Wikkerink World

Time to rest

2011-02-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling very busy lately with life and everything else. This devotional really spoke to me today, reminding me to slow down and focus on the things God wants me to do each day.

Prioritizing Your Work and Rest
Devotional thought from the messages of Adrian Rogers BIBLE MEDITATION:
Psalm 127:2 - “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so He giveth His beloved sleep.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
In the book of Jonah, we learn that Jonah reached a place of physical despondency (see Jonah 4:3 and 8). He wanted God to kill him.

Have you ever reached a place of despair and thought that everything and everyone was against you and you didn’t know what to do? Maybe you just needed to lie down and get some sleep.

Now, that may not sound like the most spiritual thing to do, but we cannot abuse our bodies without suffering the consequences. And being a child of God does not make you immune to physical exhaustion.

ACTION POINT:
Have you ever heard of burn out? Where do you think we got that phrase? There is enough time in the day to gracefully do everything God wants us to do. We must determine what that is—and isn’t. Begin each day with the prayer: “Father, what do You have for me today? Help me to focus on that, and not the distractions.”

Really???

2011-01-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

The boys had a Dr.'s appointment today.
Here's the latest on their growth...

Luke:

Weight- 36.6 lbs
Height-102 cm (about 3 1/2 feet tall)

Noah:

Weight-18 lbs. 11 1/2 oz.
Height-28 inches

On their weight/height graph they both score in the 97th percentile and are going to be tall for their age. The Dr. then told me that because of their height they are a bit on the lean side? Really? I was SHOCKED! These boys? Never wouldn't guessed that one...

Too funny

2011-01-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious!

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1931515

My blessings

2011-01-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

My boys never cease to amaze me. They are always learning new and different things. Each day I am reminded how thankful I am that God has placed them in my life-they are my daily blessings!
Here are some recent pics....

Best buds

So content

Watching cartoons

I'm helping feed the cows!

Riding bike at Opa and Oma's house

"Prince Luke"

Good morning!

So tired, such a long day

Mmmmm!

What you lookin at?

I'm always happy!

This never gets old...I miss this show!

2011-01-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

Great Deal

2011-01-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

I love to get a good deal and believe you shouldn't have to pay full price on anything. I have signed up for many sites, including...Groupon, Living Social, Frugal Dutch Girl, Coupon Sense, The Krazy Coupon Lady, Retail Me Not, Thrifty NW Mom, Queen Bee Coupons and Savings, Frugal Girls, Baby Cheapskate, Kidsteals, Babysteals, and a bunch more! They are great at helping me find coupons or great deals!
So, how can I pass up this deal? It's free $$$

http://livingsocial.com/deals/21336-20-amazon-com-gift-card

Happy saving!

Verse for today

2011-01-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food

day and night,

while men say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

These things I remember

as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go with the multitude,

leading the procession to the house of God,

with shouts of joy and thanksgiving

among the festive throng.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you

from the land of the Jordan,

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep

in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love,

at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock,

“Why have you forgotten me?

Why must I go about mourning,

oppressed by the enemy?”

My bones suffer mortal agony

as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

Sayings of toddler

2011-01-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

Luke is talking so much! Everyday he is saying new words and phrases. The way he says it, along with his facial expressions have been HILARIOUS! I often will have to look away or quick leave the room before I bust out laughing!
His favorite sayings as of late....

"Hmmmm, let me see about that."
"My beautiful picture."
"You change your attitude." (he said that to me after I told him to do that!)
"I'm not quite sure about that."
"I'll have to think about that for a minute."
"I'll do that in 2 hours."
"I'll be there in a minute!"
"Went pee 2 hours ago, don't need to again." (yes, everything is 2 hours...hahahhaha)
"Mommy help set up feeping (aka: sleeping) bag? "
"Stay back a minute-not done!"
"Not working too well."
"All soft and squishy."
"All nice and comfy!"

Doesn't he look full of it? :)

Jim Carrey skit "Black Swan" SNL Saturday Night Live 1-8-11 2011

2011-01-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Keepin it Real Family Style

2010-12-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

I've been dragging my feet for quite some time on getting a new vehicle...you're probably thinking "Why? You're getting a new vehicle!" Well, let me clarify. I've been dreading getting a mini-van for as long as I can remember. I think why I dislike them so much is all the stereotypes that go with them, and well the main reason? When I was in high school we had a gray Safari mini-van. I hated driving it and hated being picked up in it. It was the farthest thing from being "cool".
But after we went and did some mini-van shopping I realized they were very family/kid friendly with a ton of options and storage. I had it in my mind that they were going to be like the one I had over 16 years ago (2 bench seats, latches on the windows to open and close them and driving around in something that looked like a square on wheels).
A few weeks ago we found a mini-van in our price range, with exactly the options we wanted, etc. So...now I'm the proud owner of a swagger wagon! I'll be rapping this song while driving...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4&feature=youtu.be

Keepin it Real!

Why spend more?

2010-11-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

We got our first big snowfall yesterday and it was beautiful! I quickly went to the closets and starting pulling out all the snow clothes for Luke. After pulling it all out I realized that I didn't buy one of these things brand new (even though they look new! :) Everything I purchased was from local Thrift stores.
Here's a break down of how much his snow outfit cost....

.50-stocking hat
$3.00-snow boots
$3.00-snow jacket
$1.50-snow pants
.50-gloves

That's right.... only $8.50! With how little it's worn in one winter, why spend more? And another bonus....Noah will be wearing it in 2 years! :)
Here's Luke enjoying the snow!

