Stepping back

I'm doing too much.  It doesn't help that I've been slacking on my Bible study which is often the only time I sit down and get in the Word and really pray more than "arrow prayers."  I did it today though, two days' worth to start catching up.

It's hard scheduling things in the evenings when Joe works, because I want to be here when he gets home.  Eating dinner together is often the only time we actually sit and talk, otherwise we'll watch something, and he needs time to do his own thing and relax too.  And he feels valued when I make good dinners, which means I need to make efforts to be free in the early evening too, and make sure I'm keeping up shopping with produce, etc.

He didn't complain (much) but I know Thanksgiving was hard on him.  I know, because it was exhausting and overwhelming for ME, the person who loves people and hosting.  He did so much work moving furniture and seating to set up, and then put everything back the same evening.  And had to work the next day...in fact, he works Friday through Tuesday, and then Wednesday we're hosting a surprise party, plus that's the day my mom comes over. 

I decided not to go to a party I was going to go to tonight - for Joe's sake and mine.

And while I have a list of people I really want to hang out with, I am postponing them or even rescheduling.

The parents of a family in my church are going on a trip next week so I'm helpnig shuttle their kids around Monday-Thursday.

I have people I want to bring meals to.  And I have home projects I want to do.  Serious organizing needs to be done.

Oh and I long to put the tree up!  But I don't want to bug Joe with it at least until Thursday. 

I am embracing this season, but I feel the effects on both Joe and me.

So.

It's been too long

To be perfectly honest, I forgot about this blog, so I'm relieved I didn't miss any posts.

I've been on a cooking streak.  I was motivated because I have been busy so many evenings and haven't prepared good dinners.  I made three batches of spaghetti sauce and gave one to Angela, made 80 freezer burritos with my cousin and gave her 30, and today I made beef stew so we'll have that for dinner and then freeze the leftovers.

I have three more soups planned:  chicken stew, lentil vegetable soup, and split pea/ham soup.  I might do one of the two latter after small group tonight if I'm motivated.  But I do have to get up early in the morning so we'll see. 

Also, I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house!  At most we'll have 23 people including baby Fernandez (not me, the other Fernandez!!!)  and at least we'll have 17 depending on whether Angela's in labor and her parents are up here.  (Angela's due date is on Thanksgiving day.)  I'm doing turkey, stuffing, gravy, and drinks.  My MIL is doing almost everything else.  A couple relatives are bringing pies and salads.  Originally I was going to do most of the cooking and my MIL was going to host, but it turns out hostessing is harder for her than cooking is, and since I LOVE to host, we decided to switch!

Twice a month (and tomorrow morning) I'm doing childcare for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).  I started out with the 1 year olds because Heather was going to come and bring Azaria and felt more comfortable with someone she knew there.  But Heather hasn't been well so Azaria hasn't come.  And I was getting too worn out with the 1 year olds, lol.  Mainly because I was one of the few adults who constantly interacts with the kids.  There's not a moment I'm not scanning the room, looking for trouble brewing, looking for a kid who needs to be distracted from missing his mom.  So I'm constantly sitting on the floor and picking up babies.  It wasn't working, so I asked to be moved to the 2s.

It's still exhausting, but not as bad.  And I like the 2s better because they can talk (even if I can't always understand them).  We still have some criers, but they're easier to calm down than the 1s.  Last time we had 22 two year olds.  And we're there from 9:15 to 11:30 - two and a half hours.  It's fun but so tiring.

I just realized to avoid day-before-Thanksgiving rush, I have to do my shopping tomorrow!  Wish me luck...

settled.

I'm posting twice in ONE MONTH.  That hasn't happened in a little while. I wanted to share about what is going on though!

I already told Angela, but we are staying put.  After 6 weeks of waiting to hear back, Jeremy and I had a lot more time to think, pray, and discuss about whether we really felt called to uproot and move to Idaho (if they offered us the position, of course).  We decided it really just didn't make sense to us.  We were a little sad to miss out on the training, but taking everything into account, we felt like it wasn't worth it for that when there are plenty of other opportunities out there.

We e-mailed Lloyd and told him that we felt called to North Kitsap and we have decided to intentionally plant a missional church here in our area (which also happens to be one of the LEAST churched counties in the state).  He e-mailed us back saying they had been interviewing some other candidates, which is why they hadn't come to a decision yet, AND that he would like to partner with us and help provide funding for training!  We were totally amazed. We knew we would definitely pursue licensing and accountability through Church of God still, but we didn't know they would want to support us in that way.  It was such a confirmation that we are supposed to be here - best of both worlds, staying in the community we love and have formed many relationships in AND receiving training.  This entire process also really settled for Jeremy's parents that we ARE leaving Indianola church to plant a new community, plus Jeremy's boss has given him a bunch of raises and promotions - he really sees how valuable he is as an employee so we feel very blessed.  His boss also wants to be heavily involved in the church plant.  We have a handful of people and are starting our first meeting at the end of September.  We are so excited about finally doing this!

I am ALSO pleased because I can finally start promoting my business again. I lost a couple of clients because I couldn't commit to their fall/winter dates for birth, so I'm hoping to be able to start getting booked again.  I am getting involved with a birth professionals meetup in the area and am starting to look into becoming a certified lactation specialist as the first step in expanding my business in other ways.

It is amazing how I can go months feeling disconnected, uncertain, discontent...and then, all along you see how things have been prepared for us to stay.  Amber knows how many times I have moved and how much I have longed for a place to put roots.  There are always things you may want to run away from, but I am glad we are sticking around and just facing those things head on.  We were hoping to buy some property in the area in the next year or two, also.

We had VBS (spy kids theme) up at church all week, and I am wiped out.  It was fun, but I taught the 5-6 year olds and had the biggest group, so it was a little exhausting, plus both Hailey and Shea came down with colds.  We are leaving for vacation on Monday to Long Beach with all of Jeremy's family, also.

IN OTHER NEWS:  I chopped all my hair off this weekend (it was bound to happen sooner or later). It is the shortest I have ever cut it and I have never loved it more.  Jeremy can't stop staring at me, he likes me so much better with short hair it is so weird to me.  I even went out and got second piercings on my earlobes, because you can see my ears so much better now and I have been wanting to do it for forever, ha ha.

I took a picture for my website (I just updated it COMPLETELY) so I'll post it here for fun.

That's ALL!

still waiting...and other slightly boring stuff.

