Here's our Samuel playing in the landscape in our yard. Gosh he's so adorable! Almost cute enough where I would let him completely smash all the tall grass down to the ground.I said almost.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Possibly Another?!
As soon as dinner was over Andy and Samuel were dying to head outside and try out the new carrier. Andy loved it. He likes is way better than even our heavy duty hiking backpack. I was shocked. I mean, I knew he would love it, just not that much. Samuel likes it better too. He begs to be carried around in it. Strange kid! We're even considering getting another one so both kids could be carried in one.
Here's our Samuel playing in the landscape in our yard. Gosh he's so adorable! Almost cute enough where I would let him completely smash all the tall grass down to the ground.
I said almost.
Here's our Samuel playing in the landscape in our yard. Gosh he's so adorable! Almost cute enough where I would let him completely smash all the tall grass down to the ground.I said almost.
Slow Down!
Joseph, you are growing up entirely too fast, buddy. I beg of you slow down, or else I'm going to want another baby around the house... and I know you wouldn't like that very much!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
In 7 Months
You've gone from this:
To this:
We have loved every day with you, Joseph. Thank you for all you bring to our lives. You are such a joy. Happy 7 month birthday, baby boy!
To this:
We have loved every day with you, Joseph. Thank you for all you bring to our lives. You are such a joy. Happy 7 month birthday, baby boy!
Along For the Ride
I am now the new proud owner of an Action Baby Carrier I have wanted one where I could carry Joseph on my back and also Sam if needed. My mom gave me some money for my birthday to spend on myself, and much to her chagrin I choose to spend it on this lovely carrier! I'd never seen it before today, but it's exactly what I was looking for! It simple with very few bells and whistles. It's much cheaper that a lot of the other ones out there and it fits smaller framed women much better. So if you're looking for a new carrier, check this out!
I am so in love. I feel like a million bucks in it. I chose the chocolate one. After all the decision making of which kind to get, then I had to decide on the color. It was a day full of decisions, I tell ya!
This quite possibly could be the best gift anyone has ever given me. It will make my life a whole lot easier when Joseph is needing to be held, but all the other mouths in the house need feeding or the laundry has to be done, or basically anything else that needs both hands. The others I have he's growing out of or just aren't great for wearing larger children. With this one, I can carry him on my front or back and still get done what I need to. It holds a kid up to 45 lbs. So, we figure Samuel will be able to be carried until he's in 5th grade.
There is a newish store in Charlottesville, called Nature's Child and it has an amazing assortment of natural toys for kids, cloth diapers, slings, baby carriers, maternity stuff, nursing stuff, you name it. I was in heaven. I literally spent over 2 hours there. Samuel was in heaven as well. There were so many great toys for him to play with.
So, I've got some more money to spend for my birthday. I think I will attempt to look for a new pair of jeans that fit. Wish me luck! I see lots of tears in my future!
It simply amazes me that a baby carrier could give me so much pleasure, but it does. Much more than I can say for a pair of jeans.
I am so in love. I feel like a million bucks in it. I chose the chocolate one. After all the decision making of which kind to get, then I had to decide on the color. It was a day full of decisions, I tell ya!This quite possibly could be the best gift anyone has ever given me. It will make my life a whole lot easier when Joseph is needing to be held, but all the other mouths in the house need feeding or the laundry has to be done, or basically anything else that needs both hands. The others I have he's growing out of or just aren't great for wearing larger children. With this one, I can carry him on my front or back and still get done what I need to. It holds a kid up to 45 lbs. So, we figure Samuel will be able to be carried until he's in 5th grade.
There is a newish store in Charlottesville, called Nature's Child and it has an amazing assortment of natural toys for kids, cloth diapers, slings, baby carriers, maternity stuff, nursing stuff, you name it. I was in heaven. I literally spent over 2 hours there. Samuel was in heaven as well. There were so many great toys for him to play with.
So, I've got some more money to spend for my birthday. I think I will attempt to look for a new pair of jeans that fit. Wish me luck! I see lots of tears in my future!
It simply amazes me that a baby carrier could give me so much pleasure, but it does. Much more than I can say for a pair of jeans.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cute Kids
I just couldn't choose one picture to share.