Shutterfly holiday promo

2010-11-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

Shutterfly is currently offering 50 Free Holiday Cards for all bloggers! If you have a blog then all you have to do is go to the following site: http://bit.ly/sfly2010 and they will send you an email with directions on how to get your 50 free cards!
I love Shutterfly and have been using it for over 2 years now. The first time I used it was to create a photo book and I was so pleased with the photo quality, layout, results, and cost. Since then I have used it to make Christmas cards ( http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery), more photo books (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books/simple-path), and greeting cards (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/5x7-folded-greeting-cards). I really enjoy using Shutterfly to create photo projects. They have a variety of layouts and designs and many other options for when I'm creating something. I also find their cost very reasonable and competitive.They have many promos going on all the time! Currently I am using Shutterfly to make Luke's 3rd year photo book, Noah's 1st year photo book, and will use it to make my Christmas cards as well. Here is last year's Christmas card I made using Shutterfly
http://www.shutterfly.com/ssc/viewPreview.sfly?fid=1ac7d5f3ee8c0fe5328a6b68bbcad23c5625c431369d420afd12f45bbad520ea94fc9b6de9c1aa5fc3a8e6c688922dd6

Footprints in the Sand

2010-11-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite poems. It reminds me that even through the toughest times that I am not alone, that Jesus is with me each step of the way.

Footprints
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. "LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied, "my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Resting in Him

2010-10-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite song. It's a constant reminder to me to rest in Him as I go about my day.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0B2ybZpDeM&ob=av2e

Pumpkin time!

2010-10-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today I took the boys to Willow View Farms and we met up with my friend and her girls. Noah slept the whole time..GLORIOUS!! And Luke and Emily had a great time petting the animals, "riding" on the tractor, playing in the pumpkins, riding in the wagons, and playing in the playground! Luke also bought 2 small pumpkins to take home and decorate....and a candy stick (which he dropped in the store) so we had to buy it. I think that was his plan all along? :)
Here's some pics...

CHICKENS!!

Luke and his bud Emily!

Come here Artie!

My tractor boy!

Cheese!

Why do I have to sit in here?

A great day!

Stickers and Stamps

2010-09-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing I used to teach or else I would have to go back to work! And by that I mean..... it's a good thing I have a HUGE stockpile of stickers, stamps, colored pencils, paper, construction paper, crayons, markers, glue etc. leftover for Luke to use or else I'd be broke.
All of these things have been keeping him extremely occupied lately. I LOVE it...he stays busy and is using his imagination..... and in the meantime I can go and get ready for the day! :)

Here he is, hard at work! I just hope he saves a few stickers for Noah!

What will I find next?

2010-09-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Luke LOVES to put anything into his pants or shorts pockets. He thinks his "pocknets" are the best! Such a typical "boy" thing to do-shove everything into their pockets!
Lately I've found....

chalk
legos
rocks
grass
sand
pennies
candy

The worst is when I find these things AFTER I do the wash...guess I'll need to remember to check all the pockets from now on. And I'm sure soon enough I'll be finding worms, frogs and spiders! But hopefully only small spiders....EWWW!!!!

My worst fear!

2010-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am TERRIFIED of spiders! Yes, I know that sounds cliche' because "everyone is afraid of spiders", but I am DEATHLY afraid of them! Maybe it's because growing up we had a dark, dingy, unfinished basement where spiders were always hiding? Or maybe because I saw arachnophobia when I was 12? I honestly don't know what caused my fear of them...maybe it's the element of surprise? You never know where they are or when they will "jump" out at you! I always seem to be busy cleaning and move a piece of furniture and there it is....a BIG, BLACK SPIDER! It freezes, and once I make a move to get it, it takes off running! Although I'm scared, I still take off after it. I don't want that thing luring around in my house....yuck! Spiders belong outside, not in my house!!

Well, last night Matt and I were watching some TV in our bedroom. All the sudden we both say, "did you see that?" Matt quickly turned on the light-and there it was! A HUMONGOUS black Hobo spider sitting on our curtain! ACK!!! EWWW!! GROSS!!!! What the??? I'm pretty sure this is the kind it was...

Matt quickly took care of it, and I was shaking! I didn't even want to move or get out of my bed. I just wanted to put the covers over my head and hide! I have NEVER seen one that big in our upstairs before. I've seen them in our basement or garage, but never upstairs! I said to Matt "what about the boys? What if one gets into their room and crawls all over them?" Matt's like "well, it's not going to eat them." I was like "yeah right, that thing was HUGE!! It could eat anything!"
Let's just say, I didn't sleep too well last night.....I hate spiders!!!

As of late.....

2010-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here's some recent pics of the boys.....

A day to remember

2010-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we loaded up the car and headed to the NWWF with....

1- stroller
1-toddler
1-newborn
6-bottles of water
4-juice boxes
1-big bag of snacks
1-diaper bag
3-extra pairs of underwear/shorts (need to have on hand when potty training :)
1-bottle of sunscreen
3-pairs of sunglasses
1-baseball hat
1-camera

When we got there Luke insisted on seeing all the cows and animals. He couldn't get enough of the cows! All day we heard was "see cows?" or "see tractors?" Here's a rundown of our day....

1-ride on the kiddie roller coaster
1-ride on the carousel
2-toddler meltdowns
2-ice cream cones
1-moowich
5-new coloring books
1-frisbee
4-milk carton erasers
5-new pencils
2-carnival games (yes...he even played the duck game I played when I was little). Here's the pic...

1-toy gun
1- toy squeaky hammer
$9 spent on ride tickets
2-times "milking" a cow
??-times petting the cows and other animals
2-visits to the petting zoo
1-short nap at Grandma's house
10 or so times sitting on different tractors
2- corndogs
2-baskets of curly fries
1-brown Swiss pooping on Matt (hahahahaha)

All in all a great day! And this picture?..........PRICELESS!

My daily reminder

2010-08-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today I read the following article off the following website: http://www.themobsociety.com/
After reading it I burst into tears. Not sad tears, but happy tears.... I was reminded once again that God put my children into my life for a reason, that he made no mistakes, and that no matter how much energy it might take to raise them that they are perfect and wonderfully made. Bringing to mind Psalm 139.

Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Enjoy this article! It's worth reading!

