James turns 4

So, it's birthday season in this house again, and James' turn was next. He turned 4, and is quite proud of the fact. Me...not so much. These kids are growing up way too fast for this Mama's liking. I know they'll still be my kids forever, but they won't be my hug-gable, kissable, cuddle kids forever. Anyhow, James is now 4, and there's not much I can do to change that!













I'm just not sure where to start with this boy. I'll try not to brag, as that will surely backfire on me, but this little guy just melts my heart. Pretty much everything out of his mouth is either hilarious or the sweetest words you'll ever hear (unless he's bossing little sister, then he's not always so nice). I regretfully neglect to discipline this kid as often as I should, because he's just so darn cute (even when he's naughty). Who can resist that little dimpled grin? Whenever he talks, he raises his eyebrows like what he's saying is the most important message in the world. You just have to listen (with anticipation, of course) as he is always so enthralling to watch and listen to. Last night the last thing out of his mouth was, "I should go check on Daddy, and make sure he remembered to take his medicine" (Dad is sick and James was in charge of getting the medicine to Dad when we got home from town). Tonight it was, "Mom, we forgot to build a scarecrow to keep the animals out of our garden" (which we planted today). He is always quite concerned about something or someone, and is our prayer warrior. He remembers to pray for people when we often forget.

















This year he wanted a "Busytown" (from the Richard Scarry books) cake for his birthday. He had seen a picture of a 3-D one that his second cousin had, and thought I could recreate something of the like. He got the cake, but it was much simpler than he had explained that he wanted. He was quite thrilled none the less though. He loves Sally the Cat, and the kids play Busytown pretty often where Sally and Huckle (Luke) and Hilda the Hippo (Elise) go on all sorts of adventures. Here he is trying out his new bike that he acquired for his birthday.

















Here's a few of his latest sayings: (all 'r's and 'l's are said as 'w's)
James was peeling a banana when I asked him to share it with his sister. He replied, "Sure, just as soon as I can get this plastic wrap off of it!"












While driving the other day, he asked me to turn the car so that the sun would shine in his window because he had something to tell the sun (it was shining only in the front). I was turning soon anyhow, so when I did he said (to the sun), "Hello, Mr. Sun. Thank you. Thank you for making our world so bright!" And then to the rest of us in the car, "That's all I have to say to him!"

When James was playing outside the other day, his play pants had holes in both knees and he told his Daddy, "Look, my knees are getting vitamin D!"

Elise turns 2

Her "Cake Cake" ball she got (Strawberry Shortcake is her favorite these days)

It's about time for a birthday update. Our Elise has now turned two, and we are beginning to see the boy/girl difference. She loves necklaces and many types of shoes. She often 'does' her own hair, which is quite lovely, as you can see from the picture. My Mom loves to buy little shoes, and keeps her well supplied. She calls them her "Gaga shoes" (Grandma shoes) and her black ones are the favorites. She'd wear them all day everyday if she could!

She is talking quite a lot now, and parrots everything we say. The other night Greg said, "oh, boy" with a weary sigh, and she followed suit. Very cute! She loves to ride her tricycle (and of course always asks for her "hat" (helmet) too. She calls me "Bubby" and Greg is "Daddy", Luke has been "Wook", "Kook" and now this week is "Wukey", and James is "J" and she is "A-Wee". It's pretty neat to see her thoughts, since our boys never talked this early. Her favorite saying is "took 'way" which is whenever the boys have something she wants, and she claims they took it away (which, sometimes they do, but most often they don't). These past couple days she's been "shut a door" alot, whenever she can find a door that needs shutting. She has learned to get into the fridge and came to me the other morning (while I was still in bed) jostling a nearly full milk jug (lid already off) and a cup wanting me to pour her a drink.

This picture below is the only time I've ever thought she looks like I did when I was little. I'll have to find a picture of myself at that age to compare. She most often gets told she looks 'Somero'. One friend of ours saw her running through a wedding reception and said, "that little girl must be Clark Somero's granddaughter". People also say she looks like Grandma Somero, and Great Grandma Davidson too.

Here's one of her and her "Be-A" (baby). She loves to push them around in her shopping cart and here is singing songs to one of them. She has finally figured out that pacifiers are for babies, and gladly gives them to her dollies and doesn't even want hers any more. (Yay!)

Here's at the ocean a few weeks ago. Greg was fishing, so the kids and I played in the sand. It was a gorgeous beach, which I'd love to go back to (and quite uninhabited too, which made it more enjoyable)













And that's all for now!!

Nighttime Thoughts

It's late, but I'm having one of my pregnancy induced insomnia nights, so I might as well update a post (or two if I can't sleep!)...So, where were we?