This is Samuel eating our ONLY tomato that we harvested this year. So sad. He picked it entirely too early too so we had to wait a few weeks for it to ripen. Hope we have better luck next year.
International Students
One of the main reasons why we wanted to live very close to the University grounds was so that we could have a close connection with students, especially the international students.
We have gotten involved in two different international student organizations through the university and are so enjoying our new friendships.
We have two students that we are their host family for. A girl from China and a boy from India and Singapore.
There are always events going on for the international students, and as much as we can, we attend them, kids and all.
Andy even went with about 50 students to DC a couple Sundays ago for the day. He had a great time getting to know them all more.
The really neat thing is that the founder of Christian Aid, also founded an organization called International Students, Inc. An organization that seeks to share the gospel with international students. They have this program at many universities across the country. We are involved in that one, and also the International Host Program which is how we were given our two students.
It has been an incredible opportunity to learn about more of the world and to make some international friendships.
Please pray that the Lord uses us to share His love with these students, so that many of them will come to know Him!
This is Edmund. He is obsessed with Samuel. They are the best of buddies. Samuel and Joseph have probably gotten their pictures taken about 50 times so far by students just thinking they are so adorable. They are sure the hit of every party. It's wonderful to see how the kids act as such an ice breaker everywhere we go.
We have gotten involved in two different international student organizations through the university and are so enjoying our new friendships.
We have two students that we are their host family for. A girl from China and a boy from India and Singapore.
There are always events going on for the international students, and as much as we can, we attend them, kids and all.
Andy even went with about 50 students to DC a couple Sundays ago for the day. He had a great time getting to know them all more.
The really neat thing is that the founder of Christian Aid, also founded an organization called International Students, Inc. An organization that seeks to share the gospel with international students. They have this program at many universities across the country. We are involved in that one, and also the International Host Program which is how we were given our two students.
It has been an incredible opportunity to learn about more of the world and to make some international friendships.
Please pray that the Lord uses us to share His love with these students, so that many of them will come to know Him!
This is Edmund. He is obsessed with Samuel. They are the best of buddies. Samuel and Joseph have probably gotten their pictures taken about 50 times so far by students just thinking they are so adorable. They are sure the hit of every party. It's wonderful to see how the kids act as such an ice breaker everywhere we go.
Favorite Words
The boys are helping me with the dishes.
Joseph is repeating his favorite word, Mama; and Samuel is repeating his new favorite word, Samuel.
Thought the grandparents would enjoy :)
Joseph is repeating his favorite word, Mama; and Samuel is repeating his new favorite word, Samuel.
Thought the grandparents would enjoy :)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Yay For Fall
This cooler weather has just been wonderful. I love fall! I love getting all bundled up and being outside. I especially love that the mosquitoes are dying off. Samuel and I have had enough mosquito bites this summer to last us a lifetime!
I think I'm the most excited about this fall though because we have an amazing fireplace in our back yard. I envision many get togethers around it in the next few months. It sat there so neglected all summer, I know it's just dying to have some company!
And of course, I am very excited to get back into baking my pumpkin recipes. This year I'm going to try and use fresh pumpkins. I've never done it before. If anyone has any tips, I'd love to hear them! And recipes too. I would love to hear some of your fall recipes! Please, share away friends :)
I have a huge list of links to recipes online that I just have saved in a folder on my computer and I was thinking about starting a blog to just copy and paste them all into it so they will be made available to others as well. Would anyone be interested in this?
I can't envision when I'll find the time to do it, but just like any organizational task, once it's done it's done and you're so glad it is. I definitely think it would be worth the work. Let me know if you would be interested.
I think I'm the most excited about this fall though because we have an amazing fireplace in our back yard. I envision many get togethers around it in the next few months. It sat there so neglected all summer, I know it's just dying to have some company!
And of course, I am very excited to get back into baking my pumpkin recipes. This year I'm going to try and use fresh pumpkins. I've never done it before. If anyone has any tips, I'd love to hear them! And recipes too. I would love to hear some of your fall recipes! Please, share away friends :)
I have a huge list of links to recipes online that I just have saved in a folder on my computer and I was thinking about starting a blog to just copy and paste them all into it so they will be made available to others as well. Would anyone be interested in this?
I can't envision when I'll find the time to do it, but just like any organizational task, once it's done it's done and you're so glad it is. I definitely think it would be worth the work. Let me know if you would be interested.