I thought the next time I blogged, I would be able to tell you whether we were moving to Idaho or not, but we still have not heard back!  It will be one month this Saturday since the last time we spoke with Lloyd...he told us 3.5 weeks ago that he would be in touch with us after 2 weeks.

He called Jeremy the week after we had visited CDA and told him that he was going to meet with the lead couple the following weekend and then get back with us.  He did say they had some other "options", but it still seemed from the conversation that we were his top choice, unless the couple had something reasons they didn't want us.  When we left CDA, it didn't seem like the lead thought they had much of an influence in the decision about hiring us, as they were always talking in terms of "if YOU choose to take the position".

Anyway, who knows if it is just an unorganized office (he has taken a long time to get back to us in the past), they are looking into other options because the lead is not sold on us, or who knows what else.

It is getting so hard to wait though!  Shea is supposed to be officially registering for Mosaic in just a week and a half, and then everything starts the first week of September.  I want to get on with life!  it is so weird to me how this keeps happening, where we are waiting and waiting to find out about these jobs.  I keep finding myself asking God, "WHY again?? What have we NOT learned that we are supposed to learn??" and this time, we didn't even apply, so I feel like it isn't our fault, haha.

Enough about that!

We are still enjoying our summer anyway!  This past week I have gotten re-motivated to work out a little bit more consistently.  I ran 7 miles the other day - this has been my goal for a while, so now I will move onto 8.  I have also been doing more strength training in the evenings and running with the kids on a super hilly trail we have, which has been helping me increase my time and endurance for running.  I never knew I would enjoy it so much, but it is such a major stress relief and gives me a ton of time to think uninterrupted.

I have been taking the kids out of the house almost every day to run/bike along the trail.  We go 4 miles total, I am amazed at how far Shea can go!  We just took his training wheels off of his bike the other night too, and he wants to keep practicing.  He was complaining a lot about taking the training wheels off whenever we discussed it, so Jeremy and I are really pleased he is so excited about riding. He also has lost 4 teeth now - his front two are already beginning to grow in again.  And he is starting to make some progress reading. This kid is getting so old, I don't even believe he is only 5 1/2 anymore.

I also bought a longboard.  I have been secretly wanting one for yeeeears.  Well, Jeremy knew I wanted one, but I could never justify buying one.  I sold my cello last month though - something I have been meaning to do for a long time.  I never play it because it buzzes and it isn't nice enough to try and fix up.  I will get a better one some day, but for now, I would rather ride a longboard around, ha!  Shea and I went to a parking lot recently and raced up and down (he was on his bike) for an hour. I am getting better, but I hurt myself last week and twisted my knee trying to foot brake.  My knee is better now, but I need to find some flatter areas to practice I think!  Hailey loves to ride it, too.

Today I feel like I accomplished a lot, but looking around the house you would never know it.  I took the kids grocery shopping (four stores), cleaned out the pantry and refrigerator, and prepped a bunch of food.  With working out more (I am trying to lose 5-10 lbs right now), I also am trying to get us back on track eating healthier and on a more strict budget.  I sprouted a huge pot of beans and turned it into bean burgers, chili, and refried beans, which I will freeze some of.  I also made some sprouted hummus, which turned out delicious.  I tried a real recipe and actually bought tahini so that made a huge difference.  I cold brewed some more coffee - we have been just drinking it this way lately, because it is less acidic and quicker in the morning, plus I can have an iced coffee in the afternoon. I have to brew it every 4 or 5 days though...I make about 3 quarts at a time, but we go through it! (yikes). And I have been loving brewing kombucha again!  I am flavoring it with berries and ginger this time for the first time, and the kids love it.  I give them a small glass in the morning with breakfast to make sure they get a good helping of probiotics every day.

Anyway, I'll leave you with some pictures and then be off to start some dinner.

Kids were excitedly watching as this man cut down a tree on our property last week.

I took the kids to Bainbridge Island and we hit the Kid's Museum, park for a picnic and playtime, Bainbirdge bakers for dinosaur cookies and a coffee, and then the library.  Such a fun day, we were all tired out afterward, though!

We have been eating lots of watermelon in the backyard lately

Hailey put all of these clips and hair bands on and was very excited about her style.

playing at the park!

Hailey LOVES riding my longboard like this. She always asks, "can I ride mommy's skateboard??"

Life Lately

I have told myself to sit down and blog so many times, but naps seem to always win over. I meant to blog months ago and let Candice know that we are expecting Baby Fern 2.0!  Amber of course knew early and Becca knew a while ago because she so graciously loaned me her maternity clothes again. I somehow just thought everyone knew because of this, but here I am at 21 weeks pregnant, a baby due thanksgiving day, just now blogging. 

This pregnancy has flown by so fast I can't even believe it. The first trimester was full of just trying to survive the insane fatigue.  I am still nursing Eli and don't have any plans of weaning him. I could definitely feel the toll that growing a baby, nursing Eli, and trying to keep up with normal daily routine took on my body. Once I hit 12 weeks I felt like I could come up for air. I have been feeling great lately. Eli and I go to the gym 4-5 times a week so I can swim and he can play in the daycare and get a lot of energy out! We both enjoy it so so much. My gym takes babies starting at 3 months and I love the daycare workers there so I will definitely be taking this babe once they are old enough. 

We aren't finding out the gender, just as we did with Eli. In fact I may not even get an ultrasound this time around. With Eli it only cost us $40 to get the anatomy scan but with this babe since I am on different insurance the quotes I got ranged from 240-360 and I am thinking it is just not worth it. There are so many other things I would rather spend that money on! 

The last two days Eli hasn't asked to nurse right as he woke up in the morning. I am hoping this will continue and milk can just be before naps and before bed, as a relaxing sleepy thing to do. What he does ask for every morning is his "doose" or juice, which is actually a smoothie. I just use peaches, strawberries, banana, and whey leftover from yogurt making. I need to start adding spinach again as Eli eats everything, so why not cram more nutrition in there! He will drink 20-30 ounces of smoothie a day. He eats non stop and this is one of the easiest things to give him. Happy baby=happy mama. 

We went to Port Townsend with my parents for three nights and then down to Pacific Beach with Pauls parents for 2 nights. It was a busy, full, fun, and exhausting week! Eli did really well with switching sleeping arrangements this often. Especially considering the fact that when we got home he had to sleep in our closet since we only have one room air conditioner and his room was 86 degrees at night. The longer the hot weather went on the more used to it we became, so Eli actually started sleeping in his room even with it being so hot. We just put him to bed with fans blowing and just a diaper on. 