Active

Posted: 07 Aug 2010 10:05 PM PDT

Sometimes it can be the most active children that get ignored. Oh, not completely ignored, they get talked about, or dealt with… What I’m saying is that they rarely get talked to. They aren’t always, but usually they are boys. These boys are sometimes good boys with lots and lots of energy. Sometimes they become trouble makers…sometimes they just get ignored by adults, hoping that their attention getting tactics will just go away if they are ignored.
These boys need us. They need their parents; they need the other adults in their lives, relatives, school teachers, Sunday school teachers, to pay attention. Yes, they may need more attention than their brothers and sisters and friends. They may need extra effort from the teachers and parents that are around them. Hear this…God, our God, our one and only powerful Lord of All…He made those hyperactive, trouble making, just can’t sit still boys. He made them perfectly and wonderfully and He put them in your life!
He didn’t put that child, or children in your life so that you could pass him off to the next person, the next teacher, the next volunteer… no, He put that child right where He needed him to be and that’s right where you are.
If you are the parent of an ‘energetic’ kid, you know how hard it can be. You know that sometimes they get so excited about the world around them, that shoes and socks keep escaping their minds…and that sometimes you have to remind that child ten times to put them on!! Even though it’s a school day and you’ve been reminding him to do that for the last 3 years! Not that I know anything about that….
You also probably have noticed that these active children have amazing minds… Minds that keep going and going and you don’t know how they keep going and going! These kids have had amazing thoughts… once in a while you can even get them to share a complete one! These kids are perfectly and wonderfully made….
It does take extra energy to teach them. They may need extra help from a teacher. They may need someone to help them organize their things every day before…and after school. They take extra effort, but our God knows they’re worth it. You might have to watch this child and wait and wait and wait for that teaching moment. You may need to teach this child while actively doing something. This child will learn eventually if you sit him in a desk and repeat, repeat, repeat, but he’ll catch on much faster and actually enjoy learning if you take the time to build something with him, or cook with him, or plant with him, or ….
I want you to remind yourself. God doesn’t make mistakes, he put this child in your arms, in your class, in your path for a reason. This child like all the others is AMAZING and WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL. He sometimes takes extra effort, but he’s worth it!
How do you deal with your active boy?

Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.....AAAAHHHH!!!

2010-07-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is what happened MANY times already today.....is it too early to start drinking? :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNkp4QF3we8

Boys

2010-07-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's been just over 3 weeks since Noah was born. CRAZY!! It feels like SO much longer than that! Luke is adjusting quite well and is very fond of "No" (AKA: Noah). Some cute things about Luke and his reactions to his new baby brother....

Always asking where Noah is when he wakes up in the morning or from a nap.
Checks on Noah to make sure that he is still around.
Kisses his forehead.
Tells me when Noah is crying.
Likes to hold Noah's hands.
Helps me change Noah's diapers (yes...he lays out the change pad, gets a diaper, a wipe, and butt paste...and then he watches me do the rest) :)
Throws away Noah's diapers.
Gets socks for Noah.
Helps wrap Noah in his blanket.

I honestly thought it would NEVER be like this. Before I had Noah, Luke was always jealous when I held other kids or babies. Maybe it's going this well because Noah isn't mobile yet and getting into Luke's things? :) Only time will tell...they are boys... and boys will be boys!

#2 has arrived!

2010-06-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's A BOY!!! After a quick, intense, and painful delivery we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Noah Matthew! He was born on June 26, weighs 8 lbs. 6 oz. and is 20 inches long. We're all doing well and so blessed that he is here and healthy!
Here's some pics....

The Big 2!

2010-06-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

A week and a 1/2 ago Luke celebrated his 2nd birthday with an Elmo themed party! Family and friends came over to help him celebrate...he had so much fun! Many times that day (and after his birthday) I heard "Elmo cake, Elmo cake"! :)

It's crazy to think how fast he's grown in 2 years, what he's learned, how he's becoming such a little boy, and what my life was like before we had him. He's been such blessing in our lives and we are so grateful to God for blessing us with such a fun and love able little guy!

Here are some pics from his special day:

Lately

2010-05-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Some recent pics of the little guy.....

I still fit don't I?

Playing in the laundry basket!

Blowing the dandelions!

Look Mom! DUCKS!!!

Throwing rocks at the beach

Checking out the baby crab with Auntie Molly

Blowing bubbles with Auntie Leah's help

Growing up

2010-05-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Last week we finished Luke's "big boy" room. We wanted him to get used to sleeping in his own bed before the baby comes and figured it'd be one less transition to have to deal with later.
In order for this to happen we were fully prepared for many sleepless nights and waking up to a toddler standing by our bed staring us in the face. However, he TOTALLY proved us wrong!
The first night we put Luke in his bed he was very excited! He kept jumping up and down on the bed saying "mine! mine!" After 45 minutes of him doing this, and escaping from his room a few times, he calmed down and went to sleep.
Here's the pic of his first night in his own bed:

He's sleeping so well in his new room, we're so proud of him! Now the next transition to work on....potty training.....boooooooo!

Silence...

2010-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

My sister sent this devotion to me and I felt compelled to share.

AFTER GOD'S SILENCE - WHAT?

"When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days in the same place where he was." John 11:6 Has God trusted you with a silence - a silence that is big with meaning? God's silences are His answers. Think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany! Is there anything analogous to those days in your life? Can God trust you like that, or are you still asking for a visible answer? God will give you the blessings you ask if you will not go any further without them; but His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into a marvelous understanding of Himself. Are you mourning before God because you have not had an audible response? You will find that God has trusted you in the most intimate way possible, with an absolute silence, not of despair, but of pleasure, because He saw that you could stand a bigger revelation. If God has given you a silence, praise Him, He is bringing you into the great run of His purposes. The manifestation of the answer in time is a matter of God's sovereignty. Time is nothing to God. For a while you said - "I asked God to give me bread, and He gave me a stone." He did not, and to-day you find He gave you the bread of life. A wonderful thing about God's silence is that the contagion of His stillness gets into you and you become perfectly confident - "I know God has heard me." His silence is the proof that He has. As long as you have the idea that God will bless you in answer to prayer, He will do it, but He will never give you the grace of silence. If Jesus Christ is bringing you into the understanding that prayer is for the glorifying of His Father, He will give you the first sign of His intimacy - silence.

Pregnancy cravings

2010-05-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

Those that know we well know that I am not a sweet tooth at all! Overall, I'm a pretty healthy eater and once in a while have salty things or a nice cold beer. As of late that has completely changed because of this pregnancy. Here are some of my fav cravings......

#1

Pretty healthy choices huh? :) Off to get a brownie!

Just like Daddy!