MaMa
I knew after all this pain and sacrifice of tending to my littlest one I would get some appreciation, it would just take some time. But, I didn't think it would come this early!
For the past week or so Joseph has started saying Ma-Ma. If he's hungry and wants to nurse he'll start saying it. Last night he woke up and wanted to eat and was in his crib next to us and Andy and I woke up to him just really quietly calling out to me. It was so adorable. It melts my heart!
This is extra special to me because Samuel's first word was Dada, and Mama came much later. I guess it sure shows what a Mama's boy this kid really is. In case any of us weren't convinced prior to this :)
For the past week or so Joseph has started saying Ma-Ma. If he's hungry and wants to nurse he'll start saying it. Last night he woke up and wanted to eat and was in his crib next to us and Andy and I woke up to him just really quietly calling out to me. It was so adorable. It melts my heart!
This is extra special to me because Samuel's first word was Dada, and Mama came much later. I guess it sure shows what a Mama's boy this kid really is. In case any of us weren't convinced prior to this :)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Trying to Keep Up
Since I use blogging as my way of scrap booking, I'm determined I'm not going to let the weeks and months slip by without updating. As long as I've taken a picture of something I can remember what's happened even if months have passed. But if there's no picture, I'm completely clueless. I'm about a good 2 weeks behind in blogging, so bear with me. There will be a lot of random shots, but the good thing is, there are at least pictures.
We met some friends for a play date a few weeks ago at this park. It was so strange being there because over 5 years ago this is where Andy and I would go on the weekends to hang out and study his 4th year at UVa. It was right across the street from his apartment that year. And now, here we are yet again in the same town and I'm at the park with our two kids. Time flies!
Just a cute picture. I have no idea the story behind it. Probably took it because that's one of my favorite outfits on Joseph and I wanted to have a picture of him in it.
Playing with legos
Waiting for Daddy to come home.
Bug eyes
Samuel at our yard sale. He was priced at 75 cents and he had no takers. Poor Samuel.
Joseph in an outfit that was Andy's.
Sam's collection of pigs.
Joe in his first pair of jeans.
Joe FROG! And for the record, we did nothing to stage this picture. When I saw this pose though, I had to take a picture! As Andy says, we just picked an appropriate nickname.
We met some friends for a play date a few weeks ago at this park. It was so strange being there because over 5 years ago this is where Andy and I would go on the weekends to hang out and study his 4th year at UVa. It was right across the street from his apartment that year. And now, here we are yet again in the same town and I'm at the park with our two kids. Time flies!
Just a cute picture. I have no idea the story behind it. Probably took it because that's one of my favorite outfits on Joseph and I wanted to have a picture of him in it.
Playing with legos
Waiting for Daddy to come home.
Bug eyes
Samuel at our yard sale. He was priced at 75 cents and he had no takers. Poor Samuel.
Joseph in an outfit that was Andy's.
Sam's collection of pigs.
Joe in his first pair of jeans.
Joe FROG! And for the record, we did nothing to stage this picture. When I saw this pose though, I had to take a picture! As Andy says, we just picked an appropriate nickname.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
School Pictures
Sorry for the lack of posting lately.
We've hit the fall and with that all of our activities have gone into full speed. We are loving all of our new commitments and seeing how God is working here in Charlottesville. I'm excited about sharing what we're involved in when I can find the time.
But for now, here are the pictures our boys' first day of school. It was a hit. Still no specific schedule we're following. That will come with time. For now, I am just committing to setting aside 2 solid hours and seeing what comes of it.
Joseph seems to love Bushu. Samuel is a great mentor.
We've hit the fall and with that all of our activities have gone into full speed. We are loving all of our new commitments and seeing how God is working here in Charlottesville. I'm excited about sharing what we're involved in when I can find the time.
But for now, here are the pictures our boys' first day of school. It was a hit. Still no specific schedule we're following. That will come with time. For now, I am just committing to setting aside 2 solid hours and seeing what comes of it.
Joseph seems to love Bushu. Samuel is a great mentor.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Back to Bushu
I seriously don't know how I've never introduced 'Bushu' to our blog, but I did a quick search in our archives and can't find it mentioned anywhere. A quick recap of 'Bushu.'