Eli is obsessed with all things that have wheels. He rides this strider bike for more than an hour a day, every day. We let him ride it inside and outside which he loves. He has so many different riding toys and I don't think a day goes by that he doesn't ride every single one for at least a little bit. Every morning Eli back the car out with Paul and then we play outside for an hour or more while eating breakfast, drinking smoothie, and just hanging out. Eli waves to all the cars the passes, on garbage day the last two weeks the garbage men have honked the horn and waved.  I think I forgot how to parent a kid inside 4 walls, all we do is play outside these days! 

After Eli gets out of the gym daycare every day he likes to go stand and watch the aqua aerobics class.  He may not get to do this anymore though because this was when we were trying a one nap a day schedule and we swam at 8am instead of 10am. He has been doing better since we had to switch back to two naps for schedule reasons for 4 days. He stays in his crib till 5:30 now and hasn't been waking till 5 instead of 4:25. The only reason we tried switching to one nap was because he was refusing his afternoon nap 1-2 times a week and he was waking up so so early every morning. He did get 4 molars in 12 days, we went on vacation in two different places, and he had to adjust to more heat that we knew existed in western wa. It has been a crazy month and hopefully his sleep schedule is on the upswing. This mama loves her sleep and want's to enjoy every night of it until baby 2 arrives! 

When it was so hot I was letting Eli watch finger family for both of our sanity. I needed extra rest time and he needed to chill an not run around in an 83 degree house or a 92 degree outdoor temp. We had to stop letting him watch though as it was turning him into a holy terror for the rest of the day. He never wanted to stop watching and he would ask for it throughout the day. Now we just let him watch if we are on a long car ride and he has reached his limit of just sitting, the doctors office, and activities like that. No just wasting time around the house watching finger family. 

This kid loves to be held more and more. He knows there is so much more to see when you are up high and he doesn't want to miss out on anything. Now if I am cooking in the kitchen he needs me to hold him or sit on the counter. He can also stand on a chair but he moves so quickly that it makes me nervous he will fall and hit his head on the tile. 

Speaking of falling, Eli climbed and fell out of his crib yesterday. He has slept in it since and not tried to crawl out so we are hoping he can stay in a while longer. I wouldn't mind moving him to a toddler bed but he moves around so much and likes to sleep with arms through or against crib rails that I don't think he would do well in a bed yet. I think he also needs the walls of the crib to tell him it's nap time. He is instantly calm and sleepy when we lay him down, which isn't true of when he gets on a bed. 

Love to all!
Angela

Interesting Times

This is week 7.  Justin has been on strike for 7 weeks! It's a weird/lovely/tough time for us right now.  Justin is home a lot (only picketing 4 hours a day), but our income has taken a huge hit.  Thankfully we have my mat benefits and his strike pay to cover most bills, but we feel like we are under house arrest and working hard to only spend money on essentials.

This week Justin's schedule is from 6-10 AM, and although it's 9pm now I sent him to bed because he hasn't been sleeping well.  I think the stress of it is getting to him.  I was sitting here in the living room alone thinking that I needed to blog and vent.  I could feel the worry and uncertainty weighing down, and the thought hit me.  I need to pray.  I got a feeling of being so small and God picking me up and carrying me, just like I carry Callum.  Thank you Lord for this picture and this peace.

There's a lot coming up.  We are going to the Philippines!!!! :) :) :)  

(had to stop here because Callum was crying in his crib-turns out he had a couple hives and was very itchy....I suspect white potatoes, he had some a couple hours ago and this has happened before. boo.)

So yes, Callum's allergies.  I don't know if you saw on facebook, but Callum is anaphylactic when it comes to eggs and peanut and probably dairy.  I did not even know how to pronounce anaphylactic when we were at the allergy clinic.  I mumbled the end of the word when I asked the doctor, "so...does this mean Callum is anaph....?" He had a skin test about two months ago, and two weeks ago we brought him in for a peanut challenge, where I fed him peanut butter at increasing amounts every twenty minutes.  He had about a teaspoon of peanut butter and had hives all over, a runny nose and threw up.  They kept giving him benadryl and it wasn't working and then after he threw up they gave him epinephrine.  We were at the hospital for four hours.  I didn't feel stressed or worried or anxious, Callum was a good sport for the most part, but afterwards I was so shaky and exhausted.  I've completely gone off eggs, peanut and dairy (I was hanging on to butter) and his skin is doing so much better.

I am so sick of pumping!! I was hoping to have Callum weaned by the time we go to the Philippines (Aug 16th) but the formula he would need is pretty pricey and benefits would cover it but Justin's were going to kick in, but since he's on strike they haven't.  So onward I pump.  It's getting better though, I have a manual pump now and don't have to pump as often.  It's a lot more discreet and easier to pump anywhere.

I'm also job hunting and my mat benefits end in August, so I would like to start beginning of September, but that means I need a job and interview before we leave for our trip.

haha, here God is my wish list!  I was so stressed, but after praying I feel very at peace right now.  I felt I didn't need to even voice my prayer, he just knew.

There are some things I am really enjoying now and am very thankful for.  Our good friends from when we lived in Kingston just moved to London and now live less than a mile away!  They both got jobs in the area and just happened to buy a house near us.  They moved last weekend, and I can't believe that we have such dear friends living so close and we are all planning on being here for a good chunk of time.

 I can't get over the fact that I'll be in the Philippines in a month and a half.  It is unreal.

Well, I was going to post more pictures of some of my sewing projects but Callum woke up and I had to deal with his reaction, so not this time.  I have been doing a ton of sewing!  Last night I sewed Callum two pairs of scratch sleeves, I was going to buy some because Callum had been scratching so bad when he slept and when I looked into it, I knew I could make some.  I made a prototype to see if they worked and last night I made a couple adjustments and finished the final product.  I'm also sewing gifts now (working on a tea cozy for my sister-in-law) and catching up on mending.  

ok, I really should go.  I need to pump and then sleep.  Thanks for reading! :)

something new

Phew.  We got through a busy week last week with end of year events and lots of fun times with friends.  I did two photo sessions this week which both turned out to be a blast and the pictures turned out beautifully.  I have some more coming up this month and  I am especially excited about one that will be taking place in about a month or two - I am doing the pictures of the new birth center coming to Poulsbo of their facility for their website!  I am slowly building up connections with people in the area and becoming known as a birth photographer, and this will be another great and natural connection.

Amber! I am so happy you got to go on that trip to DC, I truly smiled so big as I looked at the pictures of you during the cake fight! ha!

