Epiphany

2013....we are well into the year....well, the *New* part of it....11 days in.  But just a few days past the start of Epiphany; the day we celebrate the Magi visiting little Jesus and the season of enlightenment. 

In the book, “All Year Round”, the authors write, “The star that the Wise Men followed led not away into the widths of the heavenly worlds but to a house, an earthly dwelling, and an inevitable part of their journey was their encounter with evil in the person of Herod.  We, too, may be following a star, seeking the abode of our highest aspirations.  This is always to be found on the earth – set firmly in the ground of daily life, earthly tasks and responsibilities.  On the way, we meet unforeseen difficulties, disappointments, even dangers, which may force us to change direction.  But on all this the star shines:  on the success and the failure, on the good and the evil, and in the clear light of its rays we are guided ever forward.”

Phoebe and I made this craft to celebrate.  While she was out of the house I wrote on the paper with a white crayon "We come to worship" and drew some stars, then along the bottom I drew in black a silhouette of the Magi walking to a small dwelling.  When she came home I had her paints ready and encouraged her to paint the sky, we were both amazed as the paint slipped away from the wax to reveal the scripture and the stars.

May newness be revealed to you on your path in 2013.

craft supplies:
white and black crayon
watercolor paints and brush
water
watercolor paper

Some Christmas Favorites

Post Christmas

We made it....phew....that is how I feel at the end of December, moving into a new year.  I can take a deep breathe and say, we made it.  This year December felt like a race, I love the idea of experiencing Advent, focusing on the waiting but this year it didn't happen, which makes me a bit sad, but the reality is that it is hard to slow down in December and this year I didn't have the energy to put on the breaks.

My grandfather's funeral was at the beginning of December, it was so lovely that our whole family could be there together, and the time we spent remembering our Patriarch was perfect.  But it put a wrench in my plans, so this year I decided to give up my plans and do what I could.  Which is all one can really do.   So after we came home from the funeral (our second time flying as a family in two weeks time, which is a lot for us) we basically ran through the month.  It doesn't seem like a big thing that one little trip, but it was.  And the emotional energy it takes to grieve the loss of a grandfather, these things took a toll on this mama.

So, December felt like a sprint to me.  To do all the things I hoped we could do; a Jesse Tree with the kids everyday, decorating the house for Christmas, gifts wrapped beautifully under the tree, a handmade item for everyone, and in between all of this slowly enjoying the waiting.  Some of these things happened in small portions and they happened as space was made for them, and some didn't. 

Now, we move forward into 2013....

• There is a 1 year old birthday to celebrate....
• A new house next door to celebrate.....
• With new neighbors to welcome to our community....
• A 4 year old who will turn 5 (eek, that is old!).....
• And who knows what other blessing will come in the next year?

Mary

Phoebe played Mary during the Children's Chapel performance at church last week. It was a sweet sight to see all the children reenacting this miraculous story. This was done as a way for the little ones to understand the story more and to engage it in a way other than just hearing about it. The 'performance' wasn't for anyone other than themselves, which was quite lovely. I was able to help with chapel that day and I prayed that these little one's hearts would be touched by the story in a new way. 

Phoebe had her one line down, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord." And she still says it with gusto even now when we mention Jesus or the Nativity.   I hope she will keep those words in her heart, mind, and soul as she grows to understand them more each year.

Here are some pictures from the little play.

The cast listening to the beginning of the story.

Mary and Joseph in the stable

Everyone came to worship the baby Jesus

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55 ESV)

8...9...10 Months?!

I had every intention of giving a 9 month update on Justus, but didn't have the perfect picture and never found the time.  Then....he turned 10 months, ack, time is flying!

Our little man is growing, moving, eating and teething; just as he should be.  And I love the long naps he takes, which give me time with Phoebe, and time by myself when she is at school.  Our days have a nice rhythm of awake, eat, play, sleep that we all count our hours by.  Awake time gives all of us free reign on noise level so Phoebe can play, I can do chores, and when the mister is home he can use power tools.  During nap time we choose quiet activities; Phoebe has been enjoying puzzles and creating distant lands for her little people to travel to.  When they are both awake, I take advantage of their alertness and often run errands, they both loving being out and with people so the grocery store is a favorite! :)

Justus update:

• Eating: Most anything, still nursing, loves fruits and veggies and his most favorite is what he can eat with his fingers (all by himself!)
• Teeth: 4 in and another on the way, he has been a champ at teething.
• Mobility: Crawls (super fast!), pulls up on everything and cruises, he also loves climbing the stairs
• Sleep: Mostly through the night (this week), 2 solid naps each day
• Toys: He loves playing with the play kitchen, all the pots and pans make for great sounds
• Books: He doesn't love books as much as P did, he will take anything she is reading and try to rip it apart.  
• Most Common Question about J: Is he always this happy?  Yes, yes he is!
• Stats: (at 9 months) 28.25 inches, 19 lbs 7 oz.  (Phoebe was 20 lbs. 28.25 in. at 1 Year)

j at 9 months

9 months at Yards Park

J at 10 months

DJ Jazzy J

We just pulled out this music table that Phoebe got for her first birthday, it has been the hit of the house for both 4.5 year old P and 9 month old J. They are loving it, spinning some tunes together! I am amazed how well I remember all the tunes that come from this little table; the Jazzy Alphabet, the Bluesy opposite song, and banjo playing frog.