2010-05-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

Luke is OBSESSED with anything that involves helping Daddy (especially anything outside). Yesterday afternoon Luke helped me weed and had to drag his lawn mower with him wherever we went. He kept saying "lawn mower" over and over and over. I told him that once Daddy was home that he could help him mow the lawn. The moment Matt came home Luke went running and yelling "lawn mower, lawn mower!"
Here's the video of him helping Matt mow the lawn!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxdGJMGnfGs

What's in a name?

2010-04-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Lately we've been talking a lot about names and the meanings because in 10 weeks or so we'll have to name another little boy or a girl.

This got me thinking about my name. I've never been fond of my name. Growing up I always wanted to add an "h" to the end of my name thinking it would be "way cooler" than the name Maria. Why, you might ask? Well, for starters the meaning of my name is: BITTER, SEA OF BITTERNESS, and REBELLION. Yep, you read correctly.

Secondly, anytime anyone meets me for the first time they give me a look like, "Her name is Maria but she's not Hispanic?" (Kinda like the Donna Chang episode off of Seinfeld! Remember that episode? If not, then here's the clip to remind you!) :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YuilLVEULA

Lastly, I love The Sound of Music, but over the years many people have ruined a certain song for me. Do you know how often people sing me this song?

She climbs a tree and scrapes her knee
Her dress has got a tear
She waltzes on her way to Mass
And whistles on the stair
And underneath her wimple
She has curlers in her hair
I even heard her singing in the abbey

She's always late for chapel
But her penitence is real
She's always late for everything
Except for every meal
I hate to have to say it
But I very firmly feel
Maria's not an asset to the abbey

I'd like to say a word in her behalf
Maria makes me laugh

How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!

Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

When I'm with her I'm confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She's as flighty as a feather
She's a darling! She's a demon! She's a lamb!

She'd outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest
She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle! She is wild!
She's a riddle! She's a child!
She's a headache! She's an angel!
She's a girl!

How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!

Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

However, after doing a bit more research on my name I found out that the name Maria....

Became popular with the spread of Christianity as a Latinized form of the Hebrew name of Jesus' mother Mary (Miriam in Hebrew).

Maria ranked seventh out of 4,275 for females of all ages in the 1990 U.S. Census.

Because of its enduring popularity, the name is used extensively in society and media throughout the world.

This was the name of two ruling queens of Portugal. It was also borne by the Habsburg queen Maria Theresa (1717-1780), whose inheritance of the domains of her father, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, began the War of the Austrian Succession.

Maria has 17 variant forms: Maree, Mariah, Marialena, Marialinda, Marialisa, Marie, Marieanne, Marielena, Marietta, Mariette, Marika, Marja, Marya, Mayra, Mayria, Moraiah and Moriah.

There have been 25 songs written using the name Maria.

M (song), Ayumi Hamasaki
María (song), Ricky Martin
Maria, by Animal Liberation Orchestra on their 2007 Roses & Clover album.
Maria, Rage Against the Machine
Maria (US5 song), US5
Maria (1956 song), West Side Story
Maria, Gackt
Maria, The Sound of Music
Maria (Blondie song), Blondie
Maria (Green Day song), Green Day
Maria, Café Tacuba
Maria, Men at Work
Maria, The Jacksons
Maria, Vico C
"Dear Maria", All Time Low
MARIA, hitomi
Maria (I Like it Loud), Scooter
Maria Maria, Santana and The Product G&B
Maria no Tsumeato Janne da Arc
Maria, Shut Up and Kiss Me, Willie Nelson
My Maria, Brooks and Dunn
My Maria, B. W. Stevenson
Take a Letter Maria, R.B. Greaves
They Call the Wind Maria, Paint Your Wagon, pronounced the colloquial way, "mah-RYE-ah"
Yassou Maria, sarbel
Maria from the Dance Game Pump it Up. This is a Techno version of the classical composition "Ave Maria"
So.... I guess my name isn't SO BAD after all! :)

Conan in Canada!

2010-04-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

An oldie but a goodie!
http://videosift.com/video/Conan-OBrien-in-Canada-Border-Patrol

All boy!

2010-04-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Lovin' the sandbox!

Let's "shubble" AKA: shovel

Enjoying the warm spring weather!

Dad, what did you say? I can't hear you!

Will it ever end?

2010-03-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since Luke was about a month old he has been teething. There have been very small, random breaks from it, but pretty much I'd say he's been teething since he was born. And does he handle it well? Uh....no! He is extremely sensitive and teething for him is the WORST! He whines, screams, cries, and chews on anything and everything! I think we've gone through enough pacifiers and teething rings to feed a small country.
Especially now that he is getting his 2 year molars, it seems to be worse then ever. Because now that he can "communicate" he gets even madder and more frustrated about it. I feel bad for the little guy, we've tried everything and the only thing that seems to work is a pacifier. So as long as it's working, it's staying! :)

I'm dreading that in 3 months I'll be starting the process all over again..... praying this next one is born with a full set of teeth! Here's to hoping! :)

Christ is Risen

2010-03-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Because He lives we experience.....
JOY-for He has triumphed over death.
PEACE-for He has forgiven our sins.
PURPOSE-for He walks with us each day.
LOVE-for His presence fills our lives.
HOPE-for He is coming again.
May you experience His blessings during this Easter season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcpLZgCwcEE

It was HOT, HOT, HOT!!

2010-02-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a 7 day Caribbean cruise. We went with my siblings, and cruised to the Bahamas, St.Thomas, and St. Maarten. The weather was incredible! Sunny, sandy, crystal clear water, and beautiful.....just the way I like it!
Most days we slept in, lounged by the pool, drank fruity drinks, ate wonderful food, snorkeled, and enjoyed great night time entertainment! We were treated like royalty, and it was glorious!
But now it's back to reality and rainy weather! BOOO!! There is no sun, and no one to cook or clean up after me.....Goodbye Caribbean, I hope we meet again in the near future.

Has Spring Sprung?

