A favorite quote for today...

E-Bear: "I am ready for Nana to go home.  She is taking too many of our leaves."

(Super Nana gets no credit for raking and packing our whole yard of leaves yesterday!!)

Buddy Bear: "Mommy, mommy, knock-knock!"

Me:  "No more knock-knock jokes, Buddy Bear.  But you can tell Papa a joke when you see him."

Buddy Bear:  "Ohhhh, that a good idea.  My tell PAPA a knock-knock joke.  Gweat idea Mommy!"

E-Bear: "Papa, do you want to play soccer with me?  When we play together, you are going to be impressed, because I have some really good moves."

A peek into my day... with this precious crew. 

n.b. Thanks to the Simple Woman's Daybook for the Daybook inspiration

On Guys weekends, breakfast biscuits, mom's group and Robie the iRobot

I am going...to miss T during his annual Guys Weekend coming up.  He has planned the group gathering again this year.  While it is always a lot of work and sacrifice to make it happen, it is always a weekend that blesses him and our family.  He comes back refreshed and encouraged, supported and challenged, a stronger husband and father.  I am so grateful that these wonderful Christian men continue to be part of T's life.

I am hoping...for the success of a new mom's group that is starting at our church.  I am helping to arrange childcare at our house once a month for all the pre-schoolers and toddlers of the mom's who attend the group.  I am hoping this will free moms up to attend the group, facilitate friendships among these great kids, and not result in the crumbling of our home ;).  Today, we hosted three caregivers and ten kids, ages 18 months to 5 years, and it was great!  The kids read a story, did crafts, sang songs and had snack and playtime, while we moms discussed the great topic of gift giving all by ourselves.  I am praying that these mornings will be a blessing to both kids and moms, to help us all in our walk with the Lord and each other.

I am learning...to make biscuits--real, southern style biscuits.  I have tried and failed numerous times since T and I got married, to my great disappointment.  T loves biscuits, thanks to his Grandma Cookie's awesome baking skills and general upbringing in the South.  But, he has had to settle for the refrigerated dough type.  Until now, that is.  I think I may have found the recipe we've searched for, thanks to Southern Living Magazine, and I think I have figured out the technique (fingers crossed!).  Last weekend, we celebrated Nana's arrival with breakfast biscuits!  Hooray!  They tasted great and looked like the real thing.  Now if only I can do it again this weekend....

E-Bear and I celebrate buttermilk biscuit success.

Around the house...we have a new friend, "Robie" the iRobot.  Robie came highly recommended by Aunt A, and now I know why.  He is a great new buddy to have around the house.  I wasn't so sure I would like him.  T, however, made the recommendation when he heard how often I was sweeping the kitchen floor on a daily basis.  Now, Robie keeps me company nearly everyday during afternoon rest time.  He follows me around, vacuuming, as I pick up the toys, books and chairs in his path.  He also works hard when I leave to pick up the kids or run errands during the day.  While we are still experimenting, I think he's a keeper.  He's much cheaper than a cleaning service and has far fewer side effects than the caffiene I would need if I were try to clean our floors on a daily basis.  Plus, the kids LOVE him!  They love to either sit on the couch and watch Robie work or follow him around the house.  He is quite the pied piper!

I am pondering...when to start J-Bear on solid food.  We are closing in on her 6-month mark, and she is starting to have trouble sleeping at night (because she gets hungry?).  I can't believe I will get to introduce another little soul to the wonderful world of solid food.  Sweet potatoes are looking good right now, so I better start pureeing for sweet J-Bear's upcoming meals.

(Thanks to the Simple Woman's Daybook for the inspiration!)

On changing clothes, teaching class and awaiting Nana

I am wearing...my fuzziest sock and my warmest fleece sweater.  A chill has arrived in the air.  This past week I spent a morning with all the kids in the closet changing over our clothes from summer short-sleeves to fall/winter warmth.  I was amazed to see how much G-Bear has grown in the past year (most of her winter clothes no longer fit).  I was also feeling nostalgic as I got out E-Bear's old clothes to add to Buddy Bear's shelves.  What a blessing it is for us to be able to hand clothes down to younger siblings!  Buddy Bear gets so excited to wear "new" clothes that E-Bear once wore.  

I am creating...a second exam for the students in my physiology class.  I have enjoyed teaching immensely.  I have also found it to be immensely challenging.  There is never enough time in the day to prepare as much as I would like.  Since T is able to be home with the kids during one of my lectures and during my lab time, we only have 3 hours of babysitter time each week.  That means I stay up late and wake up early to plan my lectures so that I can spend the daytime with the kids.  I enjoy introducing the miraculous human body to my students, as I watch them make connections that I remember making for the first time a decade ago.  I am also humbled and comforted by the fact that if I ever have the chance to teach again, I'll probably (hopefully!) do a better job having done it once before.