As I was trying to organize our days better at home, I made a type of play schedule for Samuel. I wanted to start giving him some more structure so that we had something to go off of when Joseph was born. So WHEN all chaos broke loose, we would have something to fall back on.
When we were driving into town one night I was telling Andy about my idea. We wanted it to be a sort of homeschooling program for him so we could all try and take it seriously in an effort to stick to it. Andy thought would should make up a name for our school, since all real schools have names. We asked Samuel what he wanted to call his school and he said 'Bushu.' We were laughing so hard, because as a tiny thing, he hardly ever answered us when we asked him questions, but this time he answered us quickly and with such confidence, we could not argue with the kid. He knew what he wanted!
So, that's what we call school around here... Bushu.
Well, I've been quite a frazzled mommy lately and I've tried desperately to get my act together for the past 2 weeks, but haven't had much luck. Gone are the days of summer, and now it's really Bushu time. So, tomorrow morning starts our schedule!
We'll let you all know how it goes. And for the grandparents, we'll make sure and take a picture of our first day of Bushu :)
It's pronounced: Boo-SHOE
As I was trying to organize our days better at home, I made a type of play schedule for Samuel. I wanted to start giving him some more structure so that we had something to go off of when Joseph was born. So WHEN all chaos broke loose, we would have something to fall back on.
When we were driving into town one night I was telling Andy about my idea. We wanted it to be a sort of homeschooling program for him so we could all try and take it seriously in an effort to stick to it. Andy thought would should make up a name for our school, since all real schools have names. We asked Samuel what he wanted to call his school and he said 'Bushu.' We were laughing so hard, because as a tiny thing, he hardly ever answered us when we asked him questions, but this time he answered us quickly and with such confidence, we could not argue with the kid. He knew what he wanted!
So, that's what we call school around here... Bushu.
Well, I've been quite a frazzled mommy lately and I've tried desperately to get my act together for the past 2 weeks, but haven't had much luck. Gone are the days of summer, and now it's really Bushu time. So, tomorrow morning starts our schedule!
We'll let you all know how it goes. And for the grandparents, we'll make sure and take a picture of our first day of Bushu :)
It's pronounced: Boo-SHOE
Stickers
The picture is off-centered because I was trying to snap a picture of him as he was running by. You put Samuel, Aunt Juju and stickers together, and there's no telling what's gonna happen!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Family Photo
Yes, I know this picture is about 2 months old, but I'm just now getting around to posting it. It was taken a few days after we moved into our new house.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Sam Dog
This video definitely needs some explaining. Andy and I call Samuel "Sam Dog" quite a bit. He had never really said his name before and then this day he repeated it after Andy when he called him Sam Dog. He kept saying it and saying it. He was so proud of himself.
I tried to video tape him, but he was too camera shy, so I let him run the video while he said it and it worked. So, forgive the video of my neck! The audio well makes up for it, though. Oh, to have a toddler :)
Now that he has his name above his bed while he's going down to sleep we'll hear him practicing his name over and over again. He's even started to say Samuel now. It's precious.
I tried to video tape him, but he was too camera shy, so I let him run the video while he said it and it worked. So, forgive the video of my neck! The audio well makes up for it, though. Oh, to have a toddler :)
Now that he has his name above his bed while he's going down to sleep we'll hear him practicing his name over and over again. He's even started to say Samuel now. It's precious.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Room to Play
The boys' room is (almost) done! The only thing I will probably do is make some curtains for it, but as far as the boys are concerned, it's done! They've now got a great rug in their room and have lots of floor space to play.
The pictures over the dresser are cross stitch projects their Mimi did for them when they were born. She's the one that just celebrated her 88th birthday. She had 3 great-grandsons born all within the last 7 months, and she has made one for all of them. She's incredible. I don't even think I could do that at 26! If you enlarge the picture, you'll be able to see them in more detail.
The pictures over the dresser are cross stitch projects their Mimi did for them when they were born. She's the one that just celebrated her 88th birthday. She had 3 great-grandsons born all within the last 7 months, and she has made one for all of them. She's incredible. I don't even think I could do that at 26! If you enlarge the picture, you'll be able to see them in more detail.
Project Makeover
Little did I know a project that I did for Samuel's room when he was born would be able to be recycled for Joseph as well. It's from the same fabric that I made Samuel's quilt from. It's like an African jungle theme.