2010-02-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

I am definitely enjoying all the nice, warm, sunny weather we have had this winter. It's been so nice open the windows and let fresh clean air in, go on walks with Luke, go the park, and let him play in the backyard. He's like me (hates being cooped up in the house) so, anytime the weather is nice we're outside!
But as I worked outside on Saturday I couldn't help but notice that all of my bulbs are coming up already. My tulips are almost 3", all of my plants are beginning to bud, and and it's only February 8th!
Spring has come VERY early this year. I just hope we don't get any more snow or frost this winter or my poor flowers will never make it. So I'm hoping that Spring has Sprung and that winter is behind us!

His way

2010-01-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

Luke is very independent and very persistent on having things his way! SHOCKING, isn't it? :) Well, shortly after he got up this morning he insisted on putting his boots on over his pajamas while he watched cartoons. Enjoy the pic!

$$$ saving tip!

2009-12-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Do you wish you had a sled? Is yours broken/cracked? or You just don't feel like spending more $$ on something right now?

Well here's a few quick and easy ways to make your own sled:

Take a plastic laundry basket and put rope/string through a hole in the front. (This one is much better for babies or toddlers because they won't fall out right away! :)

Use the top of a plastic garbage can lid, drill a small hole through the handle, and put your rope through.

Buy an old bike, take off the tires, and attach old skis to the bottom.

Enjoy the snow, and happy sledding!

To Clean or Not to Clean

2009-12-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have NEVER liked cleaning, just ask my mom, she'll attest to that! When I was young she would always give me some sort of "cleaning chore" and I HATED it! I always did a half ass job, and begged for an outside chore instead. You'd think she would've given in more often since I would always dust and vacuum around everything (without lifting anything up or moving any furniture)! :) Or sometimes I'd call my Grandma K. to come over to help me clean. She was always more than willing, especially when I had to clean out the fridge! I hated opening containers with moldy food! Yuck, gross, and stinky!

Now that I'm older my cleaning habits have changed, although I'd rather be doing something else. I still find it tedious and a waste of time. I know that cleaning is necessary once in a while, but I always revert back to the same childlike thoughts "Ugh...I don't want to be doing this! I want to be outside!" Sometimes I wish I could hire someone to do my cleaning for me, I think we all feel that way at times. Not because I'm lazy, but sometimes I just don't feel like it even though I know it should be done. So the question is: "to clean, or not to clean?" :)

BRRRRRRR!!

2009-12-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this clear, sunny, cold weather! Now I'm just praying for a little snow to go with it! I figure, if it's going to be this cold we might as well have snow too... right? :)
But in the meantime if you're REALLY cold you might want to try warming up with this: http://www.drinknation.com/drink/klondike-bar It's very tasty, and it warms you right up! Happy drinking! :)

2009-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We Remember

2009-11-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

We honor and pay tribute to those who have served, and those who have died in battle. Thank you!

Red, White and Blue

2009-11-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Today I opened the mailbox and inside was a package from the U.S. Consulate Vancouver-YAY!!! I ripped it open and inside was Luke's U.S. birth abroad document and his U.S. Passport! (All I need to wait for is his SS card). All those hours of paperwork, time and $$ has finally paid off! I'm so happy that Luke is now officially a U.S. citizen.! Let's sing!

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

A year ago....

2009-11-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Luke when he was 5 months old chillin on our bed watching TV.

And here he is EXACTLY a year later doing that same thing.

Only now he's older, mobile, and curious which is why he watches TV/movies. It's the only way I can take a shower, do my hair, and put on make-up without having little hands touch/eat everything. Yes, EAT!! He ate some of my eyeliner and eye shadow last week. There's $15 I'll never see again....but the TV is my new best friend when I need to get ready.

360 tour

2009-11-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago Matt surprised me with U2 tickets for my birthday! I was ECSTATIC! The last time I saw them perform was in 1997 on their Popmart tour. I was a 17 yr. old Jr. in High School... Hard to believe that was 12 years ago!! I know, I'm old.
We had a great time at the concert! U2 put on an awesome show, singing many of my favorites: Mysterious Ways, Beautiful Day, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, In A Little While, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Walk On, One, Amazing Grace, and With Or Without You!
Despite Matt being completely under the weather, numerous tank tops, mullets, permed hair, crazy drunks, and partial hearing loss....we had a great night!

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na,

2009-11-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

BATMAN! BATMAN! BATMAN!

Presenting the "Dark Knight" all ready for a day/night on the town!

He's "LOVES" his mask, can't you tell? :)

He gave away his cover very quickly

Playing in the bouncy house with Pumpkin (AKA: Emily)

Trick or Treating is SERIOUS business! Let's do this!

Although Luke had a cold, all in all it was a good day! He went to the ARC Halloween playtime in the morning, and at night he went trick or treating with Daddy, and then helped me pass out candy!

Did this really happen?

2009-10-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ever since he's been a baby Luke has never been able to sleep anywhere except for a crib or carseat. Those that know him well, know that this is so true! But I think he's turning over a new leaf? (At least I'd like to think so).
I walked into our bedroom and he was cashed out on our bed (with Baby Einstein playing in the background). WHAT?? I couldn't believe it! I was shocked! I had to do a double take to make sure he was actually asleep. I ran to get the camera and snapped a few pics, that way no one would doubt my story and I would have proof that it actually happened.

This picture gives me a little hope for the future. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Little annoyances

2009-10-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Some of my pet peeves (as of late).

1. When the driver in front of me doesn't use their turn signal.

2. When roadmaps aren't folded correctly.

3. When EVERY person I talk to has to comment on my son's red hair.

4. People who ask too many questions.

5. People who talk on their cell phones will driving.

6. When people don't send thank you notes.

7. People who don't cover their mouth when they cough, yawn, or sneeze.

8. Cars/trucks that take up 2 parking spaces.

9. People who give their kids odd names (those poor children)

10. When people say they'll call, and never do.

11. People who spell you are, Y O U R....it's YOU'RE!!! (gotta love Friends)

12. When you're invited to a party with people you've never met and the host doesn't introduce you to anyone.

13. When a person with a huge cart of groceries goes into the 10 items or less line.

14. People (especially women) who don't dress their age.

15. People who snoop.

It's been too long

2009-10-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

While Luke was sleeping I started thinking about what I should make for dinner tonight. So I took out the family cookbook and started browsing. (I love this cookbook because there are some oldies but goodies :)
After a few minutes, I stumbled across BUBBLE PIZZA!! I haven't made/had this in ages. So I quickly rummaged through the freezer and cupboards to make sure I had all the ingredients.....and for once I actually do-shocking!(That never happens to me-I'm usually missing one key ingredient) So that's what we're having for dinner tonight! If you want to make it too here is the recipe:

Brown:
1 lb. ground beef
green pepper
salt and pepper

Drain and Add:
14 oz. jar pizza sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Take 2 tubes of buttermilk biscuits and cut into 1/4's with scissors. Mix with hamburger mixture. Put in greased 9 x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 30 min. Add mozzarella cheese the last 10 min.