I am looking forward to... Nana's arrival this weekend.  We'll enjoy a full week of Nana's love and support, and we're all doing an excited, happy dance as a result. 

Fall break and fall sandwiches

Nota bene: continuing with a week of Daybook entries, I am grateful to the Simple Woman's Daybook for ongoing inspiration.

I am thankful...that we all get more time with G-Bear this week, as it is her fall break from school.  It is such a treat to have everyone home together all week.  We have enjoyed trips to the library, Children's Museum and various playgrounds.  But, what I enjoy most of all are the sounds of all the kids playing together like we did all summer, as well as the more leisurely conversations we're able to enjoy since we aren't always rushing to our next pick-up or drop-off.


In the kitchen...I am enjoying new recipes as I use up fresh fall produce from the farmer's market.  Today I had a delicious lunch sandwich made with fresh tomato salsa (using up tomatoes from our garden) and carrot-top pesto.  When I bought fresh carrots for the kids' lunches this week (the fresh carrots taste SO much sweeter than the mini variety!), I just couldn't bear to part with the gorgeous top greens.  So, I saved them and later found this great bon appetit recipe for carrot top pesto.  No joke, it tastes DELICIOUS on whole wheat bread, even better when topped with fresh pico salsa (made with farmer's market cilantro, green onions, jalepenos and homegrown tomatoes!).

One year of work for T!

I am thinking...that today is the one year anniversary of T working at his practice.  What a blessing the past year has been for our family!  After so many years of training, we have been so grateful to see the other side of residency and fellowship.  There are certainly challenges in the first year of a medical practice.  But, T has weathered each of them with his signature calm and poise.  When we look back on this first year, I can assure you we won't remember the challenges, but instead the blessings we have received.  T has been home some mornings for breakfast, we enjoy a new norm of family dinners together, T is able to attend school and family events and we enjoy greater free time together on the weekends.  I am also thankful for the way that T enjoys his work with his patients and comes home so happy.  We are grateful for the friends we have made through his practice, the hardworking team members that help him everyday, and the support and mentorship of his partners.  May God continue to bless this path!

Preparing to say goodbye to the garden

Outside my window, I am savoring the final days of our bountiful garden.  After a decade of moving and living in mostly rental homes, this summer was our first with a garden. I still remember when we all piled in the car last May to travel to a local plant sale.  J-Bear was only days old and it snowed light flakes as we arrived at the sale.  The weather stayed so cold for so many days that our purchased plants lived in our dining room for over a week before I could plant them!  Eventually, though, each one of those precious plants found a loving home at our house.  There were many late nights during the summer when I stayed up late watering the garden after sundown.  Many afternoons passed while I weeded the garden as our kids played in the yard.  Now that October has arrived, we are have seen many fruits of our labors: spring lettuces long since gone to seed, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, peppers, heirloom tomatoes, basil, sage, mint and even pumpkins!  What a treat!  

As the weather turns chillier in the evenings, I find myself feeling nostalgic and wistful at the idea of saying goodbye to our fruitful plants.  I am hoping to save the strawberry plants and our jasmine vine inside this winter, perhaps even keep the geranium that is a graft off of my dad's prized plant.  I suddenly understand my father's perennial autumn pacing between his garden and garage, covering and carrying plants to safety to help them survive the first few frosty nights of fall.  Until the hard freeze arrived, he could never quite say goodbye to his carefully crafted garden.  I now understand, because neither can I.

p.s. Thanks, as always, to the Simple Woman's Daybook for the inspiration for Daybook entries.  This time around, my Daybook will be more of a weekbook, hopefully one entry one day at a time.

Daybook for June 2013

It is officially summer and time for a Daybook entry.  This is my first Daybook since J-Bear joined us, since school ended, and, well, there is quite a bit to catching up to do.  As always, thanks to the Simple Woman's Daybook for the inspiration.

Outside my window...Our garden is blooming.  Peonies, pansies, lettuces, jasmine, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and herbs are a beautiful sight to wake up to each morning.  The cool, rainy weather has been good to our plants.  We haven't watered the lawn once yet this season, but it is lush and green.  

I am thinking...About the many Minnesotans who have been living without power this weekend.   'Tis the season for Midwestern storms, and we have had our share the past few days.  Trees are down everywhere in our neighborhood.  We are blessed to have power and a snug, safe home.  On Friday, we barely made it home from the park as 60mph winds hit our neighborhood.  T stayed with our kids in the garage as I carried them one by one through pounding rain to our house.  At times, the wind and rain were so strong that I had to wait to make another trip!  I think it was the first time our children appreciated how dangerous and unpredictable weather can be.  