We have something kind of life changing and interesting that came up recently though.  We haven't told many people at all - only family, basically, and not everyone. I am sure you remember when we we applied for the church plant position for Federal Way area with Church of God about a year and a half ago.  Well, when we weren't chosen for that position, Lloyd (the director for the PNW), told us that he wanted us to consider applying for the next church plant opportunity that would be coming up in 6 months or so.  It came up (about a year later) last November.  At that point, both Jeremy and I decided that we were not going to apply.  It was for Coeur D'alene, Idaho and we didn't feel strongly enough about moving there to uproot our family.  I told Jeremy that the only way we would consider applying was if Lloyd emailed us directly asking us to.

He never did.  Jeremy has continued to get a LOT of raises this year at work and has been offered basically partnership in the business he works for.  I have been slowly building up my clientele, meeting tons of people in our community lately, and have been enjoying our life here SO MUCH, I can't even tell you how much it breaks my heart to think about leaving.

April 15th we received an email from Lloyd about the church plant.  Apparently they have a lot more resources for this one and were looking to hire two people for it.  They picked the lead back in January, but they didn't want to go forward with any of the other candidates until he saw what we were up to.

Since he emailed us, we figured we better go ahead and apply and see what happens.

We didn't hear back again until this week.  Partly because we told him we couldn't travel to Idaho until after May, since I was on call for a birth and couldn't travel.

It is funny though, because one reason we didn't want to apply back in November is that we just weren't emotionally ready to go through another long waiting process.  Last time we felt like we couldn't live in the present and felt disconnected from everything around us, sort of numb.  Jeremy's mom said something that really helped me this time though, that we needed to live fully where we were, even if we end up being called somewhere else.  I have been able to just keep investing in relationships and plan like we will be here for now.  We have had a lot of time to process moving or staying and what each would look like and what would be a big enough motivator to make us move.

For so long, we have tried to go somewhere else...this is the one time that we feel so rooted and at home that it makes it a very difficult decision.  But, I had said just about a week before we received the email that I felt like something was about to change in our lives.

So, long story short, we haven't made any decision yet.  Our family is going to Idaho the second weekend of July to stay with the family they already hired and basically see how we feel about them and learn more about the specific vision for this community and church. I know I have moved a lot of times, but as a family, we have never moved so far away from our support network of family and friends.

It feels REALLY CRAZY.  I am excited about the possibilities and the training and experience we will receive. I think it will be really good for both of us (especially Jeremy) to get away from his parents and their church.  But I have also spent a good deal of time grieving the possibility of leaving this place.  There is a pang in my heart when I think about it.  I love our beach and community.  I love the life my children have here.  I am so looking forward to the school Shea would be entering in the fall and the support it will have.  There are people who have asked me to photograph their births and I SO want to be there for that, but I have had to put their requests on hold for now.

It might not happen.  We have tried to fight it and say we would say "no" no matter what, but it feels imminent.  So dear friends, please pray that we know what in the world to choose.  I know just because we are blessed here does not mean we won't be even more blessed there.  The call is strong and there is something about being sought out like this to be a part of something that could impact so many lives.  But we also know that just because we may be "picked" by the district for this position does not mean it is our calling.

just some things

Hello! I am tired right now, but the kids are playing nicely and I had some pictures from my camera to upload to the computer, so I thought I would do a little post while they load.

I cannot tell you how happy I am that school is over!  Life has been busy the last couple of weeks - good, happy, socializing with people busy though!  I love it.  I go through spurts where I feel like I am so disconnected from everyone and then I suddenly do tons of things with people like almost every day and I feel SO energized and I remember how much I need to get out.  This weekend we hosted a bonfire, hung out at the beach on Sunday, Monday night I had a ladies night for Beauty Society, Wednesday I had a new friend and her daughter over for a playdate (her and Hailey play so well together, it is adorable), and today we went to another playdate, hung out at the beach with friends and watched Shea's preschool "rodeo" he has been practicing for all week.

Ah.  Plus, I have finally had the energy to get out in the garden (a little bit - everything is growing so well this year, I LOVE it) keep the house clean, and make something other than tacos for dinner. T-ball will be over in two weeks and we just bought a tent and are taking the kids camping at La Push in a couple of weeks, which will be our first real "rustic" camping trip with them.

I had a kidney infection almost a month ago that knocked me out for over a week.  I received really bad care at the urgent care clinic on Bainbridge Island and ended up in the ER after a weekend of super high fevers that would not go down.  Worse feeling in the world is being a sick mommy and not being able to take care of your kids.  I felt like a brand new person after getting an IV and getting my meds straightened out though.

I don't know what else to share!  I have a bunch of fun little photoshoots coming up that I am doing for some friends for free, just to practice and build up my portfolio some more. I have been running for the past month.  Yesterday I ran 6 miles!  I am totally amazed I can run that far, and even more amazed that I LOVE IT.  I have never really gotten into running in the past, and now I am addicted. Jeremy and I have a deal that if he gets to go disc golfing, once the kids are in bed, I go for a 30-60 minute run.  I think I like it because no little children can interrupt me.  I can just GO.  I am thinking about training for a race, but I don't really need the motivation anymore.  My next goal is 7 miles, and then I want to be able to run to the end of Indianola road and back, which might be around 10 miles round trip, not sure.

The kids have been fighting almost constantly lately and I am feeling the need to figure out what to do in this new stage with changing dynamics between them. 

I made a "cliff" today to hang up in the kitchen and Shea made pictures of each of us (as toy story characters, OF COURSE) and now if he disobeys or acts unkindly, etc. his person gets moved to the edge of the cliff.  Same for Hailey, me, and Jeremy. We talked about how when he is still at the top of the cliff, it is easier for mommy to help him so he can come back away from the edge.  Then there is a branch on the side of the cliff, so if he continues to disobey, he falls and is holding on to it.  This is if he throws an insane screaming tantrum which has been happening a LOT lately.  The idea is that he can always come back, but he may need more help from me the further he falls and it will take more work to get back to the top where it is safe (which is a good reminder for ME to stop and help him, too).  I guess it is kind of like the "doghouse" thing some parents do, but I feel like this shows that it is his actions that causes him to "fall", rather than just being put in a cage for disobeying, if that makes sense. Anyway, I don't know how it will work, but so far it seems to be a good visual, because he can kind of see where he is standing and improve his behavior,and he takes ownership for it since he helped make it.  He basically loses privileges along with how far he is on the cliff and there is possibility for an award if he stays at the very top away from the edge. Ha, that was a long explanation. These are the things I lay awake at night thinking about. 

