East2Weston

don't look at me!

2011-12-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

thanks for the pj's, Grandma!

2011-12-29T09:32:00.001-08:00

the obligatory family photo

2011-12-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2011

L to R: Jon holding Henry, Julie holding Maddie, Dad (Grandpa), Mom (Grandma), Amy holding Josie, Hans, Rachel holding Molly, David, Caleb, Heidi holding Ella

Grandma & Grandpa with grandkids Ella (1 yr), Molly (9 months), Henry (1 1/2), Maddie (3 1/2) and Josie (2 1/2) ... they're the best thing about getting older, they say.

crafts I made for Christmas

2011-12-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year, I hand made a bunch of our Christmas gifts. I love making gifts! I was so excited about these I decided I needed to photograph them and share them with the masses (well, at least the four of you who still check out my blog, who by this time have probably already seen these projects in real life).

For my MIL and my mom I made pillows with the girls' names and hand prints. I loved the idea and dived right in ... and then it turned out to be a bit more work than I'd anticipated. However, I was thrilled with the end result. Since I'm writing this post 10 days before Christmas, I'm only hoping our moms like the pillows ... but I'm fairly confident they'll be happy.

Tracing these names with the sewing machine was a pain in the NECK. But I think they turned out well.

I made this bag for Caleb's SIL Christie. It's reversible! Christie loves cherries, too, so I feel like the fabric was PERFECT. I hope she thinks (thought) so too. I covered the button myself, and put one on each side, so she can use whichever side she wants and still close the top!

The pillow I made for my mom.

What I loved about these two pillows was I got a chance to try the applique stitch on my sewing machine. I have some fun ideas for some future projects.

Amy wanted a flower pillow in gray and yellow. I think she'll like it!

On all my projects this year I added these tags I had made several years ago.

On Julie's pillow I used fabric that looks like an old-time map of Paris. Julie loves France, so I thought this was perfect!

I'm hoping Rachel enjoys this new pillow for her new home ... wherever that might be next!

I love this leafy blue fabric! Outdoorsy, but in a non-outdoorsy color. I hope Rachel likes it.

Eleanor is 1!

2011-12-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

Our baby girl turned one yesterday. I can't believe it's been a year since she was born! What a year, too. Talk about sleepless nights! It's taken her the whole first year of her life to learn to sleep well. And "well" is probably still a strong word to describe her sleeping habits. Even so, we love our little girl and all her easy smiles. Here's a few pics from the pink party!

Josie thanks you for the Advent Calendar

2011-12-15T14:18:00.000-08:00

My sister was kind enough to give us an advent calendar this year for Christmas. And Josie was kind enough to rearrange all the numbers for us. Turns out they could peel right off. Ah, Josephine. I knew she'd been quiet and happy for too long.

around the house

2011-12-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today I went outside to take a few craft photos, and of course, the girls followed me. It was a little chilly, but not too bad. And then ... Josie spilled a bucket of water ... and instant fun was had by all! I figure wet pants and soaked socks can be changed. The girls had a good time, and then ... it was "run around in just a diaper" time! What kid doesn't love to be naked??

social drinkers

2011-12-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

a perfect Fall day

2011-11-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

Julie and I took the kids to the park yesterday. It was the perfect Fall day, complete with a romp in the dead leaves.

S'Mores

2011-11-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

I was going to make this the Thanksgiving post, but realized most of the pictures I took were of the afternoon Bob (my father-in-law, Caleb's dad, the girls' Grandpa Weston) made a bonfire in the backyard and we got to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. You see, our Thanksgiving trip was supposed to be a camping trip, but for various reasons that didn't work out. However, Grandma and Grandpa still did what they could to bring that camping experience to us all ... and you can't have camping without s'mores, right? It was definitely a highlight of the weekend.

Even the dogs enjoyed the fire

Dominic

Aurora

Uncle Andrew and Eleanor, watching the fire

Uncle Andrew enjoying a s'more, Ella enjoying a graham cracker

Burke

As soon as I handed Josie her s'more, she plopped right down on the ground to eat it

Finger-lickin' good

Conrad ... Mmmmmmmm

Rory, relaxing and taking her time

The Thanksgiving Aftermath

"if only we could get her to smile ...."

2011-11-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

Eleanor is 11 months old! Well, as of today, she's actually 11 months and 6 days, but who's counting? I can't believe our little girl is almost a year old. My, how the time flies, eh? And what a joy she is to us! She smiles and giggles and laughs at everything, even things that aren't funny. She's still unable to sleep past 5 a.m., but she's always so happy when we finally go in to get her, she makes it impossible to be mad. Though her smiles haven't yet cured our tiredness, they've certainly tempered our irritation! Less than a month to go until she's one. I can't believe it! Here's a few pics from Thanksgiving weekend.

our little ballerinas

2011-10-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

After one of those days when I would have sold my children to a passing gypsy for less than a dollar (Mom, I know what you mean now!), I fell in love with my children all over again when I got them dressed up to head out for a night of Halloween revelry. OK, it was an hour of Halloween revelry, but still, we reveled! We ventured to downtown Brea with the Pentons ... which by 6:00 was already packed! But Josie had a great time. She wouldn't play any of the games, but she watched Christopher play them, which was fun, and she definitely thought getting candy in her bag was pretty awesome. She loved spotting the moon in the sky and watching all the other kids play games. It was our first Halloween experience as parents. And, as exhausting as it was, we had a good time. And since our kids are young, we were home by 7:30, put the kids straight down, and we still have an evening! So now its off to watch Star Wars with my husband and crochet another hat. (Ack! The boutique starts on Friday!

There will come a day when she doesn't want to eat EVERYTHING, right?

Josie telling Daddy a story ... no time for pictures!

OK, so she's not built like a ballerina ... yet.

Still not up for pictures.

Isn't she cute? Those shoes left red marks on her feet, despite being on the loosest buckle. Her poor fat little feet ...

The best I could get of the two of them together. Ella's face cracks me up.

Tired baby. Just before this picture snapped, she was resting her head on Daddy's arm.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T15:48:00.001-07:00

Elmo

2011-10-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

What better way to watch Elmo than with Elmo.

time flies

2011-10-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, but our little baby is 10 months old! Eleanor is crawling all over the place, getting in to EVERYTHING, and daily tries desperately to get her sister to play with her (as of yet, no success). She is an absolute joy, that's for sure. Even when you're up with her at 3 or 4 or 5 in the morning, she's so happy and smiley about it all, you can't help but smile back and give her a big bear hug ... and then sleepily put that pacifier back in and hope to high heaven it makes her go back to sleep.

She weighs in at 22 pounds and is wearing the same size diaper as her nearly 2 1/2-year-old big sister. At least I only have to buy one box of diapers at a time. Its awesome. I just love our huggable squeezable baby!

This dress was Josie's 1-year-old party dress ... and I could barely get it buttoned around Ella's middle!

Someday I'll teach her about the other awesome stuff you can do with yarn.

Caleb and I often joke about how we "wish we could get her to smile!"

As previously mentioned, Josie isn't too happy about having her little sister around all the time. But she was feeling left out of the photo shoot I think. This non-hitting moment lasted only a few seconds, but it was glorious!

the painful truth

2011-10-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

I have become a tad overwhelmed by my life lately. Some of it I've done to myself, most of it is a loss of perspective, I'm sure. But I'm discovering that the demands on a woman who is a wife and a mother can oftentimes be too numerous to count.

For instance (prepare for long paragraph): I'm supposed to eat well and feed my children well, plan and cook dinner every night, making sure it is something nutritious and balanced; I'm supposed to drink enough water and not too much soda or too many mochas; I'm supposed to get enough exercise; I need to make sure my children don't watch too much TV, get enough time outside, and constantly come up with creative ways to entertain them, things that will be equal parts fun and educational; I need to sit on the floor and play with them because "this time goes by so fast!"; I need to make sure they get enough sleep, get their diapers changed constantly, and change the sheets on their beds; I have to stay on top of laundry or everyone runs out of everything; The house is supposed to be swept, mopped, vacuumed, dusted, straightened, all tripping hazards removed on a regular basis; I'm supposed to find time to shower, dress, brush my hair and teeth, and preferably before my husband returns home from work; Somewhere in my day I'm supposed to find time to read my Bible, read something for fun, and read something relaxing, because every busy mom needs a break now and then; As keeper of the books I'm required to do everything within the confines of a tight budget, but somehow still be creative about how to feed and clothe my family, never griping and complaining about the things we can't afford; I'm not supposed to eat too much chocolate, no matter how tired or stressed I'm feeling; I'm not supposed to yell at my kids even though for the millionth time that day I'm having to remind them to STOP HITTING YOUR SISTER!; Even though the baby had us up half the night, and I'm tired beyond reason, I'm supposed to be constantly patient, kind, gentle, loving and giving as my daughter once again begins to whine and/or cry over something indiscernible, hold her as long as she wants, even while the baby clings to my legs also longing to be held; somewhere in my day, as leader of a ministry and a holiday boutique, I must also answer the demands of email and the phone, whenever they should strike; I'm told that for sanity's sake I need to find time for my hobbies, but all the while keeping kids away from scissors and knitting needles and easily-tangled skeins of yarn; I need to find time for friends and family, invest in those relationships so they'll last; as an introvert, I absolutely need some time to myself, but most days I'm not even allowed to go to the bathroom alone!; and after a day of being whined at, crawled all over, clung to, pulled on, cried at, demanded of, with clothes covered in snot and spit and tears, I need to have a smile on my face and a happy home for my husband to come home to, preferably smelling of some wonderful dish I have lovingly prepared for dinner. His day has been long too.