I do believe it's time to write a bit about the next biggest change in our life, which will be baby #4, coming soon to our home (due mid Sept.) I have different thoughts with this pregnancy, knowing that I'll have as many children as my parents ever did, and surpassing Greg's parents. That's a weird feeling! Adding homeschooling to the mix, and I'm really not sure how it'll all work out, to be truthful. The blessing I can see right now though, is that my biggest helper will be home with me, and not off to school where I'd be stuck at home with a medium-good helper and a very useless (but eager) helper and a new baby. This baby does happen to be arriving at the middle of gardening/canning/school starting time of year, so that should leave for a busy fall. And since I have ideas of grandeur about my garden (again) this year, I hope some things will work in my favor.

Before we found out we were expecting this baby, I had some qualms about having more children. Although I wanted a 'large' family (whatever that may be), I didn't have the confidence to trust that God would adequately supply me with the strength and wisdom to do so. I talked to one of my wise friends, and she advised me of some things that I found very encouraging, which I'll share with you.
1) In the Bible, children are always spoken of as a blessing. Why would we turn away/delay having blessings heaped upon us? (and debt is a curse, in yet we're often quick to get into it)
2) God also always promises that He is with us, and will adequately 'arm' us for the task He has given. (money, health, strength, wisdom, etc.)
3) We need to look at child spacing/fertility/family planning with an eternal perspective, not a carnal one. Pray that God would override our limited human understanding, and fill us with His wisdom and truths.
4) Pray daily for strength, wisdom, patience, and all other virtues we may need as a parent. "Lean not on your own understanding" to tackle this most important job.
5) Don't let the world's views shape our Christian walk and decision making. This can often be influenced by well-meaning Christian people who do not have Biblical wisdom when it comes to these matters, and can often be our own family members (or even spouse). Pray for conviction, that you wouldn't be swayed by ideas that are not from above!

That said, I was confident that God would not only adequately arm me (and my dear husband), but that He would willingly take over all the details that I seem to fret about. This is a daily struggle; as I want to know all, see all and understand all that is going on in my world, but I know that I just can't handle it on my own. I've tried that before, and only end up in failure.

I do still have lots of fears (umm, not sleeping for instance) that I am trying hard to hand over to Him, but can only continue to trust that God knows what is best for me, and that He's shaping and molding me into the person He wants me to be. Challenges are never easy, but we do gain experience, patience, and sympathy for others when we are faced with trials.

I do have a few new things to try as far as sleeping/nursing goes with the next baby. I don't know that they'll solve anything, but that's my only hope from this end of things. I've had 3 babies with the same issues , which is why I've been scared to go forward. I see other people's placid babies around and wonder what that could be like. I've never had even moments where I could relax that first year, or moments when nursing my baby was even the least bit enjoyable. It's just a job that I do because I know it's best for my baby and myself, and through it all have been able to look back to see where I've bonded with them and been thankful for those sleepless nights (after they're done and over with). I also feel I am in tune with my children alot more through my added time with them when they are babies. It's not enjoyable time for me, because usually they have a tummy ache or are over tired (a.k.a. excessive crying), but I do learn alot about them that would be easier to miss if a baby was more relaxed. I've also discovered baby wearing, which has been the biggest blessing so far. With my oldest two kids, I just let everything else go to care for them, but with more kids, that just can't happen. We need to eat occasionally, and clean clothes are a bit of a necessity.

So, that's about where it stands. Trying to take it one day at a time, and praying for guidance to make changes that may make things run smoother, so that I can actually enjoy my baby, while he/she is yet a baby. Please keep us in your prayers, that we could seek His will more and that we could also trust His guidance rather than try to figure things out on our own.

Oh, and James is convinced this baby is a girl, because that's what he's been praying for. (so that Elise will have a sister to play with and will leave him and Luke alone). Luke was praying for a kitty, but will agree to a new baby instead since he didn't have a choice in the matter. We'll have to wait and see!

Garage Sale Guru

I happen to be a garage sale fanatic. I love the thrill of finding something needed and unusual (or usual) for a bargain, and the chase is on. Yesterday we tackled my favorite sale of the year, and came home with many treasures (in this house that's cheap kids clothes), money left in our pockets and tired kids and parents. But, since we only do that big sale once a year, I figure we can handle it. Thinking about things today, I was trying to come up with what would make things go better. It went really well, so instead I'm just going to list what we typically do. Also, some ideas on how to make more sales if you're having your own sale. I'd also like input as to more ideas that could save us money or make more money if we have our own, so please comment! (things I've learned from helping others with theirs, as well as Better Homes & Gardens ideas in their May 2011 issue)

On going to sales with kids:

1) Obedient kids who are well rested, well fed and potty-ed. Be prepared by bringing snacks along, as well as I usually buy a cheap 'new' toy or book at one of the first sales that keeps them happy in the car during those many stops. (yesterday we had about 15-20 stops) Yesterday Greg and I both went, so we could tag team it by running through sales quicker and keeping the kids in the car most of the time. If I'm on my own, I don't leave them in there unless I can park right next to the sale where I can see them and leave the windows down. They don't like unbuckling and rebuckling any more than I do, and they like to just watch the action (unless they see some tempting toys!)