J at 9 months

P at 1 year

I Voted

It is strange to go to sleep and have no idea who your next president will be for the next 4 years. This morning we were thrilled with the news! Obama 303, Romney 206, at least according to this.  I don't want to get all political, on this here my OWN blog where I voice my OWN opinions, because there is no reason to gloat at a time like this.  There are people who are sad, even distraught that Obama won, but I think right now this is the best option for our country.  And I am even more hopeful that the GOP is taking a look at who they are and what they stand for, maybe they can start caring for the life and success of ALL people.

I love this Facebook post from a republican friend, his perspective is so encouraging when there are so many nasty and disrespectful things written and said about our country's President/ President-elect:

"Congratulations to my friends who were rooting for the President's victory! My unhappiness with the result is mitigated by knowing that you are happy. It's also hard to despair knowing that so many smart and thoughtful people believe he is leading us on the right path."

Now on to the cuteness factor:

Did you vote the best Momma?  So you are going to be President?

GOBAMA!!!

Phoebe didn't actually make it to the polls with me (between school and tumbling class and nap time she had a full day).  Justus was there with me both times I went (the line was too long the first time) and the second time we met up with the Mister so J actually voted with him.  I hope we can instill in them the pride that comes with this civic duty.

I can't believe just 4 years ago I took this little baby to the polls with me where we took part in History.

Happy Hopping

Frog and Pumpkin

Hop Phoebe Phrog

 

Crawling Pumpkin

P wanted to be a Frog this year, I love that she didn't choose to be a princess or fairy or something full on girl, I love that she picked to be a green hopping frog- so much more her style!  This costume was easy to put together; a few years ago I picked up this green suit and a green sweatshirt from the thrift store with hope that it would make its way into a costume of sorts.  The green suit has been part of the dress up closet ever since, but this year P found inspiration in it, she wanted to be a frog because we had this suit already! (so thrifty!)  I found the green XL sweatshirt that had been in my sewing stash and went to work.  It was so easy; I cut the hood off and gave it a jagged edge (Kermit the frog style) and glued on the eyes (which we had more balls left over from last years costume), then cut the end of the sleeves of for the hands, utilizing the cuff, and cut the feet from the bottom edge of the sweatshirt and put a little elastic at the back so they can be pulled on over shoes and voila!  A frog. 

J's costume has a shorter tale; he was a pumpkin because someone gave us this pumpkin costume, and he didn't know what he wanted to be.  One of his favorite words is 'D'oh' so we thought maybe he wanted to be Homer Simpson, but the pumpkin was just so cute. 

We made a loop around the neighborhood to see our favorite peeps.  It was a sweet night continuing our simple tradition.

We Survived!

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

We survived Sandy without much damage here on S Street.  For us it was the "Perfect Storm"; not much damage and days off of work and school.  I think a stir crazy husband and child are the extent of the storm damage in this house.  The mister kept busy checking on our exterior drainage systems.

I on the other hand spent some time surfing the internet inside with a cup of tea nursing my sore throat.  Some of the places I stopped along the way....

Appreciating a friend's home.

Dreaming of my future master suite.

Thinking of meals. (Because eating is the best way to wait out a storm!)

Starting a new sweater for J.

All while.....

Wishing for a fireplace!

Kitty Cat Halloween

P finally gets a cat!, originally uploaded by 207 Living.

Click on the Picture for more pumpkin photos.

Enjoying Fall

A few weekends ago we visited the Mister's sister and two of her kids (the rest of the family was off on another adventure). It was a beautiful fall weekend and Justus and Phoebe got to play with their sweet cousins.  We spent one afternoon walking around the lake, keeping up with these two 4 year olds was a task!  

Phoebe and Danny...catch them if you can

Phoebe and Danny 'fishing'

Lydia and Justus reaching for one another

Collecting leaves

Where's Danny?

let the children come

For years, the Mister and I have been praying for more children on S Street. And this summer the Lord provided in a big way!  This little one was given to our neighbors in the perfect timing that only the Lord has. We have loved having more babies on our quiet little street and patiently wait for the next one. 

dad and daughter

family pumpkin picture....why not?

Suiting Up!

When I got this sample pack of diapers from The Honest Company I thought the patterns were so cute, and edgy! Justus, not only a trend setter is also setting his athletic goals quite high because in this family, the skull and cross bones is clearly a sign for the Blackshirts....Go Big Red!  Some how, I don't think J will ever be a part of the Nebraska Defensive Line, but one never knows!?!?  

Suiting up for the game

Blackshirts baby style

Go Huskers!