I wish I could share pictures with you, but we have decided to go a bit media free over the summer.  We packed up the Wii and put away the DVD player, and since I am done with school we even put our internet connection on hold for the summer.  I can make my phone a wifi hotspot when I need to do something quick on the computer, but we don't have a ton of data on our plan at a high speed so I can't upload pictures unless I take the laptop up to the church.

I guess that is it. I made pudding and we are having homemade pizza for dinner.  I also just picked an insane amount of kale from our garden (we have almost 20 plants!) which I am going to turn into kale chips.  Tonight I am going to a DoTerra essentials oils party a mom from Shea's preschool is throwing.  I don't know much about essential oils, but have wanted to learn about it for a while, so I'm looking forward to it (plus, getting out of the house without KIDS makes it even better).  I hope you are all enjoying your spring so far.  Candice, I am amazed every time I see you post a picture of Callum on Facebook - he just looks so different and so much older now!  

A Friend Goes Home

Today was weird.

I went to the orthopedist about my finger because it was swollen and I was concerned, but he was like "It looks great!  You can take off the splint now!"  Of course the problem before had been that I couldn't straighten it, but now because of the splint I was wearing, I can't bend it!  I walked to the PT center I'm so familiar with and made an appointment for hand therapy.  I was annoyed because I had to put in all my information again, as if I hadn't already been a patient there.  It took so long.

Then I was going to visit Nana who is in the hospital again and had surgery yesterday.  Then I was going to see if Heather's mom wanted a visit (I'd heard she was in the hospital with pneumonia.)  On my way to see Nana, I ran into some friends.  I was like "Hey!  Are you here to visit Sue?"  And they said, "Amber, Sue died this morning."

Shock is really the only thing I felt.  She's had all kinds of cancer and multiple autoimmune diseases, yet she's always pulled through.  And she was always over at Heather's house helping out even when I knew she felt terrible.  So when I heard she was in the hospital with pneumonia it just seemed like all the other times when she's gotten so sick she's almost died.  She was sixty years old. 

So I ran to where the family was.  I know I didn't have to run but I couldn't handle my own shock.  I sat with Heather, read to Zari, just really sat because other people were taking care of things like food and planning a meal for the family that evening and there wasn't anything I could do.  They were willing to let me see Sue's body and say goodbye.  I had many intimate conversations with Sue over the last few years.

Kathy was expecting me to meet them to see Nana because I'd already asked if I could come visit after my appointment.  Heather told me it was okay for me to tell Kathy so I went upstairs and told her.  We went down together, not much to do...stand around talking with other people who are close to the family, not knowing how to help...occasionally bursting into tears ourselves.  The family left and we went back upstairs.  I spent a few moments with Nana and then Mom and I decided to go out to lunch.

And then...the rest of the day happened, I guess.  I took a long, hard nap.  Now I'm making soup and watching Survivor and posting at the same time...I have dealt with so little death in my life.  And now I'm at a loss for comforting...all I can do is sit and cry and sometimes grieving people need that company and sometimes they just need people to stop asking "how can I help" and just have some alone time.

Anyway.  I'm a little muddled in the head right now.  I'm fine, just muddled!

Becconing Amberlance (or, The Early Years): For Your Enjoyment

I just found the two old blogs becca and I used to keep..if you get bored and want some insight into our teen years.

Becconing Amberlance Archives (Dec 2004-Apr 2006)
Becconing Amberlance (Apr 2006-Dec 2007)

Here's a sample from one of the first posts:

"Part of the reason Amber and I started this blog was so we could model our perfect friendship to those of you who long to have the same fulfillment in your life."

And becca - it seems I'm the one with a "natural layer" now!  ;)

Just Stuff

We almost got a foster child this last weekend.  We had known about her situation 8 months ago (she's a friend of a friend) and she needed emergency placement this weekend...and I was shocked that Joe (reluctantly) said yes, only for the weekend.

I cancelled my plans to go on the church ladies' retreat and began cleaning up the house, as I was told she would be arriving within a few hours.  But a few hours passed and I hadn't heard from the social worker.  I called again and it turned out they had found a placement with family - which is REALLY good, way better for her.  But it still broke my heart because I don't know what God has...if Joe will ever say yes again.  I was so mad at God.  I had just gotten to the point where I was like "Okay God, maybe we'll never have kids...I'll trust you and obey."  Then this happens and I get my hopes up, only to have them dashed.  It felt like God was teasing me.  As soon as I become okay with no kids, he dangles a kid in front of me!  I know that's not really what happened but I don't understand why he even bothered to have them call us at all.

(I started this post yesterday but got interrupted...so sorry for the abrupt topic change...)

On Wednesday I had 3+ hours of dental work done under sedation.  I took a pill an hour before we left for the appointment...I don't even remember getting in the car.  I just woke up on the couch.  Halcyon is crazy stuff.  Needless to say I'm a little sore but alright.  The dental appointment was because I apparently grind my teeth in my sleep, and managed to crack one tooth and remove a filling from another tooth.  So now they're supposed to fit me for a mouthguard.  Guess I should call them about that.  *sigh* I hate the dentist...I have some Halcyon left so maybe I'll take that.  (Totally kidding!)

Let's seee...did I tell you about my finger splint?  I did something to the tendon (no idea how) and the orthopedist says I have to wear this splint for six weeks.  I am great at typing without my left middle finger now.

Also I appear to be getting sick again.  I had a bad cold the month of March.  Now I seem to have another cold.  It's still weird to be sick.  It makes me wonder exactly how well the immunosuppressants work - like, how much of an immune system do I even have?  I think I know how I got sick - a lady at Bible study was sick last week and she sat next to me.  At the time I thought "Amber remember, you have to be careful, you're immunosuppressed" but I'm so used to not caring if I'm around sick people because I never used to get sick...anyway.  I was productive this morning and then the cold really hit me hard so I watched tv.

Still New

Today is one of those days where I just don't want to be new anymore.  I've had a good attitude this move for the most part and I know it takes time to get to know people and feel comfortable, but some days I just don't want to do it anymore.  I have three things a week I go to now, on Mondays I go to a Mom to Mom Bible study at a community church, on Wednesdays I go to coffee break at my church (all older ladies and Callum is the only kid in nursery) and Fridays I go to a public play group.  The Monday group is the newest one, today was my second time.  I love the study and the ladies seem really nice.  Last night I had a rough night with Callum, we hosted Bible study but he needed to be comforted so I had to be out for most of it and then he woke up at 4 AM and had trouble going back down and cried for about an hour and a half.  So today I just wanted to sit down with a friend and talk about the stress and frustration of it all, and it's so hard to with a group of people I don't know yet.  Then after Mom to Mom today Callum screamed and cried in the car most of the way home.  He's asleep now thankfully.  Today I just feel new and alone, but I know tomorrow will be better.