2) Small change and an empty car to load up on stuff. The other day I came home with a free upholstered rocking chair, which we fit in the back of our van. I just happened upon the sale on my way home from town, so was lucky enough that we got it in. It sucks to turn down a sale item because there isn't room and the sale is too far to go back to pick something up. (which many of the sales I go to are)

On having your own sale:

a) Take the time to clean your items. No one wants yucky stuff, no matter how great a deal. Don't try to sell stained clothes. If you want to get rid of stained stuff, offer limited amounts for free. This is especially true for baby clothes. No one is going to take the time to try to get stains out, and if they see a few stained clothes, they will assume the whole lot is probably stained.

b) Arrange like items together. Organize by room/function/clothing and label your areas.

c) Clear, concise, consistent prices. Add extra info if needed ("works", "like new", "all parts here"). If you want to move stuff, keep your prices low. If you want to take 1/2 your items back home, then price them higher. A rule of thumb is to never ask more than 10% of the original price if the item is in good condition (and never pay more than that if you're the customer, unless it's a hard to find item that you're likely not to get for a better deal) I never pay more than $1/item for clothing ever, unless it's good quality shoes or coats. Clothes are the hardest thing to sell, so price them low. If you are selling them, they are of no value to you, so don't try to recoup your 'investment'. It's better to sell quantity and make money that way! If you want to make money on your clothes, take them to a consignment shop instead.

d) Gear up. Have essentials for customers on sale day- measuring tapes, calculator, extension cord, batteries so people can check things out for themselves. Be ready to help customers keep shopping by starting a bag for them if their arms are getting full.









e) Advertise, advertise, advertise. There is nothing more irritating than losing your directions half way to the sale because signs fell down or are misleading or missing. Or the font is too small to read while driving. Or they give a street address without arrows. Or a car is parked in front of a sign and you drive past and miss it. Or the sale is so far from town and no one told you so you wonder if you'll ever get there and so you turn back. Tall fluorescent signs in bold writing are best with really big arrows pointing the way. You should be able to see and read it clearly while driving the speed limit past it. Put an ad in your local paper as well as craigslist.

f) Have enough people to help to answer questions, help customers and load cars. Have plenty of boxes and bags so people can load up. Sell drinks if it's a hot day, and snacks too, if you like.

g) Have enough change for the whole day.

h) Have Free or $0.25 bins for items you want to go fast up front. Don't put broken stuff in there unless it is still fully usable. No one wants broken toys/dishes/etc.

i) Display:
- place large eye-catching items close to the road to encourage people to stop, move more outside as you sell the items that are out there
- hang clothes and separate clearly by size (I like to write the size on the sale tag too, so then people don't have to look inside each item "ladies 12" etc. in case people don't put them back in the sections they got them from) Organize kids clothes by size & gender and put in separated bins if possible. No one is going to dig through mountains only to find nothing in their size.
- cover tables with brightly colored plastic (this is supposed to entice people to pay what you are asking for your items) Things at eye level sell faster too. Things on the ground sell last (if at all)
- display jewelry on a fabric covered cardboard
- use vertical space, it gives the eye something to see beyond the flat tables. Use books under the table cloth to help do this.)
- hide and get rid of junk. No one wants to see or buy junk, so don't try to even offer it for free. It'll bring down the value of the rest of your sale items.
- mow your lawn and have your yard looking neat. This will make people think your items are of better quality.

j) Be prepared for rain/wind. Have things tied down and tarps ready if the weather does turn bad. Don't end your sale early if you advertised it until a certain time. Slow lulls are normal, and people will get discouraged if you said you'd be there and you're not.

k) Be willing to negotiate on prices. If you want it gone, know in advance how low you'll go. Write 'o.b.o.' on the tag beforehand helps too. And be willing to take people's numbers if you'll go lower later in the day if the item doesn't sell at full price.

l) Don't try to sell Christmas items in July. You'll have trouble giving them away! (that's Greg's contribution)

m) Most of all, have fun. Have fun on your mission, and have fun meeting people and wheeling and dealing. It's so much more fun than shopping at a store, as you never know what might be around the next corner!

Dying to Self

Our church federation puts out a monthly magazine called the Christian Monthly, and this was published this past month (April). Makes us realize how much we really need a Savior at this precious Easter season!

Dying To Self

When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ;

That is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence;

That is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did;

That is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God;

That is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown;

That is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances;

That is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart;

That is dying to self.

Author Unknown

Philippians 2:1-4 (KJV)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

http://www.apostoliclutheran.org/christian_monthly.php

New Job!!

So, the next topic I said I'd write about is my dear husband's new job. This has been a long time coming, mostly due to the stress and workload at the previous job. Although it was a very good job, he came home every day exhausted (mentally), couldn't leave his problems there as there were so many, and could barely recover over each weekend before facing Monday morning again. Not fun.