My poor husband. He is the one who ends up getting the shaft. By the time he gets home, disheveled hair is the least of my issues. If I'm not curled up in a corner talking to myself, I'm hiding from my children or running screaming from the house (OK, so its not quite that bad, but its getting close!). By the end of the day the last thing I want is one more person requiring something from me, touching me, looking at me. But I carry so much guilt when he is the one who ends up punished for my inability to balance and juggle the millions of balls I've thrown in the air. I know he carries his own heavy loads all day, and I want so badly to be a breath of fresh air ... not a smelly and unwashed heap of anger and weariness and tears.

I'm sure there are some easy answers. I know there are some things I have to let go. Right now, just a week and a half before the boutique, I've let go of vegetables. We're eating leftovers and pancakes for dinner. Tonight Josie had cereal. If only I could buy food for all of us that came in containers like Ella's baby food. I probably could, but I'm sure the budget won't allow it. I've let go of concerted weight loss efforts. I just don't have the mental energy right now. I've let go of TV rules. And we have pajama days sometimes. But, I know order will have to be restored soon. I just wish I could hire a nanny ... and a cook and a housecleaner and an activities director and a childhood development expert and maybe a few handymen to take care of the dead plants, the broken screen door, and Josie's recent art installation, we like to call it "Orange Sharpie goes Wild."

Some might say the answer lies in a better relationship with God. But if I'm being honest, I can't figure out how to get past thinking that its just another thing on my to-do list. That being said, I do a lot of praying. Mostly shaking my fist at the sky while holding a screaming child yelling "please give me strength!"

Perhaps that's the problem. Everything in my life feels like part of a list of responsibilities, tasks to check off. Even the stuff that's supposed to be fun and relaxing and stress-relieving. There's no joy or excitement about anything (another thing I'm supposed to feel about my kids, my ministry, my boutique, my hobbies, etc). I've gone a bit numb, turned on auto pilot. And I'm not quite sure how to get my mojo back. I keep thinking I just need to get past the boutique (it really is a rather time consuming and stressful affair, especially when its right around the corner). But what if, when its over, I'm still on the edge?

she found her voice

2011-10-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

I couldn't figure out how to flip this video ... so sorry for the neck pain endured by watching, but you won't want to miss it!

Long Beach Aquarium

2011-10-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

We've been on vacation this week, though since we haven't really left town, its been a "staycation." Thanks to my in-laws, Caleb and I had a few days without kids. The day after we got back we took the girls to the Long Beach Aquarium (thanks to a friend of my sister's, who got us free tickets!). Josie loves fish, so the aquarium was a perfect outing. Both girls did great, and we had a ball. Here's a few pics!

mmmm, cupcakes

2011-10-06T22:47:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, my camera died before these two REALLY got into their treats. Drake's face was covered entirely with chocolate icing, not to mention his hands and shirt. It's too bad we all outgrow such passion in our eating.

bath time

2011-09-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Eleanor: "Can you believe it?! I get to take a bath with my sister!!"
Josie: "I can't believe I have to take a bath with my sister."

Blackmail

2011-09-08T18:38:00.001-07:00

So she hasn't quite hit her fashion stride yet ...

the girls

2011-09-01T10:22:00.001-07:00

Our happy girl. She's now crawling all over the place. She takes the greatest pleasure in tormenting her big sister by doing such audacious things like looking at her, crawling in the general direction of her toys, or touching the chair she's sitting in. Ah ... and so it begins.

Why sit on the couch when you can sit behind the cushions?

I think this girl gets more use out of my fancy shoes than I do!

W.W.C.W.

2011-08-30T10:15:00.001-07:00

So, several days ago my SIL Christie and I found ourselves actually talking about the royals ... William and Catherine, to be precise. We decided not to be embarrassed at our discussion, to just admit we're as fascinated as the Brits by their new royal couple, and got to talking about how classy Catherine is. Not only does she always have the right thing to wear, she has made class and modesty sexy again. She always looks fabulous, wearing styles the women of the world long to emulate. It's so refreshing having a style icon who seems to be so sensible! And Christie says she heard somewhere that the princess even strives to wear clothes more than once, mixing and matching to create new looks. Its crazy talk! She's like a regular person! We love her. We admit it.

So, we decided that whenever we're in doubt about what to wear, we should stop a moment and ask ourselves: What Would Catherine Wear?

If you would like your own W.W.C.W. bracelet ... that's too bad. I don't have any. But if I did, I would wear it with my Catherine-inspired ensembles!

She does cute stuff, too

2011-08-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

The other day, after Josie had been quiet for a little too long, I decided to check on her. I found her in her room, on her bed she won't sleep in, playing with her new puzzle from Grandma Dub ... in style! Apparently, play time is better enjoyed in a hat (a gift from Aunt Berta and Uncle Gary).

I'll laugh about this one day, right? RIGHT?

2011-08-25T08:23:00.001-07:00

So, here's what can happen when a two-year-old and an orange sharpie get just five minutes of uninterrupted play time together:

The hall wall

Ella's crib ... she didn't miss a single slat

Ella's closet door

The curtains I made that hang under the desk in Ella's room

(this one felt like a personal attack on my handwork)

The chair in our bedroom

Our pillows

Our comforter

Apparently, everything looks better with an orange squiggle on it!

more pics from dedication day

2011-08-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Josie enjoying her cupcake ... well, the icing and sprinkles anyway. Once that was gone, she left the rest of the cake on her plate and started to reach for a second cupcake!

Jon.

We attempted the obligatory family picture ... which actually went better than usual!

Eleanor Jean Louise with grandmas Judith Louise and Pamela Jean, after whom she was named.

Mary Roseanne's is doing another giveaway!

2011-08-24T12:38:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it? Mary Roseanne's is giving away another prize! For free! This time, Mary Roseanne's own art photographer Caleb Weston is donating an original photograph! Because we couldn't decide between the many awesome prints he has, we thought we'd let the winner choose! The winner of this contest will get to choose between the two prints below:

Tulips in Bergen, Norway, 2008

Waterfowl Lake, Banff, Canada, 2006

The photograph is 6x9 and comes matted in an 11x14 mat, ready for your own favorite standard size frame. You have until Wednesday, August 31 at midnight to enter. Head over to the Mary Roseanne's blog for details!

look who's 8 months old!

2011-08-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

As usual, I had a hard time choosing between the millions of pictures I took yesterday ... so here are five of my faves! Not only did she turn 8 months old yesterday, she was also dedicated at church. It was a special and fun day, and she got to wear a new fancy dress and a ridiculously large bow. Lucky girl. I can't believe our little girl is 8 months old already!

Who said you could take a break?

2011-08-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

2011-08-18T16:40:00.001-07:00

My little beauties are absolute angels, of course. However, occasionally, they have to be rescued from themselves. A few days ago I finally got Josie's new "big girl bed" set up in her room. With the double safety rails, it looks a little like a hospital bed. Oh well. And the room isn't set up in its final configuration, as we still have the crib in there. Every time I ask her where she wants to sleep, she points to the crib. That is where she sleeps, after all. And changing her routine is going to be a challenge. I have a feeling we're going to have to do a baptism by fire to teach her to sleep in her new bed (by simply removing the crib as an option). For now, she considers it a new toy. Her favorite game is walking along the edge like she's walking on a beam ... around and around and around. She's definitely got a little gymnast in her!

Eleanor, bless her heart, isn't quite crawling yet. But man does she get around! She has this completely undignified army crawl / finger pull / toe-push thing going. It isn't pretty, but it gets her around. And she is already getting into everything. I'm finding myself constantly moving her away from all the trouble she finds. I'm dreading the day she's really crawling and can easily get around my relocation efforts.

Chewing on the tag in Josie's pj's while holding her basket like a purse.