I am thankful...For our community's commitment to being good stewards of the Earth.  Following the storms this weekend, we spent some time cleaning up our yard.  We ended up with 6 bags full of branches and yard debris!  We are so fortunate that our city offers several free, yard-waste composting sites not far from our house.  It was time for  us to make a trip to the compost pile.  We were not alone!  When we arrived at the site, there was a line of cars waiting to get in that stretched several blocks.  Inside the compost site, the brush pile was already impressive, and there were many, many cars waiting to add to it.  Check out the size of the pile: 

The best part is that all the brush and organic yard waste is converted into soil and mulch that is offered free of charge in the spring and fall.  This service and our neighbors' commitment to using it is such an encouraging example to us.  

In the kitchen...It is time to start cooking again.  J-Bear is 7 weeks old already, and we are just now getting to the end of all the generous meals that other families delivered to help us.  I am so grateful for so many generous friends and family members!  The break from meal planning and cooking dinner was a tremendous blessing, especially given that our first weeks of adjustment corresponded with end-of-school-year craziness.  This weekend, we finally had to restock our fridge and freezer a bit, and it is about time for me to start some summer meal planning.  Anyone up for a picnic?

I am wearing...J-Bear on my chest, which is her favorite place to be.  The closer she is, the happier she'll be, whether she's in my sling or just lying in my arms.  It's true--our sweet girl doesn't get set down very often, and that is just fine with me.

I am creating...Our summer schedule.  I love the rhythm of our days in the summer.  The routine is predictable: breakfast, playtime or outing, clean-up, lunch time, story time, learning time, rest time, chores/make dinner, dinner time, bath time or outside time, story time, bed time.  The kids really enjoy being all together.  I am thankful for the way that summer time brings out their friendships and love for one another.

The summer crew

I am going...to my 6-week postpartum appointment with J-Bear tomorrow.  My experience giving birth at a birth center this time around was a tremendous blessing.  I am excited to see the midwives who helped me bring J-Bear into the world and thank them for the experience.   

I am pondering...The pros and cons of homeschooling, whether to accept a part-time teaching position for the fall semester, and our housing situation (our lease is up in September!).  Just a few tidbits for T and me to discuss in those few moments after our kids are in bed.....

I am reading...A lot of stories these days.  Buddy Bear and I are working on his words, E-Bear and I love to get lost in a good Disney adventure or Bible Story, and G-Bear is reading to me!  Between these three, we can't get enough of our local library.  This week we have learned about bugs and the vegetables we eat, flower fairies and adjectives that describe butterflies.  Next week, we'll be reading books about our country and the 50 states in honor of our country's birthday.  Nothing beats our time snuggled together on the couch, reading.  I love waking up to Buddy Bear's requests for a story, and I adore G-Bear's willingness to read to her brothers.  

I am hoping...that we'll all make progress on our bikes this summer:  G-Bear is trying her's without training wheels, E-Bear is trying his big kid bike with trainers, Buddy Bear is trying to learn to petal, J-Bear is slowing growing into a helmet (so she can ride in the bike carriage!), and I am hoping to get a bike by the end of the summer.  T and I have looked at this one a few times.  Two kids really can fit on the back seat!

I am looking forward to...lunch tomorrow with a friend and four of her kids, which will make eight kids between the two of us.  Last week we enjoyed an afternoon playdate with another friend and her five kids.  The week before that we had another family of six over for dinner.  We are noticing a trend:  new friends, big families, lots of kids and tons of fun.  These friendships are a blessing!   We are so thankful that our kids are able to enjoy the blessing as much as T and I do.

I am learning...More each day about parenting with four in the house.  We're doing pretty well so far.  Each addition has been gentler on me than the one before.  I am so thankful for my older helpers, the routine we have been establishing, and the summer days that give us a gentle reprieve as we adjust.  I am also finding more everyday that I want to teach my children.  Our afternoon learning time has been packed with activity.  But even more than that, I realize (more and more) that each moment with them is a teachable moment.  I am praying daily for the patient persistence to take advantage of each one.  

Our Jasmine vine from NC.  It survived the winter inside and it's now flourishing on our deck.
What a sweet reminder of our friends in Carolina land.

Around the house...the playroom is picked up, the kitchen dishes are put away, but that laundry, oh that silly laundry, it never quite makes it out of the hallway.  

I am wondering...How to help my children, and one in particular, grow in self-control.  As I reflect on each of their temperaments, I realize how different they are from each other.  Each temperament offers perks as well as parenting challenges.  Sometimes I feel like I am starting from scratch, even after years of parenting.  When one of my babes and I have a hard day, I need to remember that we're both likely to rebound by morning.  God's grace is sufficient, and love covers a multitude of sins.