He had said when he started there, that he hoped to stay at least 5 years, for the experience. He did end up there almost exactly 5 years (to the week) and learned a wealth of knowledge for future jobs and possibly owning his own business someday. But, it was time to move on. He felt obligated to stay for many reasons though, one of which was comments like "be thankful you have a job, so many people are out of work right now" (well meaning, but not very helpful). So, he'd grudgingly pull himself out of bed at 0430 and try his best to be thankful.

The last straw came last fall when he was taking a much needed 1 week of vacation (which was a rebooking for a canceled vacation in the summer, canceled by work, not him). His folks were in town and had agreed to watch the kids overnight so we could go to the beach for a getaway. While we were there (Tuesday, his second day off), his boss called and wanted him back "urgently" for work on Thursday and Friday. Being the good employee he was, he of course went back, but on the way home stopped in at a shop on our way to talk to them about a job.

The next step was updating the resume, and then getting it to that new shop. He also toured another shop while waiting where he knew someone. The shops both called him back wanting to hire him, but he ended up taking the first one in Kelso (where he had first stopped, had the first interview, etc). It wasn't an official interview, as Greg had just stopped by the shop again to talk to them. I was supposed to meet him in town that day after he had done that (1/2 hour later), but 4 hours later he hadn't called me yet, so I assumed either things were going really well or else really bad. His new boss is quite a talker, and he and his wife (who also works there) were just visiting all that time. Needless to say, I didn't meet him in town that day, as it was bedtime by then!

The transition came then in giving his notice at his old job, and starting the new one in reasonable time. We had really hoped for a warm, relaxing family vacation, so we were able to fit that in between jobs as well. His old boss made a very sweet offer in hopes that he would stay, but Greg felt he would throw up if he even considered it. That was how burnt out he was.

The new job started, and he loves it. The people at the second place he applied at is friends with Greg's new boss, and was joking at how the new boss "stole" Greg away from him because he was a few days too slow. Oops. That's the way it goes! At least Greg knows he has another option if this job doesn't work out for whatever reason (although he is loving what he does now). His boss is very laid back, and they have alot of fun at work, still while getting stuff done. Totally opposite his old ex-Marine boss. He also has some old customers who've shown interest in him, if he should ever be in the job market again.

And me, well, I'm glad to have my husband back. He's happy and relaxed, not distant like he was for so long. I felt like he'd either have a heart attack or end up on blood pressure meds if he kept up the stress level he was at. He now also gets every Friday off, so that's a good change in our household. His pay level went down, so we'll see over the long term how that affects us. So far we're doing just fine and know that God will provide for our every need.

Chicken Coconut Curry Soup

A friend made this recently, and it is absolutely delicious. I don't have much time to write, so I'll just post it instead. It is divine!!

What you need:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped – except for a few matchsticks for garnish

1/2 onion, chopped finely

1 red bell pepper, chopped finely – except for a few thinly sliced pieces for garnish

1 cup cooked chicken meat, chopped (canned is fine)

1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa, barley would work too)

2 tablespoons red curry paste (if you like it less spicy, just use 1 tablespoon)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

13.5 oz can Asian coconut milk or cream (unsweetened)

21 oz chicken broth (roughly 1.5 cans of Swansons brand)

Optional: 2 tablespoons fish sauce and a few sprigs of cilantro

Note: Reserve some of the coconut milk, carrots, and red bell pepper (and cilantro) for optional garnish.

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil on medium heat and cook chopped onions, carrots, and red bell pepper for approximately 5 minutes. Add curry paste, brown sugar, chicken, rice, and fish sauce stirring and sauteing everything until curry paste is completely incorporated (approx. 2-3 minutes). Pour chicken broth and coconut milk into the pan and give it a good stir for a half minute. Reduce heat to medium and allow the soup to cook for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a spoonful of coconut milk added on top with a few matchstick carrots and a slice of red bell pepper for garnish. Enjoy! (she did it in a slow cooker to simmer, which worked well too)

http://savorysweetlife.com/2010/01/chicken-coconut-curry-soup/

Late, late, late

I know, it's been a while since I've written, and alot has gone on since then. The major event was of course...well...is it my husband's new job, or our new baby on the way, or our awesome family vacation. It could be all of them, but today I'll focus on the vacation, since it came first. Well, the baby news came first, but announcing it came later, so I'll try to record it in the order that the world knew about things!

Anyhow, since most of my readers are on facebook, I'm not going to post a million pictures of our trip. I'll just list where we went, and what we did (more for my own memory, so I don't forget).

We started out early on Feb 4, heading down I-5 towards California. All the way through Oregon and then at Grant's Pass, we veered over to the coast, ending our first day in Crescent City, CA. This is the start of the Redwood Forest, so that was pretty exciting for this prairie girl. Those trees are huge! We stayed the night right on the water (probably wouldn't have if we'd known a tsunami was coming the next month, as that is where the huge waves hit after the Japan earthquake) Anyhow, it was beautiful, although pretty cold and windy. We took advantage of the hotel's pool and sauna, as well as running down to the local deli for soup and sandwiches.