Samuel has 6 letters, and coincidentally, so does Joseph. I think we noticed this before, but now it has only really mattered!
So, take S-A-M-U-E-L, and take out the S-A-M. That leaves me with with U-E-L. So I cut off a part of the U to make a J. I've already got the E that I need, all I needed to make was an O, and I've got J-O-E!
This just makes me happy in so many ways. Let's list them:
1. It was FREE.
2. It was very quick!
3. I was able to reuse something we already had.
4. I enjoyed so much making this for Samuel and have so many great memories of decorating his room with my friends.
5. I love to make crafts, especially for loved ones.
6. Samuel now can read the names and he loves seeing them up on the walls.
7. This makes their room more personal.
8. It's so neat to have my little set of boys and know they'll have each other forever.
Samuel has 6 letters, and coincidentally, so does Joseph. I think we noticed this before, but now it has only really mattered!
So, take S-A-M-U-E-L, and take out the S-A-M. That leaves me with with U-E-L. So I cut off a part of the U to make a J. I've already got the E that I need, all I needed to make was an O, and I've got J-O-E!
This just makes me happy in so many ways. Let's list them:
1. It was FREE.
2. It was very quick!
3. I was able to reuse something we already had.
4. I enjoyed so much making this for Samuel and have so many great memories of decorating his room with my friends.
5. I love to make crafts, especially for loved ones.
6. Samuel now can read the names and he loves seeing them up on the walls.
7. This makes their room more personal.
8. It's so neat to have my little set of boys and know they'll have each other forever.
Friday, September 5, 2008
A Wonderful Day
Thank you to those of you who made my birthday so extra special! I had a great 26th birthday.
I woke up to a beautiful card and a present I couldn't wait to get my hands on. Andy said I had to wait until Samuel woke up, but he wasn't up as Andy was leaving so I begged if I could open it up, and of course he said 'yes.'
Andy had made the card and had made the box my present went in. It was a gorgeous origami box tied up with a ribbon. He is so sweet!
I just love birthdays :)
Inside was a write up about a class Andy had registered me for at the University through their continuing education program, called, The Power of Food: Nutrition, Policy and Local Food. It's a 7 week course that meets Wednesday evenings for 2 hours. I am so excited about it! It starts Sept 17th.
I just love birthdays :)
And also in the box, from the boys, I got the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen. Andy got it at the Farmer's Market here in Charlottesville. It's so gorgeous.
I just love birthdays :)
Then for dinner we got take out at one of my favorite places here in Charlottesville, called Sakura, a Japanese restaurant. And then for dessert we got an array of mini cakes.
Samuel's favorite part was dessert! In case you couldn't tell.
Joseph tried to sneak a little too. Little bugger!
It was such a special day. It was my first birthday with Joseph, and only my second or third birthday with Andy out of the 8 years we've been together! And to top it all off, my sister (in law) Julie was here to celebrate with us as well! This year will be hard to beat.
Can't wait for next year :)
I woke up to a beautiful card and a present I couldn't wait to get my hands on. Andy said I had to wait until Samuel woke up, but he wasn't up as Andy was leaving so I begged if I could open it up, and of course he said 'yes.'
Andy had made the card and had made the box my present went in. It was a gorgeous origami box tied up with a ribbon. He is so sweet!
I just love birthdays :)
Inside was a write up about a class Andy had registered me for at the University through their continuing education program, called, The Power of Food: Nutrition, Policy and Local Food. It's a 7 week course that meets Wednesday evenings for 2 hours. I am so excited about it! It starts Sept 17th.
I just love birthdays :)And also in the box, from the boys, I got the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen. Andy got it at the Farmer's Market here in Charlottesville. It's so gorgeous.
I just love birthdays :)Then for dinner we got take out at one of my favorite places here in Charlottesville, called Sakura, a Japanese restaurant. And then for dessert we got an array of mini cakes.
Samuel's favorite part was dessert! In case you couldn't tell.
Joseph tried to sneak a little too. Little bugger!
It was such a special day. It was my first birthday with Joseph, and only my second or third birthday with Andy out of the 8 years we've been together! And to top it all off, my sister (in law) Julie was here to celebrate with us as well! This year will be hard to beat.Can't wait for next year :)
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