A favorite quote for today...

"Mommy, Bobby Hoop (basketball hoop) outside, peeeeeeeeese?"

~Buddy Bear, begging so politely to have our Fischer Price basketball hoop 

brought outside from the basement so that he can shoot hoops with his ball.

One of my favorite things...My new "31 Days of Prayer" guide, a new gift from a friend.  Each day focuses on a different prayer, personalized for my kids.  It is a great way to be more intentional in my prayer life.  Thanks to my friend C!  I love it, friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week....We'll finish up VBS for G-Bear with a family program on Friday and then start preparing for the Fourth of July.

A peek into my day...

"Mommy, Mommy!  Wook me!  Wook me!"

Thank you, Lord.  These days are the best.

Daybook for March 2013

As always, thanks to the Simple Woman's Daybook for providing the Daybook inspiration.

Outside my window...There is a full blanket of icy snow. Tonight we're bracing for another winter storm watch with more snow expected tomorrow. How different the month of March will be for us this year in Minnesota than last spring in North Carolina. If we can't enjoy the pleasantries of spring weather yet, at least we'll get to enjoy making a few more snowmen!

I am thankful...that Nana is here for a visit. A whole week with Nana stretches before us, and I couldn't be more thankful. The kids have already enjoyed a day at the museum, lunch at McDonald's and afternoon games of Sequence. Nana is like a warm blanket, someone you just can't wait to have around you.

In the kitchen...all is calm, quiet, clean and ready for a new week. Nana did the dishes tonight while T and I gave the kids their baths, and thanks to her, the kitchen is spotless. Maybe I'll mess it up again to make banana bread.....

I am wearing...my college sweatshirt, but it barely covers my belly! With only 7 weeks to go until the baby's due date, maternity clothes are key.

I am creating...this wonderful Stations of the Cross Egg project from Catholic Icing for the kids to enjoy during the last 14 days before Easter weekend. Each day leading up to Good Friday we'll open an egg and read a Station of the Cross from the St. Joseph Coloring Book.  These will be a wonderful way to introduce the Stations of the Cross!

I am going...to be studying a lot this week. I have scheduled my last medical board exam, and with Nana here, I'll take full advantage of the opportunity to study.

I am wondering...who this sweet baby is going to be.  There is a lot of activity in my belly these days, as this little one puts on a few pounds for the final stretch.  In true Happily Ever Johnson fashion, we have no gender suspicions and no names picked out, just great anticipation.  Buddy Bear already loves to give the baby hugs and kisses, and he routinely points out the "Baby" in my belly to me.  We can't wait to welcome this Little One.

I am reading...The Jesus Storybook Bible and By the Shores of Silver Lake with the kids.  This Laura Ingalls Wilder book is the fifth one we have read together, and we love them.  E-Bear pretends to build houses and ride horses like Pa, G-Bear can recount a chapter with impressive clarity, and I can't wait until bedtime to read another chapter.  We're all so impressed and inspired by the Ingalls family's daily discipline, intrepid resourcefulness and authentic cheerfulness despite the hardships of their life.  Hopefully, a little of the Ingalls family will rub off on each of us.

I am hoping...to pass this last board exam.  It would be a tremendous blessing to bring closure to this last testing step before Easter, the onslaught of April birthdays, and the baby's arrival.

I am looking forward to...MoMo and Papa's safe return from their trip with friends.  Sundays are not the same without them!  The kids can't wait to tell Papa about all the flowers blooming on our Spring Garden that he gave to us.  G-Bear wanted to show MoMo the lovely dress that she wore to church today.  Since we couldn't enjoy Sunday dinner together, we took GG and Nana to brunch instead.  We want you to have a wonderful time, MoMo and Papa, but we can't wait for you to get home!

I am learning...how to sit and study for an exam again.  Normally I sit so little during my day, and my attention is re-directed so frequently.  Attempting to sit and focus for a few hours at a time is a very foreign pursuit, and it takes quite a bit of discipline!  Thank goodness it is Lent and self-discipline is part of the seasonal focus.  I am thankful and amazed that the material returns to memory more quickly than I expected.  After all, it has been some time since I thought about coagulation pathways, and managing diuretic side-effects is no longer part of my daily routine.  Thanks be to God, He meets us in our weakness.

Around the house...the boys' train set out on the floor in the playroom, a make-shift puppet theater is in the living room, our prayer chain is getting longer, the bean basket is filling up, and new paintings hang on the kids' art wall.

I am pondering...our priests' exhortation during his message today:  "Are we like the fig tree, delayed in bearing fruit for Our Lord?  Let's not procrastinate any longer!  Carpe diem!  Let us seek the Lord now and bear fruit for Him."