Getting into the cords under the TV table.

The minute I had finished making the bed, she climbed in and said "night night!" But, for her, its still just a game, not a place she would actually sleep. Apparently, that's a preposterous proposition.

Oh yeah, that's more like it.

oh how I love grammar

2011-08-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

realization

2011-08-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

If you read this blog much, you've read about how I tend to struggle with the tension between getting things done around the house and spending time with my kids. But I've since discovered that I'm not really that concerned about a clean house. I actually leave messes around a lot. I mostly just don't like dishes and laundry to pile up. Those are the never-ending jobs around here. And they don't actually take that much time up each day.

I've discovered that what's hardest for me is feeling unproductive. For me to feel like I have spent my day well, I need to have something to show for it: a clean house, a finished craft project, the grocery shopping done, a home improvement project worked on, etc. If you know me at all, you know I'm almost never just sitting. When I watch a movie or TV, I'm usually also knitting or crocheting or crafting. When the kids nap I'm cleaning or sewing or working one of my various committee projects. I have a really hard time just sitting.

When my husband comes home after a busy day at work, I want him to know I also worked hard all day: I cleaned the house, I have dinner planned, I worked on Josie's bed, etc. There's usually nothing tangible to show for sitting on the floor and playing with my kids. And feeling unproductive like that makes me feel like I've wasted the day. And yet, I know it can be the most important thing I do!

(Do you know about the languages of love? They are gifts, quality time, acts of service, touch, and words of appreciation / encouragement. My lowest need is quality time. And yet, it tends to be a high need for most people I know, including my children!)

I'm working on getting past this crazy thinking in my head. The other day I sat outside with Josie and helped her collect rocks from the garden. We had a great time ... and all we did was make a mess. It left us all in a much better mood, too. I have to be really intentional about stopping those tangible projects and just sit on the floor with my daughter. But, I know for my kids, its the most productive thing I can do!

the new house, part I

2011-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I think I've shared before that we recently moved into my Grandparent's home. Since the middle of March we've spent a significant amount of time cleaning and painting and organizing and decorating and making the place our own. In just four months we painted every single wall in the house! However, it still has that Grandma and Grandpa feel, which I love. I love to imagine my grandma at the sink, watching the hummingbirds out the kitchen window while she does dishes; my grandpa outside pulling weeds or fixing things around the house; my mom and aunts growing up here, in the very rooms my own girls inhabit now. They are sweet imaginations, and I love it. Living here is so much more than a blessing and a privilege and an honor. I feel like the luckiest girl alive.

As we've taken the place over, I have taken some before and after pics, but I'm almost ashamed to post them here because they're such bad pictures ... nothing like what you'd see on HGTV. It's hard to tell just how great the place is looking. But, at the request of at least one cousin, and because I've wanted to organize the history of the work we've done, I'm going to try. A little. Here and there. For starters, here's a pic from the back yard. I gathered a bunch of pots, some that were left here and some we owned already, and I've been able to start a small container garden. Well, I've TRIED to start a small container garden. Being poor, I used old soil we already had and bought seeds. Most of them have failed, but a few are doing well! Here's proof of my mostly-black thumb. Next summer I promise to start earlier, and maybe get some actual good soil.

What you can't see is the hummingbird feeder, hanging just above this little garden. It has hung here for years, but had been neglected for some time. So one day I spent about 20 minutes on the thing ... cleaned it out with hot water, did research on what to fill it with (4 parts water to 1 part sugar), and hung it back up. It took the hummingbirds a couple days to find it, but now I have to refill it every two weeks or so. Like my grandmother, I've become enchanted by those little birds, hanging out just outside my kitchen window.

Caleb and I hope to spend some time next Spring getting the yards spruced up. With everything else going on since we moved in, it was simply one too many things to do this summer. But at least I get to watch a few plants grow!

ah, josie

2011-08-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

These days, my 2-year-old runs the other direction when I pull out the camera. But I managed to get a picture of the back of her new haircut. I'll keep trying for a good pic from the front ...

baby around the house

2011-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Noisy Nelly"

Mmmmm, teething biscuits

Happy girl

Hiding under the desk in her room (she ended up there mostly by accident)

Teeth!

You want me to eat what??!

Sea World

2011-08-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we braved messing with the nap schedule and drove down to Sea World to spend the day there with my family. Hans and Amy drove down with us and we met my parents and Jon and Julie and their kids down there. Really bad traffic ruined all my plans for the kids to sleep on the way down ... they didn't fall asleep till we finally hit 60 mph, about 25 minutes before we reached Sea World. However, despite the short naps, they both did surprisingly well.

The first thing we saw when we got there was a demonstration at one of the Shamu tanks that we could see from the sidewalk. Josie couldn't be pulled away and kept repeating "really big whale" and pointing and clapping. From there we saw dolphins and starfish and aquariums and turtles. After dinner we stopped by the Sesame Street area and went on the Elmo ride. The kids loved it, and did pretty good standing in line for nearly an hour! (Sea World could take a few notes from Disneyland on how to get people through a ride ... especially small children!)

We ended the night at "Shamu Rocks," the night time Shamu show. Josie sat on my lap and clapped every time the whale jumped out of the water. It was one of those fun moments that seem so rare with my tantrum-throwing 2-year-old these days. It was probably my favorite time of the day. And then because there was no traffic on the way home, the girls slept the whole way! They're still recovering today, 3 days later ... as am I, I admit. It was a long day. But we had fun. My sister took the few pictures below (I accidentally left my camera in the car ... which was practically parked in Mexico, so I didn't go back to get it). Enjoy!

Jon got a hold of Amy's camera.

Henry, waiting for Shamu Rocks to start. Can you even believe how big he's gotten? He's been walking a while now, and is all over the place!

Me and Josie in line for the Elmo ride. Oh yeah ... I cut her hair!

Still waiting for Elmo ...

Hans and Maddie ... waiting for Elmo.

Grandpa with Eleanor and all her rolls. (Yes, they're like an accessory.)

Caleb and Josie.

On the way back to the cars, Amy joined Maddie in the stroller. And a good time was had by all! Oh, my mom was there too, but Amy didn't have any good pics of her. Sorry Mom! If I'd had my camera, we'd have had too many of you to count. ;)

I give up

2011-08-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Begin rant: Despite weeks and weeks and weeks of following the Weight Watchers guidelines and working out 4-5 times a week (twice a week at 5 a.m.!), I have only lost 1 pound in over a month. ONE POUND!!! If you've ever attempted a large weight loss, you know how frustrating this can be. I count every cracker, measure every serving, weigh every piece of meat, skip the sodas and dessert and fries and juice ... log everything in on weightwatchers.com (an excellent plan and website, by the way, in case you're interested). I added the 5 a.m. workouts so I could get in my cardio for the week. I am diligent, and so far have stuck to the rules.

Since I first began this quest for pre-Josephine body weight, I have lost 16 pounds. And there's something to be said for that. I'm even a couple pounds below the lowest weight I ever reached between having Josephine and getting pregnant with Eleanor. But I still have 41 pounds to go! And, for the amount of time I've put in and work I've done, (which is something, considering everything ELSE on my plate), by my and Weight Watchers' calculations, I should have lost twice that! I could achieve these results by eating pizza and ice cream and watching TV 12 hours a day! Excuse my french, but what the H-E-L-L else am I supposed to do?!?!

I really don't even mind how much work it is. Its not that hard to count crackers and weigh meat and skip dessert when you're focused, which I am. And yes, I'm enjoying the healthier lifestyle and how I feel and all that. That is the ultimate long-term goal. I could just use a little more encouragement from the scale. I'm aiming to reach my goal weight by the end of this year. But at this rate, I'll be lucky to reach it by the end of the century! And today, its infuriating.

End rant. For now.

fail

2011-08-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

It can be hard not to feel like a constant failure in this life I now lead. Really hard. The demands on my time are so numerous, there's no way I can get to everything. The demands on my patience (or as I prefer to call it, long-suffering) usually outweigh my actual reserves of patience. The demands on my energy are always more than I woke up with. I seem to fail at keeping the house clean, I fail at having enough patience for my temper tantrum-throwing 2-year-old, I fail at meal planning, I fail at finances, I fail at turning off the TV as often as I should, I fail at getting enough vegetables in the aforementioned toddler (let alone myself), I fail at getting enough sleep, I fail at weight loss (despite concerted efforts to the contrary), I fail at studying my Bible, I fail at reading to my daughters every night before bed, I fail at having enough positive energy left for my husband at the end of the day (and I'm starting to really miss him!), and the list could go on and on and on.