2009-10-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

A psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23

Better than a flu shot!

2009-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Got this story in an email, thought I'd share....enjoy! :)

Miss Beatrice, the church organist, was in her eighties, and had never been married. She was admired for her sweetness and kindness to all.
One afternoon the pastor came to call on her and she showed him into her quaint sitting room. She invited him to have a seat while she prepared tea. As he sat facing her the young minister noticed a cute glass sitting on top of her old Hammond organ. The bowl was filled with water and in it floated, of all things, a condom!
When she returned with tea and scones they began to chat. The pastor tried to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and its strange floater. But soon it got the better of him and he could no longer resist. "Miss Beatrice," he said, "I wonder if you would tell me about this?" pointing to the bowl. "Oh yes," she replied, Isn't it wonderful? I was walking through the park a few months ago and I found this package on the ground. The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet, and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the flu all winter!

AKA: Linus

2009-10-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Luke has acquired a few nicknames in the last year. Since he's been about 5 months old we've called him monkey- if you know him do I even need to explain why? :) And lately, we've been calling him Linus. Why?
Don't you remember Linus Van Pelt, the Peanuts character, who always sucked his thumb and drug around his blue blanket? Well, that's Luke! (minus the thumb sucking, but a pacifier instead).
Luke is always carrying or dragging around his monkey blanket. He has such an emotional attachment to it(he is even starting to call it Mama). For example, when he doesn't know where it is the first place he looks is in his bed. When it's not there, he runs to the toy room to see if he left it there. If it's not there, he runs into every room until he can find it. I'll have to say it's becoming quite intense and a bit ridiculous! :) The most difficult task is if I need to wash it. I have to sneak it away and keep him busy until it's washed and dried. I've even tried to give him "spares" (teddy bear or dog blanket) in the meantime, but he knows....he looks at me like "Seriously? Are you really thinking I'm going to fall for this?" Maybe I'll have to get him this: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=12633103
then he can live up to his true name, AKA: Linus!

Thanksgiving #1

2009-10-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving in October? Yep- it's weird....I know. I'm having a hard time adjusting to it. But I decided that after living here for 6 years I guess I should start celebrating it.
So we invited Matt's parents to come over for the weekend to celebrate with us and we made a big Thanksgiving dinner: ham, veggies, potatoes, rolls, applesauce, stuffing, pie, and turkey. Yep-I made my very first turkey and it turned out to be delicious! (Matt's very excited to have turkey sandwiches in his lunch for the week :)

Although we celebrated Thanksgiving, I love the U.S. Thanksgiving WAY better! Am I sounding biased? Is my U.S. patriotism coming through too strong? :)
There's just something about waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the fresh smell of Bubble Bread, watching the Macy's Day parade, shooting clay pigeons, watching football, eating together with my extended family, playing games, watching movies, and eating leftovers at night. My family makes a whole day of it and I haven't known it to be any different! So although I've celebrated Thanksgiving #1, I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving #2! Which should be #1! :)

You know you're overtired when........

2009-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

You forget that you already have underwear on and put another pair on over top.
You put the cereal in the fridge and the milk in the cupboard.
You take your cell phone to the store, instead of your purse, and don't notice till you're ready to pay!
You pour your morning coffee into a bottle or sippy cup.
You put salt in your coffee and it's not even the same kind of shaker.

You put hairspray under your armpits and deodorant in your hair.

You use the phone to try and turn on the TV.

You fall asleep in the dentist's chair while having your teeth cleaned.

You call someone and when they answer you don't remember who you called.

You take a shower, shampoo your hair, and stand and stare at the shampoo bottle 5 minutes later wondering if you really did wash your hair, so you do it again.

You get to work and you don't even remember driving there.

Very sad that most of these have happened to me at one time or another! I know we've all been there, so maybe it's time for a nap? :) If only life were that simple....

Fall is upon us....

2009-10-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! I love fall....

The leaves are falling and changing beautiful colors
Crisp, fresh mornings
Frost on the ground
Late flowers in bloom
Going on walks
Cool, gusty wind
Picking apples and making applesauce
Wearing, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets and boots.

There is so much change in the fall. But as change happens, I am constantly reminded that our Heavenly Father never changes. He is a constant, His love never changes, He is always there for us. No matter what we do or how sinful we are, He is there with open arms bringing us back to Him.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Hebrews 13:8

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Psalms 8:38-39

Patience, Patience, Patience....

2009-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Every one who knows Luke knows that he's a goer, VERY curious and extremely independent. From the moment he was born he was wide eyed and ready to explore the world! Well, he's still going strong and busier than ever. Every morning he's up at 7:00 raring to go- jumping around in his crib ready to get out. (I'm really surprised he hasn't climbed out yet-I think that will be coming very soon).
However, this morning he was up at 5:55....What?? How dare he interrupt my sleep! :) I moaned and rolled out of bed to get him. By 9:30 we were both stir-crazy!! Usually every morning I have something planned: meet up with friends for coffee, go to Bible study at church, go to the rec center playgroup, or take Luke to the park. But we didn't have anything planned for this morning (and it was raining) so-I thought we'd take a quick trip to the store and then be back in time for lunch and nap time.
We got to the store, and I strapped Luke into the cart. Everything was going fine until about 2 minutes into the store. Within seconds he weaseled his way out of the strap, stood up in the cart and said "out, out." I thought "well, since he wants to stand up I'll put him inside the cart so he can stand." Not a good idea! He moved side to side as fast as he could and the cart began to sway and it became very hard to maneuver around anything(remember-he's 30 lbs so carrying him wasn't an option, and I couldn't let him out or else he would run and never look back). Well, by this time I thought it best that we should leave, so I put him back into the seat, strapped him in and bolted for the door. He began screaming-high pitched screaming! He was FURIOUS he had to be strapped in again. His face turned red and the big tears started coming. People were dodging me left and right, giving me nasty stares and looks like "why can't you get your child to be quiet!" I too used to think the same thing about kids who cried in stores, but this was all about discipline and principle. If I let him out of the seat again he would "win" this battle, one I was not ready to lose. I also refuse to put my child on a leash like contraption. I can see why some parents do that, but Luke needs to learn how to sit and be patient. Patient? Hahahaha.... ok maybe not yet, but he can learn to sit for a few minutes without going balistic.
We got to the car and Luke was a completely different child. He was smiling and began looking at his book. I on the other hand was done for. I said a prayer to God asking for more patience, and headed to Starbucks for a latte.