A favorite quote for today... 

Buddy Bear (at the top of his lungs): "MOMMA!  MOMMA!"

Me: "Yes, Buddy Bear?"

Buddy Bear (holding his finger up to his mouth and pointing to my belly): 

"SHHHHHHHH!  Baby."

A few plans for the rest of the week:  We'll go to the grocery store to fill up bags of food for our food drive, attend our second-to-last ice skating lesson (what progress the Bears have made this season!), play with Nana, and hopefully, with a lot of encouragement from the Lord, press on in our Lenten disciplines.  The long march through March has begun.  May Jesus be our strength for the journey.

A peek into our days:

Buddy Bear's first attempt at skating was over President's Day Weekend.  We just couldn't keep him on the sidelines any longer.  He was thrilled.

A Brisk Week

This week was brisk in many ways.  It has gone by quickly (is it Friday already?!), and it has also been CHILLY.  Yesterday, we welcomed our first snow flurries.  Of course, nothing stuck to the ground, but there were unmistakable flakes falling to the ground.   Never mind the fact that it was eighty degrees in North Carolina yesterday.  Here are my favorite memories from the week.

Monday

Our last glorious day of MEA vacation.  Who knows what we did?  Who cares?  

We were all home together.  It was wonderful.

Tuesday

Back to school, back to the routine.  *Sigh.* With the big bears back at school, Buddy Bear and I made the most of it and snuggled on the couch for some story time.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, T got done with work early. We made a family trip to Ikea to do some serious home improvement shopping.  Two hours (!) into our trip, the kids had already watched half of Toy Story on a TV in the lighting department, and there was still no end in sight.  T offered a break and dinner upstairs in the cafe, and we took him up on it.  We watched the rain pour down from our window seating as we dined on meatballs, mashed potatoes and free (Wednesday evening special!) dessert.  Refreshed, we finished our epic trip with success and made our purchases:

A rug for the kids' room

Lantern lights for the playroom

Lamps for the living room 

Reading lights for G-Bear and E-Bear's beds

(seriously, you would have thought we were living in the dark ages)

A bedspread for the guest room.

Thursday

Thursday was a cold, windy, rainy (and snowy!) day.  It was a perfect morning for the kids to wake up to a house full of new light!  Our house was warm, cozy and illuminated, just in time for the stormy weather.  Buddy Bear found his new favorite spot, sitting on the kitchen floor in front of the heater.

Friday

Today we enjoyed a playgroup in the morning and a house full of G-Bear's friends in the afternoon.  Once again, I was grateful for our new lighting!  Even more so, I am thankful for the new friends we are making, each one of us, despite only being here for eights weeks.  

Did I mention that we also got a new baby cousin this week?  Way to go, Aunt K!  

This weekend we'll be carving pumpkins, visiting with friends, rooting for Alabama and preparing for the end of October.  How is it possible?   Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of each day, whether brisk or not.

Daybook October 2012

Outside my window...The air is crisp, the lawn is covered with leaves and the wind is blowing through the trees.  Hellllllloooooo, October!  We've been off the blog for over a week, had a wonderful family vacation together before T starts his new job, and have lots of catching up to do. A Daybook entry seems the perfect way to welcome a new month and get back in the swing of things!  As always, thanks to The Simple Woman's Daybook for the inspiration.

I am thankful...for our awesome week away as a family last week.  Spur of the moment, we found  last minute deals for Disney World and made a last minute trip.  It was so worth the effort to go back.  What a great way it was to cherish our second-to-last-week before T starts his new job!  We finished our trip with a Princeton wedding, celebrating with many longtime friends.  There were so many blessings to celebrate from one week, and there are plenty more stories to come.

In the kitchen...we have butternut squash, pumpkins and potatoes from our friends' farm.  What a blessing it is to share in their bounty!  I can't wait to make soup.

I am wearing...my puffy, black, winter vest already.  We've already had our first freezing nights (enough to kill the basil), and even the days have quite a nip in the air!  Ahhh, Minnesota!  To be honest, I actually missed my winter clothes, much as I never thought I would.  The colder weather is refreshing.


I am creating...parmesan potato fries with the kids for dinner.  E-Bear dipped the cut potatoes in the flour, then G-Bear dipped them in the egg, and I finished the assembly line by dipping them into the bread crumbs and putting them on the tray.  We had so much fun, and they came together so much faster than if I had done them myself.  These two are becoming quite the cooking enthusiasts, and is so wonderful to have helpers in the kitchen.

I am going...to the Dodge Nature Center with E-Bear's class this week.  I find the family's story and the generous use of their land so inspiring.  We'll be picking apples from the orchard, watching the wild turkeys roam the fields and making cider with the apples we pick.  What fun!