The next day we headed south on Hwy 101. This follows the Redwood Forest as well as the coast down to San Francisco. I had really wanted to see the Golden Gate bridge, but we neglected to put that in the waypoints of the GPS, and it took us the most direct way instead, which happened to be over a different bridge across the Bay (the northern most one). Because it was almost dusk, and we were still quite a ways from our destination, we continued on the path we were on. I did get to see the bridge (about 1 mm. tall) far out across the water. It'll have to do for now! We then got lost in Oakland due to another GPS failure (the exit was on the opposite side of the freeway as we were told it was going to be), and that was a bit unnerving. We managed to get back on the route, and made it to Gilroy, CA that night.












Gilroy is the 'Garlic Capital of the World', and you can smell it as soon as you're getting near. We had to try some garlic stuffed olives, which we fabulous. We also headed out to Casa De Fruta, which is an old farm-turned-tourist-trap. We had fun there, and then headed south towards Solvang, CA (via the backroads that the GPS kindly took us on) The drive was beautiful through some of California's most beautiful farmlands and vineyards. California sure is bountiful when it comes to producing good things to eat!












In Solvang we found our hotel, and then headed out to discover. It's a small Danish town with cute shops and all sorts of curiosities. We ended up getting there late enough that many of the shops were closed, but we did get to a few. By then we were hungry, so Greg remembered Andersen's Pea Soup (http://www.peasoupandersens.net/history.shtml ) in the next town over so we went there for supper. It was delicious, and we found out there was another one on our way home, so we visited it again on the return trip! We also enjoyed the pool at our hotel again, and then hit the road early the next morning.












We headed south from Solvang to the coast, following it to try to find a beach to go to. California's beaches are private, making it difficult to find a good one easily. We did find a state park, so paid the toll and played in the sand and splashed in the waves a bit. It was 0830 in the morning, so it wasn't real warm, but after that, we were headed towards the desert, and I knew our chances of finding another beach were slim to none. We then headed through LA (with an emergency kiddo potty stop just as we reached the city limits, of course!) and onwards towards Arizona. We ended up getting to Greg's brother's house in the evening, and surprising our nieces and nephew there. Then to Grandpa and Grandma's for the night.

The next few days we spent in AZ, catching up with family and just relaxing and visiting. Didn't do anything too thrilling. Went to church and caught up with the folks there, and let the cousins play alot.

On Monday morning we got ready to go. Greg had to make a quick trip to our old chiropractor to get readjusted, and then we dropped by Grandma's work to say our goodbyes and we were on our way. We stopped at my great Aunt R and Uncle J's house in western AZ, and then headed north towards Las Vegas. We reached Hoover Dam about dusk, so just drove around and looked without getting out of the car much. It was pretty chilly, so we headed on to our hotel a few miles further. We had hoped to drive down the "Strip" to see the Las Vegas lights at night, but alas, we had a boy with a tummy ache and 2 more kids who didn't want to be buckled in for 1 more minute, so we stayed put at the hotel and ordered pizza.












In the morning, we took our drive down the Strip, and wow! some of those buildings are amazing. I had mixed feelings about the whole place. In awe in some ways, but disgusted in others at the lavishness and waste and sinfulness that goes on there. We decided to head back to Hoover Dam for a closer look, and I'm glad we did. So much history there, and amazing architecture to design both the Dam and the Pat Tillman-Mike O'Callaghan Bridge (which is now open) We then had to get on the road to make it to my uncle J and aunt H's for the night.

After a lovely visit and comfy night's rest and delicious breakfast, we got back on the road. We stopped first at Simonian Farms which has the most amazing raisins I have ever tasted. Most of them are jumbo, so they have way more flavor, just due to size than any you'd find at the store. We then drove all day (lunch at Andersen's Pea Soup again) and ended up for the night in Redding, CA. A snowstorm was brewing, so that's as far as we dared to push it in the dark.

The next morning, the road conditions didn't sound great, so we were prepared for the worst. We ended up having to chain up for about 30 miles (which means driving max 35 mph), and although the roads didn't get too bad, they were pretty slushy/soupy. Then it was smooth sailing through OR (and rain clouds, of course) all the rest of the way to Kalama!

It felt good to go on vacation, but even better to get home. We spent 8 days in the car (some longer than others), and although the kids did very good, it was still tiring! I do love the family time of being able to visit so much, and pointing things out to the kids. Also, having Greg around all day, every day was really nice too. We seem to kind of forget about 'us' when he goes to work and we get caught up in the tasks of every day. It was nice to refresh (or maybe 'reboot' is a better word) our family once again.

The one thing that our family laughed about for most of the trip was James' theme he came up with. When I'd give the kids a snack I once said "no choking" as a joke/warning. Then later I had told someone that there was "no whining" allowed on our vacation. James took these two comments and whenever we ate something or someone was complaining (usually Elise because she was bored or something), James would shout out, "No Whining, No Choking...you know the rules". It was pretty cute!

