Lent

 

There has been a lot of chatter on Facebook about what families &/or individuals are giving up for Lent.  We as a family have never done anything.  Not because we don’t want to, but because we can never come up with something that both Michael and I can agree on.  I would absolutely love to give up cable.  Michael, no so much!  In his defense, I should be condemned for even suggesting no cable during MARCH MADNESS! Seriously woman, what are you thinking?!  Okay, so that’s out the door with a big slam. How about something else then?  Michael just kind of stares at me….guessing he’s not over my original suggestion!

Sooo.  I guess I’m on my own.  Hmm, what to do?  A few years back I gave up coffee.  I could, but I only drink one cup and it’s half caf.  That’s not enough.  Got it…gluten free or as I’ll call it, carb free!

Carbs and I have a love/hate relationship.  I have often considered going carb/gluten free to see how much weight I could lose, but never had the will power to do it. I do now!  I’ve committed this Lent to go carb free.  So far, it’s been three days and I feel great (a tad hungry), and down 3 lbs.  I love being conscience of this sacrifice and remembering the true meaning behind Lent every time I look at a cracker, or tortilla (boys had burritos for dinner last night). 

This weekend will be the real challenge as I travel to Thousand Pines in Crestline for our High School Youth Group Retreat where I have zero control over the meals…wish me luck!

Maybe next year I can motivate Michael and the boys to come up with something as a family. 

 

Turning Six

Josh has been excited for weeks to turn six.  I love how excited with anticipation for his birthday he gets, and each year that excitement grows.  He loves to count down the days till the big day and he really enjoys when we spread out the celebrating over multiple days….sounds fun, huh?!

This year Grandpa Parine purchased Josh tickets to go and watch the Harlem Globetrotters in Ontario.  Michael was originally supposed to go with Josh, but was still pretty heavily medicated from his surgery, so I had the honor to escort Josh.  We had SOOO much fun!  Thanks, Dad!

For some reason he would not take his hood off, but he was very proud to be wear his Calvin College sweatshirt, from Grandpa P., as well.

The Harlem Globetrotter’s mascot, Globee, and mini Globee, dancing to “Shuffflin” 

The team dancing with big Globee.  We both got some good giggles from the mascots.

Watching contently. 

After the game we drove home where Josh chose to have Mac ’n cheese for his dinner and brownies for dessert.  We had a wonderful Monday celebrating and on Tuesday, his actual birthday, he was able to celebrate with his class.

And what makes turning six even better?  How about losing your first tooth and losing it while eating the snack you brought to share with your classmates?  He had the biggest grin when his tooth popped out after taking a bite of his chocolate chip cookie. 

Such a proud grin. 

 

 

SOLD

After 7 months on February 9, 2011 we officially closed on our house of 6 years in Mentone.  We filled that house with many great memories, family, and friends.  It was our first house together, and each of our children were born while we were there. 

Though we quickly out grew the house, we were always grateful for having a roof over our head that we could afford, and watch our children grow under. 

We DEFINITELY learned a lot after purchasing our first home.  1) Take a good long hard look at the neighborhood, especially your neighbors before purchasing.

2) Never purchase thinking this is a short term purchase.

3) Sidewalks, sidewalks, sidewalks…and maybe a cul-de-sac.

Just to name a few, and as we looked for a new home there were definitely items that moved to the top of the “must have” list.

1) Garage

2) 4 bedrooms

3) Central air & heat

4) DISHWASHER, DISHWASHER, DISHWASHER…it’s been over 6 years since I’ve had one.

Luckily, after some searching and praying we found that house.  It’s exciting as we look forward to our “forever” house.

Some pic’s of the old house…empty.

The boys room…

The world’s smallest bathroom…

onto the next stage…

Merry Christmas

 

Christmas in California is much different from Christmas in Washington.  For one, it’s 80 degrees (typical WA summer weather), and two, we get the opportunity to entertain family….love! 

This year we had the opportunity to welcome my mom, and youngest brother, Brian for Christmas. 

  Our annual tradition of decorating a gingerbread house.

Happy boy surrounded by lots of candy.

The boys received these little football helmets, one for each NFL team.  They love them.  Each day they set up different match-ups for the teams and ask each other, “which one wins?”

Just some fun that we shared with Grandma Parine, and Uncle Brian.  Thanks for coming to visit.

Oh, mom!

 

I enjoy crafting, sewing, gluing, painting…really just being creative.  Being a mother offers me many opportunities to use my creativity.  My list is usually quite long, so when I have the chance to sit down and work on a project it feels good.  In the past, I have offered a chance for the boys to either help with the project, or given them a similar project (more to their scale) that I “think” they would enjoy.  They usually come over interested and oblige with the project for a whopping 3 minutes and then run off to do their “boy stuff”.  This afternoon, was a little different….

The boys approached me one weekday afternoon, while I was preparing dinner, asking for something fun to do.  I have had cardboard letters, J and C, for quite some time now, with a fun project in mind for them.  I decided to wait till we move (no need to put more holes in the wall, right?!) for the project.  These would be perfect for a quick fun project for the boys.

I gathered some orange and gray yarn, and the cardboard letters.  Showed the boys how to wrap the yarn around the letters, and stepped back into the kitchen to finish dinner.

Soon, I hear lots of giggles coming from Carter, and Josh crying for help.

This is what I look in to see:

I don’t have a close up of Josh, but he finally after desperately trying to wind the yarn around his letter “J”, looked at me and said, “Mom, really?!”  Ah, fun times!

SURPRISE

Yeah! I’m so excited, I can hardly stand it! 

Yesterday while at work I get a strange text from my beautiful friend, Kim.  She asks, “What’s your middle name?”  Hmm, that’s a mighty strange or maybe just random question.  Then she asks me, “What’s your birth year?”  Okay, now I’m intrigued!  What is she up to?  She informs me that I will find out soon enough. 

Oh, and I did!  SHE’S FLYING ME OUT TO NY TO SEE HER!  I wish I could explain how overly excited I am, but I can’t seem to find the words to accurately describe this feeling of elation (oh, maybe that does describe it). 

Kim is one of my dearest friends and her and her husband, Lucas, moved to Stony Brook, NY this last summer for his residence in Orthopedic surgery.   Not only were they starting a new stage of life across the country in a whole new state, but they were expecting their first child, Malin, soon after their arrival in NY.  Their departure was hard for both Michael and I because we became very close with them and absolutely enjoyed their company.  And frankly, it’s just hard saying good bye to such dear friends.

So you can imagine my pure excitement when Kim sent me an itinerary for NYC! 

Thank you KIm, for the sweetest surprise and gift ever!  Looking forward to seeing you guys, and sweet lil Malin!

See you soon! 

 

Bye, bye, Blue

Saying goodbye can be so hard to do…especially when it’s been your napping couch for 9 + years.  Depending on who you ask the departure of the couch was either sudden or discussed many times.  I’m guessing it’s pretty easy to figure out which one is Michael’s and which one was mine. 

Blue was an excellent couch and held up through quite a bit (two rambunctious boys,  countless other kids, Michael’s bed for the first year in Redlands).  It was, by far, the best napping couch ever and the couch we purchase to replace it will have to have amazing napability. 

We had discussed that Blue wouldn’t be making the move, but never discussed getting rid of her before hand.  Though when the Christmas tree cam in, we knew now was a good time to say our goodbyes.

Michael saying goodbye one last time.

Till we move big Brown will be filling in for Blue.

I know, silly post, but you wouldn’t believe how sad Michael was to have to say goodbye to his beloved couch.