There is simply too much to do to do any of it well. And I haven't even gotten to the part where I run a Christmas boutique and the moms group at my church, or the part-time work for my old boss! How is one supposed to fit it all in, with a smile on one's face?! There are some days I wonder if it's even possible my children will turn out remotely well, if I will make it through without a meltdown of my own, if my husband misses me too (the me before "frazzled" took over).

And then I think about church. At church on Sunday our pastor spoke on grace. The kind only God can give. The kind defined by "getting what we don't deserve" or "God's riches at Christ's expense," and I find I have hope. Oh, I'm still an utter failure at every turn ... but God's grace makes all of that OK. My kids aren't really mine anyway, they're God's. And it isn't me who decides who will be blessed by Moms Connection, it's God. With his help, Mary Roseanne's can be a smashing success in spite of my shortcomings. With his help my hunky hubby and I will make it through the seemingly endless diaper-changing years stronger ... even if we have a few extra gray hairs to show for it. I can't help but think of that silly phrase, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." (It's in one too many country songs.) I think the "there" they're talking about is the insane asylum. Knowing God has my back keeps me sane. It helps me let go ... which is necessary, since I can't do it all anyway.

And by his grace, I see little successes every day too. One more pound lost. Josephine heeding me when I say "No." The floor actually getting mopped. The laundry completely done by Tuesday morning. Eleanor's smiles ... we must be doing something right, right? I guess I'm just feeling reminded how utterly weak I am, humanly speaking. But for the grace of God, I would truly be a failure, and there would be no hope for my children or my marriage or my sanity. But he fills in all the cracks (or should I say, gaping holes). I am truly comforted by that today. How awesome is the grace of God?

she's 7 months old!

2011-08-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

OK, so its been almost two weeks since she actually turned seven months. But I only just got around to taking her picture. She refused to do much smiling for me this time ... which is actually really unlike her. She loves to smile! She's just the happiest kid there is, and immediately brings a smile to everyone she's around. She's super close to crawling, which means we're super close to more trouble. Even just scooting around on the floor ... she's into everything! She's also cut her first tooth, and more seem to be close behind. She's sleeping better and better (though she tends to get her legs stuck between the slats in her crib, which usually results in a lot of yelling and interrupted sleep). We love our little chunky monkey!

moments

2011-08-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Nice shoes.

Mmmm ... Cookies.

Josie has been requesting a lift into her crib so she can sit and read. She spent more than half an hour in there this morning, perfectly happy. What she doesn't know is we've bought her a real big-girl bed! I just have to paint it and we'll be moving it into her room (hopefully this weekend). Then she get in her bed by herself, and do all the reading she wants!

groundhog day

2011-07-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot to get used to over the past several months. In December I left my job of nearly five years. I had our second baby. We moved out of my parents' house into a home of our own. For the first time since Josephine was born, I was on my own with the kids ... day in, day out. I no longer have the constant companionship and help of my mom, with whom I lived while Josie was a baby, while I was pregnant with Eleanor, and in those first months after becoming a mom of two. Needless to say, there have been a lot of adjustments of late.

The most recent adjustment finds me coming to terms with the tedium of daily life as a stay-at-home mom of two pre-school aged children. I do the same things every single day: the dishes, the laundry, straightening, changing diapers, quelling arguments, saying "no" to more cookies or Curious George or jumping on my bed, being humored by meltdowns and tantrums as well as new words and new talents and the spontaneous hug, playing Legos, putting them down for naps, getting them up from naps, pouring another cup of milk, fixing another bottle of formula, wiping spit up off my pants, trying to figure out something for dinner, trying to find time to take a shower, wondering if bed time will EVER come ... you get the idea.

Every. Single. Day.

A friend of mine recently likened it to the movie Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray lives the same day over and over again ... until he learns some valuable life lessons. Only then is he allowed to move on with his life. And so, I'm trying to figure out what valuable life lessons there are to be gleaned during this time of sheer redundancy in life. I know there is great value in raising my children. I do. And yet it can be so dull! Where is my life going? What is its purpose? Another load of laundry?? Yet another pot of macaroni and cheese? Surely there is more to life than this!

In anticipation of the answers and comments I'm sure to receive: I know there's more meaning in my life than laundry and dishes and spit up. In my head, I know that. And I know there is great value to being at home with my children. And I know this is fleeting, a short period of time compared to the rest of my life (not to mention eternity, right?). I know I glorify God by being the best mom and wife I can (though I'm pretty sure most days I fail). I'm afraid sometimes I just don't feel like there is much meaning to the day-in-day-out tedium that is my life right now.

Now to get that shower before the kids wake up ... my beautiful, smiling, wonderful children. They really are the most beautiful little girls in the world. Have you met them? You'd have to agree if you met them. Really, I would do anything for them. Even another load of laundry.

Mary Roseanne's first Giveaway

2011-07-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Mary Roseanne's is conducting our first giveaway contest. Check out the post on our blog for all the information ... don't miss your opportunity for free stuff!

the weigh in

2011-07-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

Eleanor had her 6-month well-baby visit to the doctor today. Everything looks good! Her head circumference came in at 43 cm, 50th percentile; her height at 26 inches, 50th percentile; and .... wait for it ... her weight at 19.3 pounds, 90th percentile! We love our little chunky monkey, and so glad all is well!

half way to one year!

2011-06-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Look who's six months old! I can't hardly believe we're at 6 months already. How did she get so old so fast!? Her latest talents include chewing on her toes, grabbing everything within arm's reach, eating a couple tablespoons of rice cereal every day, and rolling onto her tummy inadvertently and not knowing how to get back to her back (which usually results in lots of yelling and complaining). She's still the happiest kid going, and her smile can light up an entire room. Her six month check-up is next week, so I won't know until then exactly what she weighs. But I won't be surprised if she's closing in on 20 pounds! As usual I couldn't pick out just one picture from the photo shoot ... so here's my favorites!

But, ripping the paper off the crayons is so much more fun that actually coloring with the crayons

2011-06-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Concentration

2011-06-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

My nephew Conrad and Legos

Father's Day

2011-06-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the annual Weston celebration blowout! In one day we celebrate the dads (Caleb, Lucas and Bob) and all the June birthdays (Josie, Bob, Heidi and Pam). June is a big month for the Westons. We celebrated with a big lunch of turkey and sweet potatoes (a new recipe Christie tried that was definitely delish) and salad and green beans and stuffing. It was a little like Thanksgiving, but who says those yummy foods have to stay relegated to November? Opening presents took almost as long as Christmas morning. But great fun was had by all. I got a few random pictures, mostly of our girls in their fancy dresses.

Thanks to friends Brent & Darcy for the girls' oh-so-cute summer dresses.

Ella is such a happy baby. I just wish I could get her to sleep past 5 a.m.

Josie would not be torn from the Legos.

The best baby daddy in the whole wide world!

Let's go to Par-ee!

2011-06-14T22:33:00.001-07:00

So I have a new favorite blog, and not just because the author's giving away a trip for two to Paris! OK, for now, that is the only reason its my favorite. But who can blame me?? Head here and enter for your own chance to win! Its for real!

to sum it up in two words or less:

2011-06-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Dieting sucks

Mr. Darcy, John McClane and some UFOs

2011-06-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Life has been nuts over the past few months. NUTS! We had a new baby in December and then moved in March. Those two major changes alone have left very little time for crafts. For me, this has been detrimental to my actual health. Spending time doing creative things soothes my soul, calms my mind, and takes me to a happy place.

So a couple weeks ago I decided it was time to let the cleaning and organizing and unpacking go untouched for a while, and to ignore my great tiredness brought on my non-sleeping baby, turned on some of my favorite movies, and finished some unfinished projects (UFOs). I started with Pride and Prejudice, a full five hours of witty dialogue culminating in the great romance of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. I wasn't able to finish everything in that 5 hours, so I put in my newest favorite Die Hard movie, Live Free or Die Hard, and sewed to the sounds of gunfight and "Yippee-Kayay!"

The first thing I finished was this most awesome bag by Amy Butler. I'd bought the pattern and fabric last summer at a quilt show, got all the pieces cut and prepped before Ella was born, but then it was boxed up to make room for all the other things there were to do. The scarf I'd been working on since last May. It comes from one of my favorite knitting books, Scarf Style. With so many fun projects I was wanting to get started, it was time to get these long-standing projects off the books. And aren't they so pretty! I'm now working on finishing some household projects (curtains and small tablecloths) and then its on to some new knitting projects, a quilt kit I bought in January, and building up my inventory for Mary Roseanne's 2011!

I made a cell phone pocket! I did a lot of things on this bag I'd never done before, including a zippered pocket! Go me.

I still don't know what I'm going to use this bag for, but a girl can't have too many handcrafted tote bags!

