I think should be too difficult. She's going to bed earlier now that she used to, which hasn't seemed to affect her waking time or her napping. She's currently staring at me, eating a pop tart that seems to have appeared out of thin air. She's very strong-willed and a challenge at times, but she's also a sweetie and a great big sister. She continues to amaze us with her ability to learn lyrics so quickly. She knows so many songs that it's scary. She's got a great little voice and occasionally she'll start singing the harmony parts that she hears us sing. It's pretty amazing. Can't wait to see how her talents develop!
That's what's up! Kraig and I are doing well. I'm in organization mode, finally. So many things have gone undone since we moved and I'm ready to get them done. Can't wait til everything is finally where it really should go!
-Weighed in at 16lbs 11oz today (90th percentile). 26 1/2inches long(90th). Head circumference of 45 cm(95th).
-He got an exersaucer for Christmas and he loves it. He loves being able to stand up and he's figured out how to get each of the attached toys in his mouth.
-He's still breastfeeding exclusively (though not for long!)
-He has great hand-eye coordination and loves playing with toys.
-He cries when I leave the room and stops when I return (cute, but not fun).
-When laying on his belly, he can scoot himself forward and backwards.
-He can sit up. Obviously, I still put pillows around him for safety reasons, but he loves sitting up. He has a tendency to dive at toys when they get a little to far away, but he doesn't seem to mind.
-Anytime he's on his back and isn't wearing socks, his toes are in his mouth. Gross.
-He's still much fussier than Kate was and isn't sleeping so well, but the doctor has given me a few suggestions to try. Hopefully they work! Momma needs some sleep!
Kate is ornery. She has the vocabulary of a teenager and the attitude of a teenager. Can you tell Daddy's a youth minister? She's potty trained, but traveling seemed to bring out the accidents. All in all, though, she's doing very well. She's a pro at puzzles, even ones that I think should be too difficult. She's going to bed earlier now that she used to, which hasn't seemed to affect her waking time or her napping. She's currently staring at me, eating a pop tart that seems to have appeared out of thin air. She's very strong-willed and a challenge at times, but she's also a sweetie and a great big sister. She continues to amaze us with her ability to learn lyrics so quickly. She knows so many songs that it's scary. She's got a great little voice and occasionally she'll start singing the harmony parts that she hears us sing. It's pretty amazing. Can't wait to see how her talents develop!
That's what's up! Kraig and I are doing well. I'm in organization mode, finally. So many things have gone undone since we moved and I'm ready to get them done. Can't wait til everything is finally where it really should go!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I gotta get this out...
I've been ready to do an update for over a week, but there's been no time--or internet!
Is it really January 9th already? My word...
Back to December (no, it's not a song reference)...
Christmas was a crazy busy time for us this year. I mean, it's always busy, but we had some added responsibilities that were awesome but very time consuming. We hosted Kraig's family for Christmas this year. Thankfully, they were able to oblige us by traveling to us this year. With Christmas being on a Sunday, traveling at the right time to see the whole family was going to be difficult for us. So they came! We got to enjoy several days with all of them, which was great! It was also nice to have the extra hands:) Since we had the Christmas Eve service Saturday and church on Sunday, we decided to open presents Christmas Eve morning and pretend it was Christmas:) We stopped halfway through for lunch and finished up just in time to get ready for the evening service. Luckily, Kate's not a wake up at 5 a.m. to open presents kind of kid, yet. I'm sure it's coming, but we were safe this year.
Kraig was in charge of our Christmas Eve service this year and he, along with myself and a small group of musicians, put together a performance of Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God. We're no Andrew Peterson, by any means, but it was an awesome night of telling the story of Christ in a very unique way through music. We were privileged to be able to do it and the Lord blessed our efforts. If you've heard this music, however, you understand that it's challenging work. We spent hours and hours rehearsing, preparing and setting the stage for the big night. It was labor intensive, but worth every minute. The musicians who participated did a fabulous job. Kraig did a great job. After the service was over (huge sigh of relief!), we went out for Chinese food with the family.
Quick rundown of the next week:
Monday: Sisters and brother-in-law left.
Tuesday: Kraig and I got to go to dinner:)
Wednesday: Kraig's parents left.
Thursday & Friday: LAUNDRY!
Saturday: Pack for Ohio, mini-New Year's Eve celebration.