Monday Blues

Since it's Monday, and I'm extremely unproductive on Mondays anyhow, I may as well update a blog post. This one will be on New Years resolutions. I often try not to set them, as I then feel so let down when I can't hold up to my standards. But, I made some rough ones anyhow, and have been doing okay so far (I know, it is still January!)

1) Eat more veggies. Although I try to get us to eat a goodly amount, it seems like supper is the only time we do (unless we're eating leftovers from supper that already have them in it) So, my goal was to have at least 1 veggie at lunch and double up so we eat 2 at supper. That has been working well, although is more work overall. My mom has been on a weight loss program (and has lost 25+ lbs and counting) and they really promote upping your veggies.

2) The other weight loss thing they promote is your 8 glasses of water a day. I've been really working on that too, since I tend to drink coffee in the morning and then forget to drink much the rest of the day. I got out my measured water bottle and have been drinking, drinking, drinking. I have to add lemon juice to it to get that amount down in a day, but I've been pretty successful (most days!)

3) Reduce clutter. I subscribe to a few magazines which give all kinds of organization tips in January. I comprised a list of the things that looked most relevant to my situation and posted it (in huge letters) on my fridge. It has really helped me sort out what to keep and what to get rid of. Since I have no attic, no basement and no garage, storage space is at a premium. And since my storage places were all full, that left a huge problem. I've gotten rid of 5 boxes so far, and plan on many more. And I got some more shelving for books put up, finally!

1) Is caring for it WORTHY of my time and energy?

2) Does it have a home? (most important before you buy something, otherwise it’ll just get shuffled around the house, causing disarray)

3) What does this item contribute to our family? (does it contribute to the better good of your family’s goals and well-being?)

4) When did I last use it? (put your hangers backwards on the closet rail, and turn forward when you wear something, then evaluate in 3/6/12 months and get rid of unworn clothes)

5) Can it be easily replaced? Do I have a specific use for it? (not a 'someday' use)

6) Only touch it once! (don’t set it down, when by taking a few more seconds you could put it in its home)

4) Clean my carpets. Our whole house (except kitchen and bathrooms) is carpet, so this is a necessary evil. Got that done this past Saturday. Yipee! Good for another while!

5) Get annual family pictures taken. I usually do this in the fall, but our fall was pretty busy and emotionally exhausting. We were finally able to book a date and get them done.

6) Husband to get a new job. Check!! Greg's been pretty burnt out at his present job, and has been offered a different one which he has accepted. Less hours, less money, less stress, more family time (every Friday off!), less commute=less gas money, more projects done around the house although less money to do it with! We're looking forward to the changes and challenges that it will bring.

7) Exercise more. Well, this has been the hardest due to a) bad weather b) coughing kids c) logging trucks on our road for the past month starting at 0330 and going until dusk. But, I haven't given up. My mom suggested many months ago that I look for a rebounder (mini trampoline) for the kids to jump on when they can't get outside. I started thinking that if I found one, then I could get some exercise too. I did end up purchasing one, and love it. Exercising is actually fun. I look forward to getting up each morning to jump on it. It gets my heart rate up, and is great for so many things. I have hated all forms of exercise that I've tried(except swimming which doesn't really fit my life right now) so was really surprised that I love this. I do workout videos for floor exercise on it, as well as the rebounder videos that came with it and ones on youtube. If you want more info, check out http://www.busywomensfitness.com/rebounding.html or just google 'rebounder benefits'. It's great for people who only have a few minutes and for those who have health limitations. You still get benefits even for minimal effort. It's especially great for the elderly, with proper instruction. And the double benefit is that the kids love it. They can be found jumping many times a day (usually fighting over whose gets to jump!)

8) Get more plants. I love plants, but hate paying money for them. So, I finally caved and bought 3. They cheer me up, filter the air and just brighten any ambiance.

New kids sayings:
James: (to himself as he's going to bed, walking very slowly) "Oh...I feel like an old man. Except I'm not an old man. Actually, I'm a young man. Actually, I'm 3." Keeps walking and gets into bed. (He does love the word 'actually' and uses it many times a day)

James: Mom, can you call that babysitter and say, "hey, can you come back, my kids like you" And then when she was coming, he tells me, "you know why I like N, because she doesn't make us cry. Not even ever." I'm not sure if he was comparing her to me or what, as I have to admit I do make them cry occasionally, due to their misbehavior or displeasure of course!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Here's a recipe that I just love. It's quick, easy and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese/Neufchatel, softened
• 1 can (10 ounces) chunk white chicken, drained
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch salad dressing (optional, in my opinion)
  
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• Tortilla chips

Directions

• Spread cream cheese into an ungreased shallow 1-qt. baking dish. Layer with chicken, buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm with tortilla chips. Yield: about 2 cups. (from Taste of Home)
  

Christmas 2010

Since this happened to only be our second Christmas at home in our 7 years of marriage, we weren't sure what to do. Most people have their traditions, which don't include asking people over who aren't on their "traditional" list. I've tried to start some traditions, but due to our track record, they haven't become traditions, only because we've been not home.