The technique for this scarf is called Entrelac, and its just stunning! It was hard to photograph the fringe, but its one of my favorite parts of the whole thing.

The yarn I used is one of the reasons this turned out so beautiful. Its called Noro Silk Garden, and the slow change of colors is what helps show off the pattern so well.

Yay for finished projects!

sometimes this feels like the sum total of my life

2011-06-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

more grandkids

2011-06-07T09:30:00.001-07:00

A few days after the Westons were all together for Brent's wedding, the Hammers all got together because my sister-in-law Rachel and her new baby (my newest niece) were in town! I can't even express how excited I was they were in town because I was sure I wouldn't get to meet precious little Molly until Christmas! Anyway, since we had all the grandkids together at Grandma and Grandpa's, we had to get a photo. However, getting 5 kids under 3 to sit still enough for a photo turned out to be an insurmountable challenge. Here's a few of the best!

Madeleine (2 1/2), Ella (5 mos), Grandma with Molly (2 mos), Grandpa with Josie (2) and Henry (1)

Maddie did a pretty good job holding Ella ... especially considering Ella, at 5 mos, weighs almost as much as Maddie does at nearly 3 years old!

look who's 5 months old!

2011-05-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

Our little girl still can't sleep past 4 A.M., but otherwise is doing fantastic! She smiles easily, seems extremely interested in all the antics of her big sister, keeps putting on weight like a sumo wrestler, has managed NOT to lose what little hair she has, takes three great naps a day (which sort of makes up for the poor nighttime sleep habits), and seems awfully interested in sitting up on her own. Maybe by six months! Eleanor endears herself to everyone she meets with her easy smile, long eyelashes and nonstop motion (just like in the womb). I can't believe she's five months old already!

an olfactory hypothesis

2011-05-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hypothesis: There is no happier smell than that of bacon frying.

Proof: This morning I tried another recipe out of my most excellent Slow Cooker Cookbook, and it began with the frying of bacon. MAN does that smell good. You can never go wrong when the recipe starts with frying bacon. But it didn't stop there. Add some chicken to the bacon grease, brown on all sides, add some garlic and some fresh rosemary ... and then balsamic vinegar to scrape the bacon bits off the bottom of the pan (I wish you could hear my voice escalating) ... my house smells so good! Everything has been transferred to the slow cooker, but the smells still permeate my being. Yes, bacon is the best.

If you're interested in this slow cooker cookbook (and you are), you should check it out. I bought mine at Costco, but you can find it online if need be: Slow Cooker: The Best Cookbook Ever by Diane Phillips. It really is the best cookbook ever.

the post where Heidi thinks everyone wants to see lots of pictures of her kids, nephews and niece all dressed up

2011-05-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Weston Grandkids
Conrad (4 1/2), Dominic (16 mos), Josie (2), Burke (4 1/2), Eleanor (5 mos), and Aurora (16 mos) ... all dressed up!

Rory's wondering if her hair still looks OK.

Josie and Dom sharing a secret joke.

Conrad?

Rory gives up.

Burke did such a good job with Ella

"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters ..." (sing with me!)
5 points to the person who can name that movie.

Dominic's trying to eat his shoe, Josie's trying to escape and Rory is practicing her mime act. Picture session over!

the wedding

2011-05-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Josie was in her first wedding yesterday! She was carried down the aisle by Caleb, but dutifully held her beautiful bouquet the entire walk! Of course, when her role was over she just wanted to play, so Caleb had to take her elsewhere for the entire ceremony. I suppose she had fulfilled her duty to add the "cuteness factor" she was hired for. Anyway, the happy couple are Brent and Amanda. Brent is an adopted son of sorts of my in-laws'. They are counted as part of the Weston clan, and they wanted as many of the Weston grandkids in the wedding as possible. Caleb's brother's boys were ring bearers, and only made it down the aisle to the second row, where their mom was sitting. Kids definitely keep things unpredictable! Here's a few fun pictures from the weekend. Stay tuned for more!

Brent and Amanda (currently honeymooning in Hawaii).

During the mother-son dance, Josie so enjoyed the music she slowly danced her way right onto the dance floor. She ended up joining Brent and Pam for their dance!

Ah, the part of the wedding where the baby starts losing it, we let Josie eat too many jelly beans and Mom and Dad wonder if they're going to make it much longer.

The ceremony was held outside, so the venue provides umbrellas for all the guests. Josie had a ball with them!

Mother's Day

2011-05-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely day on Sunday. I was taken good care of by my husband (in honor of my children). We had a nice time at church, where the 4th-6th graders had a throne set up for all moms and their kids. So we had our picture taken. How could we not?

In the afternoon I had the opportunity to go out alone. I went to JoAnn's and found some fun fabrics on sale. I love browsing fabrics! And I got to go to Target and wander, not just conquer. And then after I got home and fed Eleanor, I got a nice long nap, the best gift of all! The girls also had cards for me, and a new drink dispenser for summer (like a bucket with a spigot.) Yay for backyard picnics!

In the afternoon I had Caleb take some photos of me with the kids. Being the mom, and enjoying photography myself, I've realized lately that I'm in hardly any photos with my kids ... ever. A random stranger might look at the pictorial history of my family and think they were motherless! So, here's a few mom's day photos with the girls.

Superbaby!

2011-05-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Day

2011-05-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

When you're tired, you're tired.

Happy Anniversary

2011-05-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

On Friday (May 6) Caleb and I celebrated five years of marriage! I can't hardly believe we've been married five years already. I can't say enough awesome things about my husband. He's the most patient, loving, fun, understanding and caring man. I continually feel blessed to be the woman he chose to spend his life with. He's also such a wonderful and involved dad to our two little girls. Watching him with them is just about the sexiest thing there is. Here we are, dressed up and ready to head out to dinner without the kids ... and then here we are with our girls (one of whom really wanted to be on her new slide, NOT having her picture taken), the most precious products of our marriage so far (please forgive the overexposure). Happy Anniversary to us!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom

-Anonymous

Josie's new toy

2011-05-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of Josie's upcoming 2nd birthday, Grandma and Grandpa Weston brought down Josie's birthday gift. I don't know if we'll ever get her back in the house!

Mary Roseanne's

2011-05-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

I know Christmas is still 7ish months away, but its never too early to start planning, right? Well, as you begin your Christmas planning, keep in mind that Mary Roseanne's Holiday Shoppe will be opening again this November! We hope to answer all your shopping needs, with something for everyone on your list!

To prepare, we've ramped up the website and added a blog! The blog will feature all kinds of crafting help, insight, goodies, featured websites, books, and helpful blogs. We'll also use the blog to highlight crafts that will be featured at the Shoppe. If you visit, please "favorite" us!

The Shoppe dates this year are November 4 and 5 at same location in La Habra. We hope to see as many of you there as possible! In the meantime, check the blog often for news and helpful hints. And ... Merry Christmas!

Easter finery

2011-04-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Grandma Dub got a picture of Josie in her Easter dress!

don't judge me

2011-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I recorded the royal wedding. And this morning when Ella and I got up, we watched it. It was like watching a movie, all that pomp and circumstance. The outfits, the carriages, the horses, the cathedral and palace, the hats! It really is a modern fairy tale. The handsome prince and the common but beautiful girl. (Though just between you and me, I think Harry is actually the better looking prince). The ceremony was beautiful. The congregation sung hymns, there was a reading from Romans 12, and the pastor (priest?) gave a Biblically sound message I could agree with. And of course, Kate's dress was stunning, as was her sister's. In fact, Pippa almost created as much buzz with her dress as Kate. In the audience there were enough ridiculous hats for a ... well, for a royal wedding! I think that's a tradition America should adopt. How awesome would it be for it to be proper to leave the house wearing a bunch of feathers piled on my head!? Totally awesome. Anyway, if you weren't one of the 2 billion witnessing royal history, I'm not ashamed to say you missed out!

life on Planet Crazy and other excuses for not blogging

2011-04-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

I knew that when Baby #2 came along (aka Eleanor, Ella, Ella Bella, Ella Jean, Baby, B) life would change. I'd listened attentively when everyone I know told me that going from one kid to two is the hardest transition. But I really had no idea what we were in for. None. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Mei You (that's Chinese for none, zero, zip, zilch, nada). The first two months weren't so crazy. But I was still living with my parents. I had 24/7 help. Then we moved. And I found myself in a strange place. I began to discover I'd been transplanted to another world. Planet Crazy, I've begun to call it. I've thought through other names for this planet: "Are you kidding me?" and "Seriously??" and "What was I thinking?" and "I used to have time to shower." and "5 a.m. is NOT a proper wake up hour." and "Is it a problem that I haven't changed Josie's diaper in 8 hours?" But, "Planet Crazy" seemed a more succinct, concise, all-encompassing name for this planet, so Planet Crazy it is.