You know you're from the PNW if.........

2009-09-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

You know the state flower (Mildew).
You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.
Use the statement ’sun break’, and know what it means.
You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant or to church.
You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, and Veneto ’s.
You know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon.
You know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Heceta, Yaquina, Yachats, Issaquah, Oregon, Spokane, Yakima, and Willamette .
You consider swimming an indoor sport.
You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese, and Thai food.
In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark while only working eight-hour days.
You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
You are not fazed by ‘Today’s forecast: Showers followed by rain,’ and ‘Tomorrow’s forecast: Rain followed by showers.
You know that Boring is a town in Oregon and not just a state of mind.
You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see them through the cloud cover.
You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.
You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.
You often switch from ‘heat’ to ‘a/c’ in the same day.
You design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.

Tears....Tears......and More Tears.....

2009-09-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today Luke had his 1st big boy haircut by Auntie Dana. How did it go you ask? Not so well......I gave him a sucker (which he enjoyed at first) Leah held his legs, Dana began buzzing, and then..... I think my eardrums burst from all the screaming? (the jury's still out on that one). But I'm sure it didn't help matters that we were all laughing too! hahahaha!
I can definately say that he DID NOT enjoy it one bit! Enjoy the pics!

So much time....so worth it.

2009-09-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

For the last year I've been procrastinating on reporting Luke's U.S. citizenship. Why?

1) Time
2) It can be done anytime before he's 16.
3) $$$$

Because I'm a U.S. citizen and have lived in the U.S. for more than 14 years, Luke is automatically a U.S. citizen at birth. YAY!!! So no worries there folks! PHEW! :) Now all I have to do is report his birth abroad. Anyways....I thought all I would need to do is fill out a few papers, photocopy a few things, make an appt. and be good to go. What was I thinking? With the government, nothing is ever that simple!
For the last 3 days I have spent countless hours on the computer reading form after form, calling #'s, sending off $ and forms for certified copies of things, compiling my list of documents, and have almost memorized the homepage of the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver.
Although this has eaten up all my time this week, and it's going to be costly, I got to thinking about how proud I am to be an American and that Luke will get to share in it too!
God Bless America! Won't you sing with me? :)

At it again...

2009-08-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Luke's a busy little guy, and busy he has been tearing up anything he can get a hold of. The latest? My Ikea lamp-he did some serious destruction, check it out:

The "bright" side? It was $15 and we can turn it around until the other side is ripped to shreds! Happy shredding Luke!

Ants, Ants, and MORE ANTS!!

2009-08-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

For the last four days we have been having a serious ant catastrophe! Luke and I went downstairs to play and were met by HUNDREDS of ants in our basement. I quickly vacuumed them up for a good 2 hours before Matt could come home with some ant bait. The bait worked, and we thought that was the end. What were we thinking? Ants don't just get up and leave! So, low and behold the next morning they were on our kitchen floor! YUCK! They had worked their way up from the downstairs walls through to the upstairs. I decided it was time for plan B. I went online and found a bunch of home remedies to use for ants.

Check out this site if you're having ant issues too: http://www.priceless-home-remedies.com/ants.html

So we settled on using scented baby powder (since we have MORE than enough) around the bottom edges of the kitchen. Immediately they started to disappear...YAY!! They were retreating! :) The next morning I turned on the light and they were all over the kitchen counter and hundreds in the dishwasher....these ants were not only disgusting to have in my kitchen, but they were outsmarting us! So, we ran the dishwasher to get rid of those and put more baby powder on the counters to get rid of the rest. This morning they were only a few in the kitchen and none in the dishwasher, so....hopefully this is the end of it? And if not...we're calling in the big guy, oh yes...the Exterminator! I'm so sick of ants, die ants, DIE!!!

Crazy Weather

2009-07-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love hot weather, but not this type of hot! It it way too humid for my liking. The kind of humidity where after drying off from a shower you're all wet again and it doesn't even feel like you showered! Yuck, yuck, yuck!
I thought when I moved from Iowa I got away from this weather? :) Although, with this humidity always comes the most amazing thunderstorms, so... I guess I can handle it for a little while longer!
According to the long term forecast, it looks like it's around for while,hopefully you can try and keep cool!

Long Term Forecast

	Tuesday Jul. 28	Wednesday Jul. 29	Thursday Jul. 30	Friday Jul. 31	Saturday Aug. 1	Sunday Aug. 2

	Sunny	Sunny	Mainly sunny	Sunny	Isolated showers	Cloudy periods
P.O.P.	0%	0%	0%	0%	40%	20%
High	34°C	33°C	33°C	33°C	33°C	29°C
Feels Like	42	40	40	42	37	35
Low	18°C	18°C	18°C	17°C	16°C	16°C
Wind	E 5 km/h	E 5 km/h	NE 5 km/h	E 5 km/h	W 5 km/h	W 5 km/h
24-Hr Rain	-	-	-	-	close to 5 mm	-

Lazy Day

2009-07-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days where it was TOO hot to do anything! So after a Dr.'s Appt. and a few errands we lazied around in our VERY COOL basement. Luke thoroughly enjoyed his lazy boy chair, juice and snack, and chilled out to watch Baby Einstein (Old McDonald is still his favorite! :)

Shuswap-Banff-Gull Lake

2009-07-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

We packed up the car and tent trailer and went on a week 1/2 camping trip to Shuswap Lake, Banff National Park, and Gull Lake, AB. We had a great time camping and visiting with family and friends... but it's nice to be home....