Life has been good though, I am really enjoying this year off with Callum.  I've had a lot of time to think and reflect.  One of the things I've been convicted about lately is my stuff.  Even though I don't spend a lot of $ on stuff, I'm constantly dealing with it and focusing on how to get more stuff that will enhance our lives.  I feel God is challenging me to live with less and focus more on my family than having to deal with my things.  I started going through my clothes and bags and have a box full of stuff and want to go through my kitchen and sewing stash.  I know I can live with way less!

Justin and I have been working on the outside of the house now that the weather is warmer.  Last weekend I cleaned our front porch and love the space now! It had layers of dirt and grime.  I first swept, mopped then went through four basins of warm water scrubbing on my hands and knees.  It was so worth it though.  We live on a dead end street and really enjoy sitting out there and chatting over a drink.

Yesterday we walked to church!  We'd been talking about it and finally did it.  It only took us 25 minutes, and it felt so good to have that time to walk and talk in the morning.  On our way back Callum feel asleep in the stroller so we stopped at a Bistro by our house and ate lunch on the patio.  It was still a bit chilly but we were dressed for it, so it wasn't too bad.  We live a couple blocks away from Wortley Village which has a few stores and restaurants.  We really enjoying being able to walk to a lot of things! 

Callum's eczema is still a struggle and I'm working on better sleep solutions for him.  Right now he sleeps in a sleep sack with the arm holes sewed shut so that he doesn't scratch.  I made him a zippadeezip, but I tried it out the week he was teething so it didn't go over so well.  I think I'll try it again this week.  I'm happy with how it turned out though.  I want to make more and do a few tweaks to my pattern.  

Justin and I have been getting our puzzling on lately!  We feel like we watch too much TV and Justin's brother and his wife started doing a puzzle so I picked one up at Goodwill.  It's a lot more fun than I thought it would be.  I find that I'll sit down for five minutes and an hour will go by.  My 2 years old niece was over the other day and wanted to "help" do the puzzle.  I was out of the room for a few minutes getting lunch ready and when I came back she had taken apart half of the puzzle!  She thought she was helping and was really upset when she realized she had messed it up.  I felt bad that she felt bad! 

Justin and I have been talking a lot about our trip to the Philippines.  We really want to do it soon before my parents retire but it's so hard to figure out when a good time would be.  We were thinking November, but since Melody got engaged, my parents want to go to the wedding and we would too, hopefully.  So now we might go to the Philippines in August!  I still won't be working and we won't have to worry about getting Callum out of daycare (he'll be in part-time).  The only thing is Justin might not be able to get it off, so we'll see.  It's been a dream of mine to go back.  I know that it'll work out if God wants it to and he has the perfect timing for us.  It's really hard though to be patient after years and years of waiting already and now we have the money and time to go.   Sometimes I just want to be done learning life lessons! :) 

Well, I should go eat lunch.  It feels so good to blog and share about life.  I'm so thankful for this blog even though I'm not on much, it's great that it's still here!

So busy.

And I love it.  Learning how to juggle.  Here's some of the things I've been doing:

• Weekly after-school kids club for the students across the street at the elementary school
• Weekly small group
• Weekly Bible Study
• Weekly my mom comes to hang out and play board games
• Visiting Joe's grandma in the hospital
• Gym (not as much as I should)
• Hosting two girls last weekend who were part of the "Children of the World" choir
• Babysitting Colton this weekend
• Watching kids at the church while their parents attended a marriage conference yesterday
• Helping out some folks in small group (taking meals to sick, picking up kids from school, taking one of their kids to PT who just had surgery)
• People over for dinner
• Taking a family to church today
• Taking a meal to a homeless shelter
• Transporting some ladies from the homeless shelter to a church event

This is "fun" stuff so I've been behind on housework.  However I'm mostly caught up on my daily chores.  I had a friend coming and doing my weekly chores for me while I watched her kids, but their family has been sick so the floors are in terrible need of cleaning.  I've also sucked at tidying up the house.  Rachel's coming for dinner; thankfully it's just Papa Murphy's pizza.  But I really want to try out a new recipe for cream cheese brownies.

Bad babysitter move yesterday:  Colton fell asleep in the car when I was driving back from doing childcare at the church.  I let him sleep in the car for about an hour and then woke him up.  He came inside and crashed on the couch.  He had been coughing some so I wondered if he was getting sick and let him sleep for another hour.  And he obviously couldn't get to sleep last night.  He kept waking me up because he couldn't sleep (after he refused to sleep on the top bunk unless I slept on the bottom bunk - not happening, but I made him a fort out of blankets on the bottom bunk and that made him happy.)  Joe was frustrated because Colton wanted the hall light on, and around midnight finally told Colton he had to suck it up and be bored in bed.  I did let him play with some cars for a while and gave him some books.  Still, not smart babysitting move. 

Colton's looking forward to church today though he says he will not go to the kids care and he wants to sit with me, especially for the singing.  I encouraged him to go build social skills but he doesn't want to, so whatever.  He refused to play with the other kids at childcare yesterday too...and was actually really rude to some of them.  We had several stern talkings-to...I've never had him behave this poorly.  Funny how taking away screen time motivates so quickly, though.  Only child syndrome, I guess.

I got an online membership to America's Test Kitchen.  I've made 3 of their recipes so far:  chicken stew, sesame-crusted salmon with lemon and ginger, and gluten free chocolate chip cookies because we had GF company.   One problem is that they test the best equipment and so now I want different pans...a broiler rack...etc.  Unnecessary things, but things that from ATK's tests make a difference in the food quality.  I kept making too much food though in my zeal and we had too many leftovers last week..and now we have no food.  *sigh.*

Joe's grandma is having bowel surgery sometime next week.  So I don't know if I'll be visiting as often.

Next Saturday is my annual birthday party/diaper drive.  I'm so glad Becca and Angela can come.  I haven't done any planning though so I need to get on that.

Legs have been very strong for short periods of time.  I can walk normally most of the time unless I'm walking a lot.  Some leg symptoms still; I've learned that elevating my legs or at least sitting with my legs crossed keeps them from hurting.  Apparently they don't like the blood rushing downward?  Whatever, it works.