So, I had really hoped to start some, to begin those memories for the kids that they can look forward to each year, as we did when we were kids. I've tried to incorporate things that both Greg and I did as kids, but also come up with some of our own new ones. This is what we did.

Christmas Eve: (when I was a kid we always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve as my mom said we all slept better (and later on Christmas morning) if our gifts were already opened. And even if we woke up, we had our new toys to play with so we let my parents sleep in.) First Greg and the boys brought some care packages to our neighbors, which I've always wanted to do, but haven't since we're never home. Then we started with dinner, which is homemade sushi. We did invite our neighbors D, P and A over to eat with us since they weren't doing much anyhow for supper. This was fun but challenging. We concluded why sushi eaters are so skinny and also why we have to pay so much for it. Lots of work for not much results. But, it was a fun dinner, and I hope to make it an annual thing. I enjoyed it, so maybe I'll just make them in advance and we can just eat them at dinner time. Then we eat rice pudding with fruit soup for dessert. (also my family tradition as well as a Finnish tradition) I added cardamom and coconut for an Indian flair and made it with coconut/almond milk (one of our friends just married a man from India and at their wedding reception they had some and it was fabulous!) We also drink sparkling cider and buy some specialty cheeses and crackers as appetizers. I grew up having pickled herring too, but could only find a 1 qt. jar of them, and decided I didn't want them that bad!

Then our neighbors went home to open their own gifts, and we proceeded with our evening. We first listened to the tape of Greg when he was 5 reciting Luke chapter 2, and then had the boys sing us a song. James chose Away in the Manger and Luke chose Silent Night. Elise hummed along to both while sitting on the piano bench in the background. (we videoed it on the camcorder, so I can't post it on here for you) Then we opened our gifts, starting with the youngest kid first, one at a time (so the procedure lasts longer). It was a late night when we finally had them settled down to bed. The kids gifts had nametags who they were from, and as also is the tradition in my family, they were from characters in books. Peter Rabbit, Tigger, Piglet, Minnie Mouse, and there always has been a gift from Buddy Squirrel too, whoever he is. (my Grandma K started with him, so perhaps he's out of an old book she used to read to her kids)

Christmas morning: We slept in (and missed church because of it) and the kids opened their stockings. (I try to put only useful but still fun stuff in them, such as a new fun toothbrush, etc) James was shocked (and even hesitant) to even open his for fear of either nothing or coal, I'm not sure which. Maybe even disbelief that Santa even came. We then proceeded with waffles with peaches and whipped cream on them. Greg's family always had waffles (with strawberries) on Christmas morning, so that's his family's tradition. We then gathered our stuff and headed down to my aunt B's in Portland for the day. My uncle M and aunt RA and their son I were there also, and we had a fine dinner of fish chowder with homemade bread with lots of treats to munch on besides. We just relaxed and visited all day and then stayed the night there. The next morning we went to church with B, but then had to leave shortly after as Luke was feeling under the weather.

When we got home, Luke was pretty sick. Fever and just no appetite and lying around. He then started coughing in the night, to the point of throwing up he would cough so hard. Then Elise started in with it too. By Monday, Luke was pretty well except the occasional cough, but Elise was a sick baby. She was feverish and just wanted me to rock her all day, with occasional coughing to the point of throwing up too. Both their ear canals were reddened, so I wondered how they could all be infected, but was treating them as such, especially since Luke had been complaining that his ears hurt. She was still sick on Tuesday and Wednesday, and didn't eat anything, and I could barely get any fluids in her. At night she would cough and gag many times a night. On Wednesday I took her to Urgent Care, since she didn't appear to be getting any better (as kids usually do by waiting a couple days) and it was diagnosed as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and we were told to go home, use Ibuprofen for the fever and wait it out, since it's a virus and there's nothing you can do (for 7-10 days). By this time, James had it too.

They did prescribe a steroid to help open her airways, (another option is a nebulizer to open the airways), but were told not to use it until the next morning, as it would likely make her dizzy and spinny/hyper (just what we'd need at bedtime!) At bedtime she started coughing, and was either coughing or crying for almost 5 hours. The coughing fits would scare her so bad that when she could finally breathe again, she'd start crying...which would make her start coughing again...and round and round we'd go. Nothing seemed to work to make either of them stop, and she was exhausted from not eating or drinking for 3 days too. Poor little thing. I did finally get her breathing helped by making a tent with her blanket over her and I so that the air she was breathing was warm and moist (with fresh air coming in too), and that finally was what settled her down, as long as she couldn't tell the blanket was over her! We both fell into a fitful sleep and then all of the sudden I heard James get up coughing and gagging and so I jumped up to help him. He had jumped out of bed in a panic, and couldn't find Greg or I (I was in the spare room with Elise, and Greg had our bedroom door shut so he could get some sleep from all the coughing). I found James in a corner behind the Christmas tree, in the dark gagging with a panicked look on his face because he just didn't know what to do. The poor little sleepy boy needed help, and couldn't find either of the people who could help him. With my guidance, he was able to cough up his phlegm and then calm down. At that point I just started crying. He looked so scared standing there, and I'm so thankful that I was awake enough to hear him (even though he was only a short distance away) Greg heard all the commotion and came out, and we said some more prayers and hugged James (who was now relaxed and back asleep with more cough syrup) and then we all went back to bed.