Sometimes the hardest part of my day is sitting on the floor playing Legos with Josephine. There are so many other things I could be doing! Sometimes my day is hard because I've had no sleep the night before. Eleanor is often up every 2 to 3 hours at night. Sometimes its hard because somehow, whichever girl is napping, she knows how to wake up from her nap exactly at the moment I'm putting the other one down. Most days the only time I get to myself is after kids have gone to bed, and by then I'm so exhausted I don't have any energy for anything for myself. I used to have time to keep my house clean, to keep myself clean, to knit, to sew, to read, to nap, to get dressed, to have intelligent conversations with my husband, to remember to brush my teeth in the morning. I was not prepared for so much disorder, for success to be measured by nothing more than simply surviving the day. I'm tired. I'm unaccomplished. I'm spent, emotionally, mentally, physically. I don't often recognize myself. And though I know its a bit irrational, I've begun to wonder if I will ever sleep well again, ever read another book, ever again blow dry my hair.

What was I thinking moving out of my parents' house!??! I need my mom.

All that being said, I am beginning to adjust to this planet (albeit slowly). Though most days I feel a bit like a whirling dervish, there are plenty of sweet moments in my day as well. Josie is learning to say thank you, and gets so proud of herself every time she remembers to thank me. Its the cutest thing. Eleanor is beginning to really laugh, and there is no sweeter sound from a 4-month-old than a good belly laugh. Occasionally Ella sleeps well at night, only waking up once to eat, and those nights are mildly refreshing for me (let's just be careful not to confuse better sleep with good sleep). I'm loving having the time for MOPS, women's Bible study, play dates with friends. And I'm looking forward to the summer and picnic dinners at the park, trips to Sea World and maybe even a camping trip. I love nights and weekends when Caleb is home and the work load is shared. Besides, the girls love having their daddy home.

I'm learning that one of the secrets to thriving on Planet Crazy is to expect a certain amount of crazy every day. If I continue to be surprised by Ella's poor sleeping habits, Josie's temper tantrums and clinginess, unfinished projects, interrupted tasks, never-ending laundry and a perpetually messy house, I will only be frustrated. The key is not only to expect a certain level of crazy, but to embrace it. Despite my fears, life will not always be like this, so I might as well launch myself head-first into the here and now. And then, I shall take a lesson from Eleanor and just have a good laugh about it all. (Well, maybe after a nap.)

Easter

2011-04-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

I got a couple pictures at our church's picnic and Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday ... but none on Easter I'm afraid. Which is so sad because Josie and Eleanor looked so cute in their fancy dresses! I'll have to dress them up again some time soon and see if we can relive the moment for the camera. In the meantime, here's a couple pics from the hunt!

4 months

2011-04-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, Eleanor's four months old! Our little chunk is 15 pounds already, and a pretty happy kid. She has a smile that melts the hardest hearts (including her mama's at 5 a.m. when she'd soooo rather be sleeping). She thinks Josie is the funniest thing going. She laughs when she's tickled, which gets everybody else laughing. All in all, she is an absolute joy and such a fun addition to the family (despite her refusal for scheduled naps). It is so fun to watch her grow, and I thought you'd all enjoy watching along with us!

Molly Marie

2011-03-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it ... but my baby brother has a baby of his own! Just this morning at 8:24 a.m., Molly Marie Hammer was born, first kid of brother David and sis-in-law Rachel, 6 pounds 8 ounces. Congrats to D&R! And welcome Molly!! Oh how I wish I could meet her in person.

Picture of the Day

2011-03-01T15:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday

2011-02-28T07:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Christie!

My sis-in-law is an amazing mom of four kids under 4 ... two sets of twins! If anyone deserves to be celebrated and given a huge break on her birthday, it is this woman. I truly hope you have an awesome day!!

two months!

2011-02-22T21:28:00.001-08:00

Wow, it has been two months since Eleanor was born. My, how time flies when you're chasing TWO little girls around! Ella has been such fun to watch grow (into her nearly 13-pound self). She already smiles in response to funny jokes, she coos and talks like she's full of a million stories to tell, and she's got little fat wrinkles everywhere! She's footloose and fancy free (as evidenced by her complete lack of schedule) and such a fun addition to the Weston household. We had fun doing her 2-month photos outside in the 50-degree weather ... don't worry, I didn't keep that little bald head outside too long!

Couldn't you just eat these feet up??! I can't stop playing with them, they're just so yummy.

Our beautiful girl. This picture makes all the long nights already seem like a distant memory (and we had one just last night!).

So precious.

Big sister was not to be left out of the photo shoot. I look forward to these two girls becoming great friends one day.

Happy Birthday

2011-02-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom's birthday ... we'll leave out her age, but continue to stand in awe at how she manages to keep her hair from turning gray.

Happy Birthday Mom!

May all your birthday dreams come true.

model behavior

2011-02-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Today is my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. In a day and age when marriage is taken somewhat lightly, and long-lasting marriages are becoming mythical and seemingly unattainable, I applaud my parents for their amazing example of the true meaning of wedded bliess. Not only are they still married, but they're still in love. Josie thinks its hilarious when they kiss in the kitchen or give each other a hug when my dad gets home from work. But what an important kind of laugh that is! A child finds so much security in a strong relationship between her parents. My parents did that for me, and I look forward to doing that for my own kids. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! And thanks for the awesome example.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day this year, Josephine and I had fun making heart-shaped cookies for Daddy. She had a ball putting icing on the cookies, but she had the MOST fun with the sprinkles. And by "fun" I mean "eating." We were still working on them when Caleb got home from work, but I'm pretty sure he enjoyed seeing her work on them more than the eating the cookies anyway. Happy Valentine's Day!

She wore Grandma's apron to keep the food coloring off her clothes.

Mmmmmm, sprinkles.

a few more pics

2011-01-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

I feel like she's thinking, "Whatchyou talkin' about Willis?"

I'm the winner!

Not sure what they're cheering for ...

one month old

2011-01-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Eleanor Jean Louise turned one month old on Jan. 21, and would you believe I actually did the photo shoot ON the day? With Josie, I don't think that ever happened ... making it even more amazing that my second child should get such an honor. Anyway, Ella is doing well. Sleeping well at night, not so much during the day. But I'd rather have that than have her up all night and asleep all day, right? She weighed in at 11 pounds 6 ounces and 22 inches long at a 4-week dr. appointment. Its hard to remember how young she is when she's so big! But I just love her big cheeks, her extra chin and the wrinkles she already has on her arms and legs. So much to pinch and love! Here's a few pics from the shoot.

Happy 1st Birthday!

2011-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our niece and nephew, twins Aurora and Dominic, are a year old today. Congrats to babies on this most auspicious milestone ... and also to Mom and Dad, who have successfully guided their second set of twins through their first year. Cheers!

Christmas Day

2011-01-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

Since we came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve, we kept our Christmas Day extremely low key, complete with lots of rest and naps. But we did spend the morning with my parents and opened presents and had breakfast together. It was a nice, mellow morning. We celebrated Christmas with the Westons on New Year's Day and we'll be celebrating with the Hammers on the 9th, after my brother and sis-in-law come into town from Washington. If ever there was a drawn-out holiday, this is it! I'm enjoying all the celebrating though, and taking it slowly has been really nice for me as I continue to heal from the c-section and adjust to life with TWO little girls to care for. Here's a few pics from Christmas morning ... as well as a few others just for fun.

Josie had fun playing with tree decorations. Currently she loves to take things out of whatever is holding them and put them back in ... out, in, out, in, out, in, out, in ... these strings of beads kept her busy for an entire afternoon.

Don't come between me and my yogurt!

Grandma Weston gave Josie this doll as a big sister gift when Ella was born. She took to it immediately and now it goes with her everywhere.

Christmas morning was a learning experience for Josie this year. As it will be for a few more years, I suppose. She certainly enjoyed ripping packages open.

Legos! Not sure who had more fun with these, Josie or Grandpa.

The best Christmas gift we got this year.

Eleanor takes it really personally when you make fun of her extra chin.

Eleanor and Daddy, enjoying a quiet moment together.

introducing ...

2010-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Eleanor Jean Louise Weston

Born Tuesday, December 21, 5:25 PM
9 pounds 13 ounces 20.5 inches

a look back

2010-12-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

I was going through all my pictures for the year and realized just what a big year it's been. So I thought I'd share a few pictures from 2010 ... before pictures of the newest addition to the Weston clan take over. (Its 11:17 a.m. We head to the hospital for Ella's delivery around 2:30. Wahoo!)