I am wondering...what our life is going to look like here, even as it begins to take shape.  This fall is the start of so many new phases for us, and I find myself praying earnestly for God's guidance as we get to know a new city, a new school, a new job, a new path, a new parish.  

I am reading...the thoughts of a friend on his new blog, Pregnant Pauses.  It's worth a look and an occasional read.

I am hoping...for a great first week of work for T next week.  It is overwhelming to start any first time job, especially as a physician.  He is blessed with a welcoming work group and an enthusiastic heart for patients, which I know will serve him well.  We'll be here to help him take things one day at a time.

I am looking forward to...praying another novena prayer next week thanks to John Paul at Praying More Novenas.  I have never known many novena prayers, nor considered meaningful times to pray them throughout the liturgical year.  I have loved getting periodic email reminders of seasonal novenas, as well as having the chance to join in prayer with thousands of other prayer warriors.  Praying More Novenas is worth checking out.

I am learning...what it means to be the mom of a Kindergartener, how to encourage brotherly playtime without big sister around, as well as how to make the best use of my little free time within our new schedule.  

Around the house...the clean clothes from the kids' closet are neatly hung up all around the living room, the product of G-Bear's hard work and diligence this afternoon.  She wanted to play "Store" with me when she got home from school, but I had a meeting and we didn't get to play.  Thus, the clothes continue to adorn our main floor, and I vowed we will play tomorrow.  I love my sweet girl's imagination and enthusiasm, and I love to be invited.

I am pondering...how to help our family pursue and celebrate our faith in the upcoming Year of Faith, beginning Thursday.  The coming year is a great opportunity to focus, in a special way, on the blessings and specifics of our faith.  I also appreciate the encouragement to examine my faith and ways to live it out more completely and authentically.  Lord Jesus, give us hearts to love you more and faithfulness to live out that love in our lives!

A favorite quote for today... 

"Mommy, is this for real life?" 

~E-Bear, after T told the kids that we were on the way to the airport to go to Disney World.

One of my favorite things...is the way Buddy Bear grabs T and me at the knees and buries his head in our legs.  As a bonus, he also gives sweet hugs and kisses these days.

A few plans for the rest of the week: celebrating the beginning of the Year of Faith on Thursday, leaf raking, shopping for clothes in our living room ;), school picture days, and October decorating.

Daybook for May 2012

Tonight, it is time for me to catch up on reflections and daily happenings, which means it is the perfect evening for a Daybook entry.  As always, thanks to the Simple Woman's Daybook for providing the inspiration.


Outside my window...we have created a porch garden!  Our latest acquisitions prove that I am pretending to have a green thumb and in denial about moving at the end of the summer.  Last weekend at the farmer's market we were so in awe of the flowering trees, shrubs, plants and vegetables that I couldn't resist bringing some home.  We have potted our own hanging herb garden, an ascending jasmine vine, a window box of lettuces, a rosemary bush and two baby pumpkin plants from E-Bear's preschool class.  The jasmine smells amazing.  As I told T yesterday, the lettuces make me so happy.  I love to walk out and pick my own salad and herbs for lunch.  Now, let's just hope these plants are able to survive living with me; I am not known for my gardening prowess.   

I am thinking...about our Hilton Head vacation in my daydreams on a daily basis.  We had so much fun.  I especially loved parking the car and not using it for several days in a row.  Oh, how amazing it would be if during our daily life we could bike to the grocery store, to church, to the park, really anywhere, like we did while we were on vacation.  Instead, we have been taking the kids on nightly bike rides around our neighborhood.  G-Bear and E-Bear are each pedaling by themselves, and Buddy Bear is riding on the trike.  Pretty impressive!  Thank goodness for the Hilton Head inspiration.

I am thankful...for the fifty days of Easter.  Happy Feast of the Ascension!  Today the kids and I talked about Jesus' Great Commission and his ascension into heaven.  We'll celebrate at church on Sunday, and then it is only one week until Pentecost.  It is hard to believe the Easter season is coming to an end.  I'll be sad to take down our "He Is RISEN" banner in our living room.....

In the kitchen...I have a whole gallon of strawberries from the strawberry patch.  We had the freshest shortcake for dessert tonight!  The kids and I went strawberry picking today.  I spent $5 for the gallon we gathered, and our car smelled amazing on the way home.  E-Bear and G-Bear were strawberry-picking pros.  "How did you pick strawberries, E-Bear?" asked T when we got home.  "I just looked for the ones with no ewwie spots," replied E-Bear, "and don't pick the green ones, because those are not ready yet."  The kids really did do a great job.  



