Happy 8 Day!

This is a little belated, but I had a good 28th birthday on Monday. Thanks to everyone who sent notes and cards. It was such a blessing to know so many people are thinking of us. I had a pleasant day. I put as many responsibilities on hold as possible, considering that I have two boys who rely on me for just about everything:) We got to go for a walk and in the evening Grandma and Grandpa watched the boys while Jeremiah and I went out for dinner. Afterwards we went back to their house for cake. It was very nice to not cook a meal and have someone else make a cake for me on my birthday. 

Thank you Ginny. 

Now we continue with normal life and it is good. I am trying to remember that we are in the midst of a process that will continue for a while and that patience is required. Why does it always come back to patience? It is a beautiful day and I am thankful for sunny skies, the prospect of spending some time outside and the blessing of spending a day at home.

As for the title, check out Brian Regan. The quote is at the very end of the clip. 

Hans' Birthday

Hans turned one on Saturday and all went very well. My family was able to come for part of the weekend so we had a party with all of the family! It was very nice. Hans didn't quite know what to do with all of the attention. He didn't even get that excited about his cake! However, he has been thoroughly enjoying all the new toys. 

Doing push-ups

"Now what do I do with this?"

The paper was more fascinating than anything else

mystery guest, thanks to Jourdan!

trying on the new birthday clothes Sunday morning

fall and frostiness

Sunday, October 19, 2008: First hard frost

update

Life is moving along smoothly for us. Hans got his eighth tooth the other week which is very nice. Now he is back to the happy Hans we all remember. He is also an expert at cruising along all of the furniture. He learned to go up the stairs this past week. We use the gate at the bottom all the times now:) He can get up so fast and so quietly!! 

Ethan is doing good. He still loves trains and diggers and farm equipment. This past week they were harvesting soybeans in the valley and we could see the combine going back and forth from our window. He is enrolled in story time at the local library and he is starting to learn the little rhymes and songs. He keeps me very entertained with all of his stories and conversation. His little brain is so busy at times!

Jeremiah continues to enjoy his job. He could work way more hours than he does, partly because he enjoys it so much and partly because there is so much that needs to be done! He isn't working on any house projects at the moment. We are waiting until after Hans birthday next weekend to start anything new. My family will be coming up for two days and we will have a party on Saturday. 

I am looking through all of my potential indoor projects now that the cold weather is coming. I got all of the outdoor garden projects done that I invented on moving in:) The flower beds are much more to my liking now and I am looking forward to Spring and seeing everything come up and fill out. In a couple of weeks I am going to start going to a Moms' group at a local church. I am really looking forward to developing some more friendships and a little more of a sense of community. It can get a bit lonely at times. Last night I got to spend some time with some of the women from our church and it was delightful. It was great to spend an evening chatting and laughing and being girls! It is very encouraging that there are a lot of women my age and in my situation in life at our church. 

That's all for now. Enjoy the photos!

playing outside

On Wednesday Earon came down and spent the afternoon with us. It was a beautiful fall day so we all went outside after the boys woke up from their naps. it is always great to get out. Ethan worked on some raking and Hans enjoyed the wagon. The first couple of pictures are of Hans this afternoon. He loves emptying out the kettle cupboards and he just looked so cute in his outfit. He looks like a little lumberjack!

My typical view of Hans!

Ode to Angela

Earlier this week I went outside to enjoy fall by photographing its beauties. It was quite nice. So, as I was taking pictures of our MASSIVE Black Walnut tree (it is so big it would take two adults to hug its trunk) I thought of Angela. So, Angela, this photo of a tree is dedicated to you:) I hope you enjoy. 

Angela McMannus, for those of you who do not have the pleasure of knowing her personally, is my cousin and one of my dear friends. I love her perspective on life and her sense of humor, style and general friendliness and kindness to all people. She has served in-numerable hours helping people who others would look over without a thought. She is a TRUE non-conformist (and I say that with all the respect and best definitions of the word). So, I raise my glass of friendship and respect to Angela. I love you girl!! 

New Dining Room

We repainted the dining room in the last month or so. It looks so much better without the dark green trim (see July 2008 post Home). These shots are kind of an around the room view. There will still be some tweaks to make, like replacing the picture over the stove. The next project on the table is repainting the dark red trim and touching up the walls in the living room. 

pictures

My days have a way of getting away from me. Some day in the not to distant future I will update with more than pictures and let you all know what we are up to. But, hey, pictures are the most fun anyway:)

Our growing boy- he will be 1 on the 25th and he is working on his 8th tooth!

Ethan helping Grandma Martin and Mommy make applesauce

Wrestling with Daddy!