Joe and I are going to NY and DC with another couple in June.  We don't have our tickets because Joe is trying to find out if he can get one more day off work.  We'll be visiting Janae in DC and also enjoying NY.  It's Janae's birthday, and the other couple's anniversary, and ours too.  I'm really looking forward to it!

That's all for now; time to leave for church.

spring break is almost over!

I have been enjoying my spring break!  Classes start up again on Monday for my last quarter at OC, but I am not thinking about that right now.  The last two weeks have been full of just relaxing and doing fun things.

Last week turned into a pretty busy week, nonetheless.  I visited Angela and my sister with the kids, then we hurried home to get everything packed for our overnight at my in-laws.  I also went and modeled for an art class sort of last minute for Jeremy's Aunt, so I was rushing to get home and get everything ready.  

Our anniversary was SO much fun!  We got up around 6am, leaving the kids sleeping with Jeremy's parents.  The drive, the weather, and the walk were so beautiful and it was AMAZING to go on a hike without carrying a child half the way (which I did at several long hikes last summer).  

This week has been more relaxed.  Both of the kids have had colds the last few days and have been really tired and cranky from not sleeping well.  I kept Shea home from school yesterday, mostly because he was so emotional about everything, I could barely look at him without him starting to cry!  That kid needed rest and snuggles.  So I let him lay in our bed while he listened to a little house on the prairie book on CD and then after I worked out, we cuddled and listened to it together.  He felt SO much better after that.  I have to remember that this kid thrives and feels loved when he is being held and experiencing something together (can't just read a book or do something NEXT to him, he wants me to be interacting with just him or something together).

My friend Anna came over the other day and took some pictures of me and the kids.  I sewed a few photo props for her and we were hoping to get some other shots with the kids, but this is all they would sit for!  Sometimes "lifestyle" type pictures don't really depict what your everyday family activities look like, but this one is really pretty true to real life.  I have always read to the kids a ton daily and we always have fun doing it.  Plus, I am in an old grubby tank-top with no bra on and shorts, because I was super hot after working out and running around the house cleaning that day.  Pretty real.

I also have been working hard to spring clean/purge the house.  The kids even got rid of like 3 bags of toys and books!  So nice to get some of that clutter out of here.  I also re-arranged our loft.  We had our bed crammed into a corner with our dressers for a while, because Hailey was climbing up on the half-wall and I was scared she was going to fall off the loft.  She doesn't do that anymore, so that means we could finally move the bed back!  The kids also don't keep each other up at night, so I made a little room/nook for them.  It feels much more like a bedroom and I love that we each have more of our own space.

I took these pictures of Hailey the other day.  They aren't the best quality because I had my ISO set too high, but I just love them, because they are SO her.  Crazy, beautiful, messy hair and playing around.

The weather was amazing last week, too!  We have been down at the beach a few times (kids have even worn their swimsuits and splashed in the water).  I love it when it gets sunny too, because all the moms and their kids from the neighborhood come down to the beach, so the kids get to see their friends and I get to talk to the "beach moms" - the ones I only see at community events, but we always hang out and catch up.

And, random hair growing milestone:  When straightened (which I pretty much NEVER do anymore - I don't have time for that nonsense!), my hair can officially fit into a poofy ponytail.

Busy day off with daddy.

The last 24 hours have been awesome! Amber came over last night so Paul and I could go out to sushi for dinner after I put Eli down to bed. She worked on her lesson plan for the kids club thing she leads and Paul and I got an awesome solo 1.5 hour date of sushi and ice cream. I forgot what going out to eat without a baby was like. So much peace, so much conversation, no one screaming at me for another bite. I think we need to make a habit of this, especially while Eli is going to bed so early (asleep by 6 usually). Amber, we so so so appreciate you! 

Today when Eli woke from his nap we went to the Childrens Museum of Tacoma. Becca, so sorry it didn't work out to go with  you, we will definitely have to do it again, it is definitely a super fun place to go! I saw a nursing school friend there and got to catch up with her a bit. I had no idea she moved over here and has an 18 month old daughter. She lives in Kent (so pretty darn close) and does a mama's play group from 10-11:30 every tuesday (during Eli's awake hours!) and invited me. I am definitely going to take her up on the offer. Probably no every tuesday but it will definitely be fun to get together with some other mamas. 

Eli loved having his daddy around today, and I think Paul liked doing lots of activities and getting to play with Eli. Usually we stick closer to home and I think Paul has a hard time playing with the same ol toys for hours with Eli. Eli also tends to get more fussy at home so being out and about was super fun.  

Eli was shy and very observant when we first got to the museum.  It was fun to watch him observe other kids, you could see his brain turning.  

He would have stayed at the water table for the entire 1.5 hours we were there if we let him. He never got bored. .Of course most toys made their way into his mouth but what are you going to do. 

I definitely want to take Eli here more often. I think once a month would be super fun. It of course would be more fun to go with a friend but even going solo with Eli would be fun. There are so many moms around and it is easy to talk to people. Eli loved it and was napped quite well when we got home! 

We went to the Bass Pro shop in Tacoma so Paul could spend his gift card. They have a huge tank with a bunch of fish. I basically fed Eli the entire time we roamed the huge store. This kid can eat! He ate a ton of cracker puffs, 20 grapes, some strawberries, and an entire banana. He then ate lunch with us when we got home. We packed up and went to license Pauls "new" 1993 Honda civic hatchback that he got as a commuter car (40mpg) and Eli ate another banana and another huge handful of grapes while we were at the DOL and then the park after. Yes we went to the Museum and the park in one day, Eli was exhausted by bedtime! He also ate a good dinner. He did move a ton and expend a lot of energy today but man, I am not going to be able to keep up with this boy when he is a teenager! 

It was fun practicing my photography at the childrens museum because Paul was there to help keep an eye on Eli. This lens is a 50mm so it is pretty zoomed all the time and I have to stand farther away from Eli than I would like to get some images. I don't mind him being that far from me, but if it is just me he usually wants to run to me. So nice having Paul as a helper and distraction! 

It was so good hanging out with you the other day Becca.  Once you are done with school this summer I definitely want to make a trip up to you during low tide. We can spend the day at the beach. :) Candice I wish you lived closer, we need a baby playdate!

Learning to Breath.

Yay! I'm posting! It's been so long.  I loved reading about everyone's lives.  I've missed you guys.  I don't know why I haven't posted, I think it's like Angela said awhile ago, life just gets in the way.