I am wearing...what I am wearing is not nearly as interesting as what my kids are wearing these days.  E-Bear just got a new Batman shirt complete with velcro cape from MoMo.  He has asked to wear it everyday this week.  I have had to wash it daily since we got it a week ago.  Between his Superman shirt and now his Batman shirt, he always manages to be our caped superhero.  In my mind, he is a superhero even without his capes ;)

I am creating..."Learning Time" for my kids in the afternoon.  I can take no credit for the fact that they seem to love it. It is a lot of work for me, but we are getting so much more out of our afternoons together.  We start with playdough on the porch and then a counting game or handwriting, pouring exercise or letter game.  Even Buddy Bear joins in the mix with stacking cups or puzzle pieces.  E-Bear is practicing holding a pencil the correct way, and G-Bear is copying sentences.  This is really an experiment for me as we approach summer, as I hope to find constructive ways to enjoy learning and growing together.  As a result, I am on the lookout for good preschool/kindergarden learning games, activities, and resources.  I'll take all the help I can get!

I am going...actually, I did go to E-Bear's preschool music class on Wednesday.  All the parents were invited for a special music class with the kids.  It was impressive to see the twenty 2-3 year olds and parents all in one room!  The kids sang with jingle bells, shakie eggs, scarves, performed "Where is Thumbkin?" and "Elevator Operator" with impressive enthusiasm.  I love sneak peaks like this into E-Bear's preschool demeanor.  He was so delighted to show me his musical moves!  Such a sweet boy, he melts his proud mom's heart.

I am wondering....wait, now, with a move, a new job for T, housing, and schooling decisions on the horizon, the better question might be what am I NOT wondering about?  We probably won't have any answers to these burning questions and uncertainties for several more weeks.  So as I wonder, I am doing my best not to worry.  After making it through my residency decision, it is easier to not worry about our next step.  Hallelujah.  But I still have my moments.  

I am hoping...that G-Bear's five year old check-up next week goes well.  She will need to get vaccinations, and I am really dreading it.  This past Monday we took Buddy Bear for his check-up, and while he handled his vaccines quite well, G-Bear's face was truly pained as she watched him get his shots.  I remember hating my five year old vaccines and I don't enjoy re-living the experience with my sweet girl.  Lord, be gentle on us both.

I was looking forward to...having friends over for dinner tonight.  In our little apartment we have to be creative to fit everyone in, but it is always a treat to entertain, and we always manage to have a fun time.  Tonight we had five kids ages 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 playing dress-up in the kids room.  We ate dinner on the porch with homemade calzones for the adults and pizza for the kids.  The kids enjoyed a "pizza picnic" on a blanket while the adults ate at the table.  Such fun!  

I am learning...how to prune lettuce plants while keeping them alive.  Like I said, gardening is not my strongest talent.  I want these lettuces to hang around for many salads to come.

Around the house...we have created a costume corner for G-Bear and E-Bear.  Again, never mind the fact that we will be moving at the end of the summer, we just continue to make ourselves at home around here!  Our costume bag was overflowing to the point that I had to find a new solution to our wardrobe wonder.  A few nails in the wall later, we have almost a dozen costumes hanging on makeshift "hooks."  The upside?  Costumes are easier to see and get at for the older kids, and our basket is no longer stuffed and overflowing.  The downside?  Buddy Bear is going to have a blast pulling the costumes down from the hangers.

A favorite quote for today...

"Mom, I wish we had a strawberry patch at our house so that we could just go out and pick them 

and not have to buy them," G-Bear said as we picked berries today.

She's a girl after my own heart.  Me too, sweetie, me too.

One of my favorite things...Eating meals together and relaxing on our porch.  We look out on the parking lot and can greet our neighbors as they come home.  The jasmine vine smells amazing.  The mosquitos haven't hatched yet, and the birds are singing beautifully.  It's like our own little piece of paradise.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  We'll celebrate Dee this weekend, the Ascension on Sunday, and the last days of preschool next week.  Then, we are onto summer!  

Daybook for February 2012

Ah, a Daybook entry, what better way is there to reflect and ramble about our latest musings and happenings?  Today's edition is a mix of big and small choices, difficult and delightful moments.  Like a small town newspaper, the news borders on gossip, but you can't help read it anyway.  As always, thanks to the Simple Woman's Daybook for providing the inspiration.

Outside my window...there is brown grass where yesterday there was SNOW!  We enjoyed our one and only snow day of the year yesterday.  Conveniently, school had already been dismissed for Presidents' Day.  We wasted no time getting outside and quickly made a snowman.  He wasn't Minnesota-sized, but he was pretty cute.  We built him in the shade so that he would last longer, and thank goodness we did!  By the time we finished playing in the snow, most of it had melted.  Even our snowman was gone by the evening, before I could snap a picture.  Ah, well, that's life in North Carolina.