Sunday: I finished packing like a crazy lady, packed up the kids and headed to church. After church, we drove to Ohio.
Once we made it to Ohio, we unloaded the van and ate some yummy appetizers. Mom even made sushi! After the bellies were full (much too full), we opened presents. I made a couple homemade gifts for my mom and sister, which I'll share another time:) It was so good to be home. We spent the rest of the week enjoying family time and getting some rest. On Wednesday, my sister took the kids to her house and her and mom kept them so I could take a lonnnnnnnng bubble bath. My sister got my lots of bubble bath goodies for Christmas, including two magazines to read. So thoughtful! I enjoyed every minute of the peace. After my bath was over, we ran over to feed Jack and then Kraig and I walked through a few thrift stores. Since our hands were empty, we even got to hold hands with each other! It's the simple things!
Friday, Kraig and I took Jackson and headed to Indiana for a wedding. Kraig was a groomsman for one of his college roommates. It was a beautiful wedding. It was even more beautiful because our hotel was a block away from a Jimmy John's. That was thoroughly enjoyable. On Sunday, we headed back to Ohio to get Kate and re-pack for our trip home. We were there from Sunday to the following Monday, the longest time we've had away since we moved here. It was a nice break, but it's also nice to be home.
We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope that you did too!
Is it really January 9th already? My word...
Back to December (no, it's not a song reference)...
Christmas was a crazy busy time for us this year. I mean, it's always busy, but we had some added responsibilities that were awesome but very time consuming. We hosted Kraig's family for Christmas this year. Thankfully, they were able to oblige us by traveling to us this year. With Christmas being on a Sunday, traveling at the right time to see the whole family was going to be difficult for us. So they came! We got to enjoy several days with all of them, which was great! It was also nice to have the extra hands:) Since we had the Christmas Eve service Saturday and church on Sunday, we decided to open presents Christmas Eve morning and pretend it was Christmas:) We stopped halfway through for lunch and finished up just in time to get ready for the evening service. Luckily, Kate's not a wake up at 5 a.m. to open presents kind of kid, yet. I'm sure it's coming, but we were safe this year.
Kraig was in charge of our Christmas Eve service this year and he, along with myself and a small group of musicians, put together a performance of Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God. We're no Andrew Peterson, by any means, but it was an awesome night of telling the story of Christ in a very unique way through music. We were privileged to be able to do it and the Lord blessed our efforts. If you've heard this music, however, you understand that it's challenging work. We spent hours and hours rehearsing, preparing and setting the stage for the big night. It was labor intensive, but worth every minute. The musicians who participated did a fabulous job. Kraig did a great job. After the service was over (huge sigh of relief!), we went out for Chinese food with the family.
Quick rundown of the next week:
Monday: Sisters and brother-in-law left.
Tuesday: Kraig and I got to go to dinner:)
Wednesday: Kraig's parents left.
Thursday & Friday: LAUNDRY!
Saturday: Pack for Ohio, mini-New Year's Eve celebration.
Sunday: I finished packing like a crazy lady, packed up the kids and headed to church. After church, we drove to Ohio.
Once we made it to Ohio, we unloaded the van and ate some yummy appetizers. Mom even made sushi! After the bellies were full (much too full), we opened presents. I made a couple homemade gifts for my mom and sister, which I'll share another time:) It was so good to be home. We spent the rest of the week enjoying family time and getting some rest. On Wednesday, my sister took the kids to her house and her and mom kept them so I could take a lonnnnnnnng bubble bath. My sister got my lots of bubble bath goodies for Christmas, including two magazines to read. So thoughtful! I enjoyed every minute of the peace. After my bath was over, we ran over to feed Jack and then Kraig and I walked through a few thrift stores. Since our hands were empty, we even got to hold hands with each other! It's the simple things!
Friday, Kraig and I took Jackson and headed to Indiana for a wedding. Kraig was a groomsman for one of his college roommates. It was a beautiful wedding. It was even more beautiful because our hotel was a block away from a Jimmy John's. That was thoroughly enjoyable. On Sunday, we headed back to Ohio to get Kate and re-pack for our trip home. We were there from Sunday to the following Monday, the longest time we've had away since we moved here. It was a nice break, but it's also nice to be home.
We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope that you did too!
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