That was the worst night. The next couple nights each got better, but we were still up numerous times helping the kids with their coughs. The coughs are finally almost gone, but I'm told that the RSV virus stays in a person for 6 months and can recur, so I'm going to be doing some immune boosting now that they're better. I don't care to go through that again, although I am thankful it wasn't pneumonia or whooping cough which would have been the next diagnoses on the list.

Our Christmas was nice, but the thing I loved the most was the kids. Luke was the most fun, because he actually remembered past Christmases and knew what was going on. He seemed the most excited too. He wanted to see pictures of Greg and I when we had Christmas when we were kids and wanted more and more stories about childhood Christmases. James was fun, but more confused "when is Santa coming?" "so how does he get the gifts into our stockings?" "can't we open our presents yet?" and Elise was just enjoying the lights and the sparkle of the ornaments (and taking them on and off the tree). And putting Mary and baby Jesus from the Nativity set into the Little Einsteins rocket and zooming them around.

Here's a few of the boys latest cute sayings, so I don't forget them:

My boys logic:
Luke: They wouldn't let Pluto be a planet anymore.
James: So he went to live at Disneyland instead....
Luke: How can they not let him be a planet anyhow? Who's in charge of that?
James: I don't know, I just don't know.

James asked for "rectangles" for breakfast. When I asked him to explain better what that might be, he said, "you know, the kind we put snow on". I finally figured out he meant pannukakku with icing sugar on it!

He also asked me to shut off their cd player because it's "playing cool music and we don't like cool music" (Elise had turned the radio on instead of their usual Christmas cd)

ps. I'll try to post some pics as soon as I find my camera!

Christmas Letter 2010

Dear Friends and Family;

I have sat down many times already; trying to think of what to write this year for our Christmas letter, and nothing has come to me. Today this song came to mind, and I thought I’d share it to remind us all, to take that extra moment to let those around you know that you love them.

In our own family we have recently suffered the loss of my uncle Rich Schaaff at age 53, and how thankful we are for the times we shared with him. It hit home again how important it is to be ready to meet our Lord, as our own day could come unexpectedly. How fragile life on this earth really is. And how no matter what differences/opinions/hurts come between people, it’s not worth the heartache to have unresolved conflict. Let’s prayerfully strive to be willing to offer that forgiveness to others that Christ has offered us, for we never know when it may be too late to make things right with someone.

As for our family, we’re doing fine. The kiddos are getting bigger each day. We are trying to savor the “best years of our life” (as many older folks have reminded us) but it’s a delicate balance as things get pretty chaotic at times. We are thankful for the daily blessings that have been given to us by our gracious Father in heaven, and seek to do His will as we continue on our journey.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas Season and New Year.

In God’s Love and Peace,

Greg, Rachel, Luke (5 1/2), James (3 1/2) & Elise (20 months)

"Don't Save It All For Christmas Day

"
~Celine Dion
Don't get so busy that you miss, Giving just a little kiss, To the ones you love
Don't even wait a little while, To give them a little smile, A little is enough

How many people are crying, People are dying...How many people are asking for love

Don't save it all for Christmas Day, Find a way, To give a little love everyday
Don't save it all for Christmas Day, Find your way
Cause holidays have come and gone, But love lives on, If you give on
Love...

How could you wait another minute, A hug is warmer when you're in it
And Baby that's a fact.
And saying "I love you's" always better, Seasons, reasons, they don't matter
So don't hold back

How many people in this world, So needful in this world
How many people are praying for love

Let all the children know, Everywhere that they go, Their whole life long,
Let them know love…

Double Peppermint Bark

This is the next Christmas must-have in our house. My aunt B makes it every year, but waiting until she gives us some is never soon enough. Plus, I like giving it out, as everyone else seems to love it too! This recipe is right off the McCormick peppermint extract bottle. It's the one I've liked the best.

Double Peppermint Bark

INGREDIENTS

1 package (12 ounces) white chocolate chips

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

8 to 10 drops green or red food color (optional)

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

DIRECTIONS

1. Microwave chocolate chips in large microwavable bowl on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until almost melted, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract.

2. Spread on large foil-lined (or wax paper) baking sheet to 1/4-inch thickness. (Add food color, drop by drop, over mixture). Using a wooden skewer, swirl color through chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed candies, pressing lightly into chocolate with spatula. (I actually prefer to mix them right into the melted chocolate, it works better that way)

3. Refrigerate about 10 minutes or until firm. Break into irregular pieces to serve. Store in covered container at cool room temperature or in refrigerator up to 5 days.