JANUARY

We put the condo up for sale and moved in with my parents. It sold and we closed escrow on June 30 this year. We are so grateful that everything went through and that we had a place to go while we stabilized. Now Caleb is working steadily (for a full 3 months now!) and we're going to be moving to our own place in March. My, how things can change in a year!

Josephine. 7 months.

Josephine's cousins Aurora and Dominic are born January 23. Her Aunt Christie and Uncle Lucas add one more set of twins to their family!

FEBRUARY

Valentine's Day.

I made my first quilt!

We celebrated Mom's 60th birthday in style ... with miniature golf!

Josephine, 8 months.

MARCH

A trip to the Getty gets Josephine super excited.

Josie's first camping trip ... to Death Valley. Though we had to leave a day earlier than planned on account of wind, the trip went really well!

MAY

Mom, Dad, Amy, Josephine and I flew up to Washington to visit with David and Rachel for a while. What a great time with them! (Except Josephine, who spent two days sick.)

Josie's first, and much-needed, hair cut.

Easter with the Weston cousins ... a picture of what's to come?

Josephine meets Gerschwin.

JUNE

Her first birthday. She didn't eat her cupcake and actually cried through the whole experience.

Cousin Henry is born June 7, and Aunt Julie and Uncle Jon add one more to their fold.

Morris the cat disappears. So sad.

Josephine takes her first round of swimming lessons. She loved it!

JULY

Josie does her best Lilo impression.

AUGUST

In August my friend Kimberly got married. Such an awesome blessing for her!

SEPTEMBER

We went camping in the Redwoods in September for 2 weeks. It was so great!

Josephine had so many places to run around and climb.

Mom, Dad, Jon, Julie, Maddie, Henry, Rachel and David joined us as well.

While on vacation, Caleb got the call from Rose Publishing offering him a full-time position as their web developer and online advertising guru. He's been there three months now and is fully enjoying the job and the stability it brings. God is so good!

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

November 5-6 I ran my first-ever Christmas boutique. It was quite the success, and I can't wait to do it again next year!

DECEMBER

December 1 was my last day of work at Newcastle Financial Advisors. I worked there 4 1/2 years. Though I am excited at the prospect of full-time mommyhood, the job at Newcastle was very good to me and I feel extremely blessed to have had as much time there as I did.

The only thing missing from this year are the pictures of Eleanor .... coming tonight!

sometimes you just want pizza

2010-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

So I cooked an entire frozen pizza for myself for lunch today. Don't worry, I didn't eat the whole thing (though I think I should be allowed, since I won't get to eat or drink anything at all tomorrow). Man, did it taste good! That Digiornio company sure knows their frozen pizza business.

So today I had my pre-op appointment for tomorrow's c-section. I'd like to say the whole thing is becoming more real, but it isn't. And it probably won't until I'm actually checking into the hospital tomorrow and they start hooking me up to IVs and anesthesia and they wheel me into the OR ... and when I get to hear our little girl's cry for the first time. It IS pretty exciting, isn't it?? At Target today I couldn't help but buy two more little sleepers for Ella ... and a blanket that was on clearance ... and I got another package of diapers for her. We are set!

I might be as excited to not be pregnant anymore as I am to meet our little girl. I am so over numb fingers, having to pee every 30 minutes, waddling, heartburn, and uncomfortable sleep. I know I know, having a baby is just going to mean different things to complain about ... but at least I'll be able to get 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted sleep! I'm actually pretty excited about that.

If you're in the area, please feel free to visit ... but we ask politely if you could wait until Thursday or Friday. We'll be at St. Jude in Fullerton.

We'll post pictures as soon as we can.

tuesday at 5 pm

2010-12-18T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like natural labor just isn't something my body is interested in. And since the docs won't induce labor after a c-section (it increases the chance of rupture, you see), my doctor and I have simply scheduled Ella's delivery. I have a scheduled c-section for Tuesday afternoon at 5:00! And though I'm not thrilled about recovering from a c-section (as opposed to natural delivery), we're getting very excited to meet our little girl. I'll most likely be discharged on Christmas day ... a memorable Christmas indeed! We'll post pictures as soon as we can.

Pic of the Day

2010-12-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Here in Southern California we don't get much in the way of actual seasons. Sure, it dips down to the 60s in the winter, and we get a few inches of rain every year. But sometimes its 85 and sunny on Christmas day, and of course we never see snow in our backyards, and sometimes only rarely on the local mountains. This year, even Autumn seems to have come and gone in a week! We haven't missed it though. My parents have four beautiful liquid amber trees in the backyard, and this year they've lived up to their name and turned the most beautiful shade of gold, spilling their amber leaves all over the back yard. Here's Josie taking a moment to enjoy frolicking in our short Autumn season.

wordless wednesday

2010-12-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

still pregnant

2010-11-30T13:17:00.000-08:00

Normally, I love to write. Its my favorite way to process life, all its ins and outs, ups and downs, unexpected curves, random left turns and even the occasional "Wow, that went exactly as I'd hoped and planned." But the past several months have been full. REALLY full. So much so that two things happened to hinder my writing-to-figure-out-life posts ... one: really full means little time to sit and write, and two: sometimes I get so overwhelmed by all that's going on, I don't know where I'd start if I DID sit down to write.

But today I have a few moments to myself, and I thought I might start catching up. Let's start with pregnancy.

In early July Caleb and I learned our next child would be another girl. I was very exited. I get girls ... I used to be one. Caleb, however, ... well, he got excited by the time the day ended. You see, my husband is an Eagle Scout, a backpacker, a huge baseball fan, and grows a mean beard. He'd gotten his heart a little set on having a boy this time around. However, he's also a big softy and a sucker for his girls. The other day I sent him to Target to find ivory tights for Josephine, and he succeeded! Its that Eagle Scout training that allows him to conquer any task. And besides, his girls will most likely grow up with an Angels wardrobe, and they will never be without the best hiking boots and backpacks our meager income can afford. Just because they can't be Eagle Scouts doesn't mean they can't be climbing mountains before they start pre-school.

This pregnancy has been a much different one from Josephine. She was a calm baby in the womb, doing mostly yoga moves just a couple times a day. Eleanor? Not so much. The kid is awake ALL the time, and prefers kickboxing to anything so calm and controlled as yoga. My symptoms have also been more severe this time around ... including swelling in my hands so bad that for the past few weeks they haven't stopped tingling and tend to go numb just holding a pencil or a spoon or when I try to sleep ... regularly. This girl is SO in trouble already.

Last week the ultrasound tech told us her head size was in the 93rd percentile. It doesn't surprise me, our poor kids come from two long lines of big heads. But the tech thought it was funny to suggest rethinking that VBAC option and just going for the C-Section. I didn't think it was so funny. And yet, it wouldn't surprise me if Ella causes more trouble at delivery than Josie did. Somehow I think all this kicking around in the womb is just a taste of what is to come.

I am getting so excited to finally meet our little girl. All her dancing and jumping around has left me few opportunities to forget she's coming, and it leaves me curious about just who she will be, and become. I know its a big leap, going from one kid to two, but we are excited about our growing family. And despite its future difficulties, I love that we're having a baby at Christmas! I think its going to be a blast.

Her official due date is December 20, but I have given her permission to come early if she wants. For all her kicking, you'd think she was getting pretty anxious to get out! But we'll see what she and my body have in store. My only hope: not to be IN the hospital on Christmas.

We'll of course be posting pics and stories when the big day finally arrives. Yay for new babies!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T10:38:00.001-08:00

These are the only pics we got on Thanksgiving ... taken on Caleb's phone (hence their less-than-stellar quality). Josie climbed into a chair (one of her favorite activities), grabbed a fork and spoon, and started demanding lunch!

1,000 points for the best caption!

2010-11-26T16:01:00.001-08:00

Josephine and her Uncle Jon.

something to think about

2010-11-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

I get Chuck Colson's daily Breakpoint newsletter. I found today's particularly thought-provoking. Perhaps you will too.

A Sign for the Times: Repent!
November 17, 2010

No doubt you've seen cartoons of bearded guys in white robes standing on street corners carrying around a sign that says "Repent!"

Well today, I'm going to be that guy. Except I don't want to be standing on a street corner. I want to be walking up and down the aisles of every American church, carrying a simple message: Repent!

And here's why. So many Christians these days I talk to are positively wringing their hands over the state of our nation. And they have every reason to. The economy is in serious trouble, Washington is oblivious (and don't think the recent election will change that much), our children are subjected to sleaze every time they turn on a radio or a TV, and on and on.