Happy Homecoming Huskers!

not quite a birth story

In the car this morning, I popped in my favorite CD, it is a burned CD of some of my favorite music.  It is actually the music that I had playing in the L&D room as my body worked to bring Justus into this world.  And there are a few songs that I actually remember humming to in between contractions. 

on the move

Last I reported, Justus was making his way toward crawling....well it has happened!  Last Thursday (9/6/12) all that practice paid off and he crawled.  This is a fun milestone.  He is still a little wobbly, but I imagine in no time he will be scooting away from P as fast as he can, or toward her?  As you can see at the end of the video she has such a hard time keeping her hands of him.  (SOOO MUCH LOVE!)

1st Day of Pre-K

Phoebe, You were so excited for your first day of Preschool. You love telling everyone that you go to Capitol Hill Learning Group, and that your teacher is Miss Kellie. (Miss Kellie happens to be best friends with Miss Mary Beth, your teacher from Little Learners!) On the first day, you ran into the classroom and found your best buddy, Josiah. Then you turned around and scanned the room to find Miss Kellie and even though you had only met her one time, you tapped her on the shoulder and jumped into her lap to give her one of your signature big bear hugs. I think you are going to like having Miss Kellie as your teacher!

On the second day of school you got a little certificate from your teacher for being a kind friend to a classmate who was very sad, you continue to be concerned about your little friend as she gets used to school. We are so proud of you for being so caring!

When you go to class on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday you are so happy to be there and very energized when you come home.  I have enjoyed watching you and your excitement for school.  I hope that this year satisfies and encourages your sense of wonder as you learn more about God and the world He created. Good luck this year, little one. 

Justus at 7 months

Justus continues to be a delight! He has been around now for 7 months and everyday he seems to wake up more to the world around him.  We were at the beach last week and, just like his big sister, he LOVED it!  Most of the time he stayed on the blanket and played with toys, but when we took him to the ocean or set him in the sand he would giggle and wriggle with excitement.  

He loves to look at his hands and see what they can do, he is enjoying new toys passed along from a friend, and he still is so excited to see Phoebe any time she comes around him.  We struggle a little keeping her mothering hands off of her baby brother, but it is sweet to see how much she enjoys him and wants to be near him.  

Justus is on the move, not exactly crawling but he gets where he wants to; army crawling, rocking, lunging from the sitting position.  He is very close to crawling, pouncing his arms and rocking his body and if he can get some time of the floor without sister dictating his moves, he will be off in no time!  

Our little guy was sleeping through the night but now he is up 1-3 times a night, I am hoping this is just a growth spurt or something brought on by our vacation.  (please, sleep through the night again!!)  I keep adding more foods to his diet, and more eating times, hoping this will keep his tummy full through the night!  The most recent concoction of food is pumpkin-apple, and this week he will try more greens- beans, peas, and zucchini.  I got this great baby food making kit that has made the process easier, and it comes with really nice containers to freeze and store the food.  I love that I can make his food, that it is fresh and literally only has one ingredient. 

Ok, enough ramblings of J at 7 months....here are some pics from the beach of our little beach bum.

peak-a-boo

evening beach time is the best!

yummy, sand!

6 Months

6 Month Stats: 

17lbs. 11oz.

26.5"

So fun to compare....though, I need to get him in the onesie!  It still fits, he just wasn't up for a wardrobe change today. 

Things he does/is doing:

• eating solids; cereal, sweet potato, banana, peach, avocado
• babbling, cooing, singing
• rolling
• sitting (recently Matt went to get him in the morning and he was just sitting up in his crib)
• rocking on hands and knees
• laughing when tickled
• everything goes in the mouth, no signs of teeth though
• smiling at the camera (he already knows!)
• best friends- all girls so far, Olive and Hannah
• favorite toy, sister, books, anything appropriate for chewing

Creative Movement

Phoebe just finished her summer dance class; creative movement at Dance Place.  It was a nice little class and a great 'extra' thing for the summer.  (and it was the first dance class I haven't had to attend with her...BONUS!)

Whenever I tell people she is taking dance they always ask, Ballet?  I say, no, it is creative movement.  It actually isn't recommended for children to start ballet until 8 (formal training), and most teachers believe that children under 4 don't have the attention span for a structured class.  This is why we end up in classes called Creative Movement, or Dance Basics, or whatever other name they come up with that described kids running around like animals; elephant, mouse, butterfly, flamingo etc.  

So, with this confusion of dance class names Phoebe insists on correcting me every time I mention dance.

me: Ready for Dance?

Phoebe: It's Creative Movement, Mom.

me: Well, yes but it is also dance.

Phoebe: No, it is Creative Movement.

me: right.

Of course this only comes after I have corrected her multiple times:

Phoebe: Mom, when do I have ballet?

me: Well, it's actually creative movement, and it is on Wednesday.

It is sort of like a square is a rectangle but a rectangle isn't a square....dance is ballet but ballet isn't creative movement, maybe?

a peak into our day: Vacation

We just got back from a trip to Amish Country in Pennsylvania.  We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast on a farm.  Phoebe LOVED it, for so many reasons; cousins, animals, late bedtime, and lots of treats!  This picture is a great snapshot of our time, Phoebe letting her hair blow in the wind flanked by Silas and Ira.