Enjoy a few pics from our trip:

Shuswap Lake

Tell me again, why can't I eat the sand?

What a ham!

Banff, AB.

Luke wasn't too thrilled to be in the pack..... oh well

Downtown Banff

Celebrating Canada Day in Banff
(Canadians have their own day? who knew...:)

Such a long day

"Sitting" with Opa

I swear I'm not a minor...

In the words on Auntie Leah: need.more.hands.

Luke's 1st B-day

2009-06-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

On June 14 Luke celebrated his 1st birthday! We threw him a "Mod Monkey" themed party! Family and friends came to help celebrate and Luke was very excited to open his presents! When it came to cake time we all sang Happy Birthday, I gave Luke his monkey cake face, and he went to town on it! It was hilarious! He was totally hamming it up in front of everybody and ate, and ate, and ate! Watching him dig in, laugh, and smile was all worth it! :)

There was no crying, throwing up, or meltdowns, so....... overall the day was very fun and successful!

Daddy's Helper

2009-06-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Last night Matt had to make a gate for our deck stairs (because a certain little someone is extremely curious about EVERYTHING!) Anyways....Luke was inside and knew that Matt was outside. He ran up to the doors, banged on them, and cried and screamed to be outside by Matt. So I let him out and sure enough...all he wanted to do was get right on in there and help Daddy!
I told Matt, "Just give him a year, and soon enough he''ll be following you around asking question, after question about what you're doing!" :)

Mine, all mine

2009-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I was doing some organizing and came across this picture:

I'm not quite sure of my age, probably 8 or 9. Anyways....this totally brings back memories for me of Christmas time; homemade candy, cookie decorating contest, sledding (with Uncle Keith's awesome yellow sled with the brakes), "Come on Ring Those Bells", bags of candy on the tree, the Christmas play at church, a special present from Grandpa & Grandma K., a goodie bag from church, eating a lot of food, and most importantly getting my very OWN present! I remember being SO thrilled to get the Barbie set! Yes, my very own gift, not a hand me down, but a present that was mine, all mine!

Thought you could use the laughs

2009-05-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hilarious newspaper articles....

The good ol days

2009-05-26T18:28:00.001-07:00

Today I ran out of stamps so I went to the post office to buy some more. Little did I know the shock I'd be in when I had to pay.......44 cents!?! When did that happen? I thought they had just raised the cost a few months ago?
I remember the good ol days when stamps were 24 cents, swedish fish and tootsie rolls were only a penny, and an ice cream cone was 25 cents. I miss those days, the simpler times in life....

Thank you Grandpa K!

2009-05-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Every year on Memorial Day weekend my family and I go to the Lynden cemetery to put flowers on my Grandpa Kramer's grave. While there I am always reminded of what he did for our country; as he fought and served during WWII.
I want to thank all the men and women that have put their lives on the line every day so that I may enjoy my freedoms that I too frequently take for granted. God Bless each one of you! And a big thank you to Grandpa K-I love and miss you!

And it's finished!

2009-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Well, for those of you who have been patiently to pictures of our remodeled kitchen, here they are... ENJOY!! I know I am! :)

An end in sight....

2009-02-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

We've lived in our house for 4 years now and for the last 4 years we've been fixing it up. It definitely has been a work in progress! Yes, we bought it knowing that there would be a lot of work involved: flooring, carpets, bathrooms, painting (inside and out), doors, landscaping, deck, roof, gutters, fence...and my list could keep going and going. EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING in this house had to be redone.
But, I am so thrilled to announce that there is an end in sight! YAY!! Our kitchen is being put in this week, the very last room that needs to be completed and then we can take a break for a while....finally.....

Here is our kitchen (before)

Here is our kitchen (after)

???

I'll wait to post pictures until it's all finished. So, in the meantime let me take you down memory lane so you can enjoy some "beautiful" BEFORE pictures of our house! :)

Upstairs bathroom

Our bedroom

Downstairs

Living Room

Our office

Luke's bedroom

Stairway

Front entry

And that's only half of what I could show.......

Busy, Busy, Busy....

2009-01-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Growing up my mom always told me "I hope you have one just like you someday, just so you know how busy I was." Well...she was right! Luke is a good, but extremely busy, busy baby. Even when I was pregnant he NEVER stopped moving and I told people, "I'm going to have an active little baby" and their response? "All babies move that much." Do they?? I don't think so! This kid doesn't stop! He goes, goes, goes, and eats, eats, eats. Even in his sleep he is constantly moving! Every night I hear him thrashing around in his bed. Last night I went in to check him and I couldn't even find him. Where was he? He had completely turned himself around, pushed his way up into the bottom corner of the bed, and managed to stay asleep through all of that.
Is he crawling yet? Nope, and I'm okay with that!

I can do it myself

2008-11-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well, for weeks now Luke has been showing signs of wanting to eat and trying to eat the food off of our plates. So....last week we started him on rice cereal and he LOVED it! But he was also quite interested in what this "thing" was around his neck, and started to eat his bib too! While feeding him he pushed my hands out of the way, grabbed the spoon and started to feed himself...he definately has the " I CAN DO IT MYSELF" attitude! Wonder where he gets that from? :)

I've come to the realization that my baby boy is not a baby anymore! AHHHH!! Everyday he acts more like a little boy, who has to see, touch, and chew on EVERYTHING! He definately does not want to be left out of anything....we don't know where he gets that from either! :) It's a bittersweet feeling that he is growing up so fast......

Halloween

2008-11-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

On October 31st Luke celebrated two firsts- his first Halloween and his first airplane trip. He was a holstein cow; which was very fitting for him considering where we live and what Matt does for work. I just couldn't resist! :) At first he wasn't too impressed when I put the costume on him him, but....after some convincing on my part he seemed ok with it and gave in to the idea of having to wear "this thing" all day.

He's here!

2008-09-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

On June 14, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. we were blessed with a healthy baby boy-Luke Hendrik! We are so thankful that he has arrived and is happy and healthy!