I was telling Justin the other day that I've been waiting for life to settle down, but I realized that I don't think it is.  I try to do less, but sometimes I can't control what all goes on.  I think this post is going to be about random things that have gone on lately...

Callum is six months old today.  What?! I enjoy this guy so much.  Each stage is so fun and exciting, I enjoy hanging out with him so much.  I wanted to get a six month picture of him today, but we went to baby playgroup and C was so tired afterwards he was down for a nap for 3 and a half hours and then the picture didn't happen. This is one I sent Justin today.

One thing that has been tough and is getting better is Callum's eczema.  I have been off dairy since Christmas because of it.  His eczema has gotten so bad at times it keeps him up at night because his skin is so red and inflamed and he is scratching like crazy.  We have prescription stuff for him and some Aveeno eczema lotion, but thankfully it has been a lot better these last few weeks and we just have to use the lotion to moisturize.  I've tried to go back on dairy even just a bit to have yogurt and cheese, but his skin flares up right away, so no cow's milk for me.  Thankfully I can have goat's cheese and milk in baked goods is ok.  For a few weeks I had to give Callum a coconut oil bath twice a day to help with the inflamation, now we just do it to moisturize every other day.  He also sleeps with a humidifier at night and we give him Vitamin D drops! I'm so relieved that his skin is doing much better, it was exhausting and tough to watch him go through painful skin.  

Callum with his coconut head, he kicked out of his sleeper and is enjoying some sweet potato!

Coconut oil bath!

Guess what! I worked out four times this week!  I'm going a 21 day challenge with a mommy facebook group.  I'm not doing their shakeology or measuring what I eat, but I'm using it as a motivation to workout and get in shape.  I wasn't able to workout on Wednesday because our tub was getting refinished and the fumes drove me out of the house.  I did go for an hour walk though and enjoyed the Spring weather we're finally getting.  I've lost 18 lbs since Christmas...hoping to continue to lose more and fit into some of my jeans again!

This was me today after holding a plank for as long as possible. 

Justin and I have been settling in pretty well in London.  We found a great church and love the community we've found.  On Wednesdays I go to a women's Bible study there. Most of the ladies are older, but they are so sweet.  My first time there they dug out their name tags just for me.  Callum is the only baby/kid there, and they have someone to baby sit him each week.  Justin and I have been going to a Bible study with other singles and couples our age.  I feel so blessed to have found a Christian community.  I feel like I've come home after all these years of moving. I know that no community is perfect, but I've been blown away by how they've welcomed us. 

We're planning a trip to the Philippines!!! I've been wanting to visit before my parents retire next year and we've nailed it down to September while I'm still on mat-leave.  I just have to check with my parents (who are flying back as I write) for dates.  I can't wait to buy tickets, it's been 7 years since I was last there.  We're going to be there for Callum's first birthday, so excited!

a late night moment to blog!

Wow it has been a while since I've blogged, but I can hardly believe it is March and my quarter is almost over at OC!

I have my math final this Saturday and am working to finish my research paper for my english class. I have actually been REALLY enjoying doing it, because I chose to write it on current challenges and opportunities for midwives.  I have read so many publications in medical journals and different studies, it has been hard to narrow my scope for my paper.  Anyway, I am really looking forward to a break from school over the next few weeks, and then I only have one quarter left before I graduate.  I am just down to electives, so I am taking two sort of fun/easy art and media classes that look interesting.

So much else is going on that I am excited about!

I have my first REAL, paid-for birth photography client!  She was referred to me by an amazing birth and wedding videographer in the area who I really look up to - I felt so honored when she messaged me to see if I was accepting new clients.  It is convenient for me, because she isn't offering photography by itself right now, so it appears that she is sending me clients who are looking for that. I officially bought my business license this week and I have prices up on my website.  I am meeting with my client this week to go over a contract and take payment.  I can't believe I am getting paid to do this!

I also just applied for a position working as a virtual assistant for Evidence Based Birth.  If I am chosen for an interview I am expecting to hear back in the next couple of weeks, so I will keep you updated.  My hopes aren't super high or anything, but it really sounds like such an amazing opportunity (working from home for a cause I really believe in and where I can gain a TON of education for free).

One more sort of crazy thing I did was model for a life-drawing class Jeremy's aunt was teaching last month at the Bainbridge Art Museum.  I had a lot of fun doing it and got to chat with some cool artists in the area.

Also, here is a full pic of my new tattoo.  I loooove it.  It took about 3 hours for Tracy to do (way less time than she thought).  It hurt like crazy at times, but she is fun to talk to, so at least when we were talking I was distracted. Childbirth coping techniques came in handy, ha.

So thats whats up with me!  Shea is starting T-ball in little league in a week or so.  He is really excited about it and I just found out some of my good friends are requesting to be on the same team as us.  Jeremy and I were talking the other day about how crazy it is that Shea is in T-ball now, because we talked about this before he was born.  My kids are getting so old.

After I walked to pick up Shea from school, we decided to go down to the beach since the weather was so nice.  The tide was WAY out and Shea just ran and ran and ran.  I love the freedom he can experience on the beach.  I know he will not go past the boundary of the water's edge and he has so much open space to run and explore and play and I can just let him be independent. I am trying to learn to let go more and more so he can have more freedom, but it is such a fine tension to hold and I make mistakes all the time.  We are trying to teach him that in order to be trusted he needs to show us in small things first, but some times when I decide to let him try, he surprises me with his level of responsibility.  Other times I just hang my head in my hands and wonder where in the world this kid came from!  Anyway.

we are so blessed to call this home!

swinging on the "beach swings" someone made

Hailey found a tide pool and laid down to "be a mermaid" and then found clams and started digging at some random sea creatures she found.

Oh and after Shea's scrape this morning crashing into that parked car, I found out that at Kingdom Kids, he stuck a rock from the playground UP HIS NOSE and my father-in-law had to take him into the bathroom and try to get him to blow it out.  Apparently it was pretty bloody, but in the end Papa pushed his nostril and mouth closed and told Shea to blow as hard as he could and it came out.  He saved it.  It was large.  Shea said he was just trying to be funny.  We are learning lots of lessons these days.  He told Jeremy that the lesson he learned from the car incident was, "Don't sleepwalk in the road".

Here are just a few more shots from this month:

Shea was so sweet sharing this ice cream cone with Hailey

Walking back on the boardwalk in Longbeach after our bike ride