Our back yard playground, covered in snow!

I am thinking...about our Baby Bear, who turned ten months yesterday! 

A Bear and his daddy.

Our little man impresses us everyday with his new skills.  He loves to make people smile by waving hello and good-bye.  He likes to clap along, whether to a song or to show his delight.  He is standing, furniture walking, and crawling like lightning.  I can no longer let him out of my sight because he is getting into everything!   Big sibs, mom and dad have to be careful where we leave our toys and treasures if we don't want to share them with Baby Bear.  And oh, my, what a voracious appetite he has!  This boy is a growing boy.  

Baby Bear celebrates in style :)

I am thankful...to Neen for nominating us for the Versatile Blogger Award.  How kind!  I am most thankful that our blog has brought enjoyment and escape for her as she anticipates the birth of her twins!  Thank you.  I'll fulfill the obligation of passing along this award in a future post.

In the kitchen...I am cooking our Mardi Gras meal complete with roasted vegetable pasta and the last minute addition of a crock pot chicken.  What a treat!  Thanks, Whole Foods, for providing organic, free range chickens on sale.  Yum.  

I am wearing...fuzzy socks.  I found them at the back of my sock drawer yesterday, and they were perfect for our snow day.  They are oh, so comfortable.  

I am creating...my annual plan to help us make the most of Lent.  With Ash Wednesday tomorrow, it is time to add the finishing touches.  Lent is a season that offers us the tremendous opportunity to regroup, reflect and recharge in our walk with God.  I say, bring it on.


I am going...actually, I went to the grocery store with the Bears today.  You might think I have a death wish or just get a kick out of tempting fate.  Actually, I was desperate for ice cream.  With three in tow, I chose the grocery store with the mini "shopper in training" shopping carts.   My kids love the mini shopping carts.  Thankfully, both mini carts (they only have two) were available at the entrance, so both G-Bear and E-Bear got to push one.  We have two rules when I allow the little shopping carts:  #1: Everyone must stay behind mommy and follow me at all times.  #2:  We walk, we don't run, with the carts.  Often, someone has a lapse of behavior and looses their cart privileges part-way through our shopping trip.  Not today.  Today my Bears were cherubs, and they were rightly showered with compliments from the other shoppers.  "Oh, my, aren't YOU TWO big helpers?"  "What excellent helpers you have there, Mom!"  And my personal favorite:  "Hey, Sam!  Look, it's a train!"  My kiddos beamed with pride as they pushed their carts.  I would like to thank the legion of angels over my shoulder.  And yes, we bought a lot more than ice cream.

I am wondering...why, with so many wonderful toys surrounding him, Baby Bear is most interested in chewing on the power strip hidden behind the couch.  Like I said, I can't let that boy out of my sight! :)

I am reading...phonics books from Progressive Phonics with G-Bear.  Actually, I should say that SHE is reading them with me!  I am so impressed and amazed as she develops this new skill.  The look on her face is priceless as she sounds out a word and realizes she has read it.  So far we have done the first book in the series, the short "a." Now we are onto the second book, and we are all excited to start it.  Even E-Bear asked if we could read it for story time today.

Photo from Progressive Phonics

I am learning...so much from the women in my Bible Study.  Right now we are reading James, and I love our discussions about how to practically live out our faith. 

Around the house...we are missing our three cousins, who joined us yesterday for playtime and dinner!  We had so much fun.  G-Bear said today at lunch:  "I miss them.  It was so LOUD when they were here.  I felt like our house was shaking we were so loud."  I can assure you that this was a most sincere compliment on her part.    

I am look forward to... Thursday.  Why?  Rank lists for all residency applicants are due tomorrow by 9pm.  I can't wait to wake up on Thursday and have the deadline behind me.  


I am pondering...residency.  With rank lists due tomorrow, this is the eight hundred pound gorilla in my room.  Actually, to say that I am "pondering" residency does not do justice to the amount of mental energy and capacity that this decision has consumed for the past two years.  I somewhat ashamed to admit that I am so nervous about tomorrow that my hands are shaking right now, even as I type this.  For me, the question is not only what rank list I will submit, but whether I will submit one at all.  Eight hundred pound gorilla, indeed.  

A favorite quote for today...

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it shall be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord."  ~James 1:5-7

One of my favorite things...is snuggling with my Bears.  Whether we are reading a book, tucking in for the night or watching a movie, their sweet snuggles make my day.  

A few plans for the rest of the week...Ash Wednesday and a decision tomorrow, basketball with T this weekend, and a visit from Uncle C round out our plans for the next week.  

A peek into my day...

Our porch yesterday, more proof that it really did snow.