Whose fault is that? As I say in my Two-Minute Warning today, which I want you to go watch at ColsonCenter.org, don't blame the liberals. Don't blame the gay lobby or the media.
Look in the mirror. The Church, the bride of Christ, has been unfaithful. WE are at fault. We-collectively and individually-have chased after every idol the world has to offer. We have tried so hard to be relevant that we've become almost completely irrelevant. We offer no other way, there is nothing distinctive about us.

We have not been what Jesus called us to be: Salt and light. We have blended in with the world so well that we are practically invisible. That's why so few nonbelievers can see what Paul wrote about in Colossians: "the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Has the church in America become the church in Laodicea? Will the Lord say to us, "I know your deeds, you are neither cold nor hot . . . You say, 'I am rich: I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched...poor, blind, and naked."
Hard words. Terrifying words.

What are we to do? Exactly what Jesus told the church of Laodicea: Be earnest and REPENT! Change our minds-which is what the Greek word for repent means, metanoia! Change our way of thinking, our way of living. Make a u-turn. Abandon our love of self and embrace the love of Christ. Abandon our ways, the ways of the world, for His ways.

Enough of self-absorption.

Enough of going to church for self-validation-because it makes us feel good; enough of buying into the "Jesus and me" brand of Christianity that we evangelicals are especially susceptible to. Enough of living exactly like our non-believing neighbors, glued to electronics, engaging in promiscuity and infidelity, spending beyond our means.

Enough of ignoring the suffering of the poor. Enough of being ashamed of the truth claims of the Gospel. It's time to repent. As I mentioned earlier, I speak more about repentance on today's Two Minute Warning. Please, go to ColsonCenter.org, watch the Two Minute Warning, and read and digest the excellent articles and materials we have for you on repentance.

And then get on your knees. Get your Bible study and your church on its knees. Ask God for mercy and ask Him to help us become exactly what he wants us to become, the bride of Christ. Pure. The Church. Folks, politics can't save us. Only God can. He's our only hope.

things an expectant mama loves

2010-11-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

Its a diaper bag! I love this gray, but also think brown, mustard or dusty pink would be perfect.

Here's the link to buy, just in case. :) And no, one cannot have too many diaper bags.

Would you believe this is a camera bag for an SLR camera?! Its so cute! Who knew a bag to protect my giant camera could be so awesome. Check out this shop, she has awesome stuff!

Ooh, I just love this idea of stacked rings!! This girl has an etsy shop with all KINDS of cool jewelry to personalize your life. I would get three: one that says "Caleb & Heidi" and one each for Josephine and Eleanor. Too cute.

It's Winter. My old slippers are getting pretty ratty. And don't these look so nice and fuzzy and cozy and comfy?? Wonderful for a girl entering the colder months unable to tie shoes on account of a giant belly. In a size 7 of course. Amazon has them. Zappos has them. And I'd be perfectly OK with imitation Ugg, too.

A couple of my cousins have these necklaces with a different "tag" for each of their kids' names. This version with the long rectangle tags is my favorite, but there are many great options. Orders can be made at Lisa Leonard Online. You'll have fun looking through all the great stuff she has!

Love these knitting needles! And I had the distinct opportunity of having this crafter sell her awesome stuff at my boutique a couple weeks ago. Love her!

Interchangeable KnitPicks Needle Organizer (above). This crafter makes organizers for all your knitting and crochet needs. Here's the link for all the options. Now you wish you had your own needles to organize, don't you?

long time no blog

2010-11-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

Life has been nuts lately, which I'll slowly but surely catch up on. First a few pics of the kid ... 'cause she's the most fun to photograph anyway.

Grandma bought her some new socks, and when we showed them to her, she decided she wanted to wear as many pairs as we could get on her feet.

So, do you see the giant goose-egg on her forehead, right between her eyes? She got in a serious fight with the tile floor ... and lost. She has a fat lip, too ... but its hard to see in this picture. At least we saved all the teeth!

With Grandpa on Halloween morning, outfit courtesy of Gma Weston. Too cute!! (And a better pic of the goose egg.)

Grandpas are the wisest of them all

2010-10-27T13:47:00.001-07:00

My grandpa occasionally forwards emails that he finds intriguing or interesting, and this one I enjoyed so much I thought I'd post it on my blog.

This article was written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of Cleveland, Ohio.

She writes: "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree .
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

My favorites are 8, 10, 17, 21, 29, 37. What about you?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

My SIL is amazing!!

2010-10-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Julie gave birth to a handsome baby boy on June 7 of this year. And yesterday, just a little over four months later, she did her first-ever mini-triathlon!! Three months ago she didn't even know how to swim, and yesterday she swam half a mile in the ocean (not to mention rode 12 miles on a bike and ran a 5K)! The woman is amazing, and I am so inspired. I don't think I'll be doing any triathlons next summer (or anything that ends in -thlon, for that matter), but she has inspired me that no matter where you are in life, you can do anything you put your mind to! (Well, and that your friends rope you in to.) Congratulations Julie!! Here's a pic of her and 4-month-old Henry after the race.

Josephine at Disneyland

2010-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

WOW! Am I behind on blogging, or what? Since vacation I've been battling bad sleep (on account of Eleanor's growing status in my belly), general weariness (see previous parenthetical statement), my last few weeks at work, and the final preparations for the first annual Mary Roseanne's Holiday Shoppe (more on that later). I'll get caught up some time soon.

In the meantime, you have GOT to see these adorable pictures of my adorable daughter at Disneyland. Her Gma and Gpa Weston took her for the day about a month ago, and boy did they have fun! She was dressed appropriately in the tutu her Aunt Christie gave her for her 1st birthday (perhaps my most favorite clothing item she owns at the moment). She had a great day watching the horse-drawn carriage on Main Street, dancing to the 50s tunes in California Adventure and chasing pigeons. I just can't wait until Caleb and I can take her ourselves!

Who isn't all smiles at Disneyland?

Walking with Grandma.

A 40-minute power nap was all she needed to party into the evening hours.

October Birthday #2

2010-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad!

(Congrats on reaching the 60s!)

October Birthday #1

2010-10-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Hubby!

(So glad you could join me at here at the wise age of 35.)

holy hell

2010-09-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

I don't normally use the word "hell" that way, but at 2:24 p.m. today, it is 111 degrees outside. Man, they weren't kidding when they said today would be "the hot day." And the word hell just seems appropriate.

more pics from vacation

2010-09-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Josie had a ball climbing all over everything she could find to climb. Fern Canyon offered lots of opportunity for exploring and climbing.

Mom and Dad (or Grandma and Grandpa)

Our campsite in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It wasn't quite as cold as it looks. Of course, later the next day it started raining ... and we ended up having to pack up in the rain on Saturday morning. That was an adventure.

Our pensive girls.

Uncle David getting a taste of life with little ones in the house.

new beginnings

2010-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you follow this blog much at all, you know all about what's gone on with us over the past year and a half or so. In a nutshell: Caleb lost his job, we had a baby, Caleb spent 10 months on unemployment, I went back to work part-time, we lost our home, moved in with my parents, found out we were pregnant again, Caleb got a temporary contractual position which paid decently, but didn't include benefits or PTO, and we made the decision I would quit working when Ella is born ... which left us with a deadline of sorts (at least in our heads) for Caleb finding more permanent work, mostly for the sake of health insurance. I think that pretty much brings things up to the present.

Well, over the past couple weeks Caleb followed a lead on a job in Carson at a small publishing company. He sent in his resume, they called him in for an interview, he took a personality test (which confirmed he has one), had a second interview ... and then the second day on vacation, sitting in the car in the Redwoods, he got the call ... and accepted the position as Web Developer at Rose Publishing! Its a full-time, permanent position, with health benefits, a 401(k) and paid time off. His hours get him home by 4:45 instead of 7:00. His drive is shorter. His job is something he knows, and yet will also challenge him in some new ways. So far he gets along with everybody he's met. He got to pick out the computer and software he would need (talk about a kid in a candy shop!), and he's already been booked to attend a conference in New Mexico in November.

When I look back at the past year and a half, I have so much to be grateful for. In fact, our prayers these days are full mostly of gratitude. God has taken such good care of us. He provided a job for Caleb just when he thought he couldn't take it any more, and just before unemployment benefits ran out. He provided a permanent position just in time for our health benefits not to lapse between my job ending and his beginning. He's provided a great place for us to live while we get back on our feet financially. And most importantly, he has used these circumstances to draw us to himself. I have been learning great lessons in faith and trust and prayer and patience. My main prayer now is that we would not forget on what our foundation and stability rests. A good job or a nice home are not our providers. God alone is our Provider. And I don't want to lose sight of that.

So, congratulations to Caleb for a new job! The right job. At the right time. We have several months to go before we start thinking about what's next for our family, and I'll keep you updated on that. For now, we bask in God's faithfulness, lovingkindness and provision.