Sunday, June 30, 2013

My Crazy Boys

Life with a toddler can be busy, life with a toddler boy can be crazy, and when Mum leaves Dad in charge things can spin out of control.

It was quiet June evening; Mum and Baby Girl had gone to help Auntie and Girl Cousin with a bridal shower, so Dad and Boyo were entertaining Uncle and Boy Cousins 1, 2, and 3. Dinner was over, Disney was playing on Netflix, Daddy and Uncle went outside to test a small business venture. There is a slight debate over the length of time they were gone (somewhere between 5 seconds and 5 minutes), but it was long enough for Boyo to find Mum's bright red lipstick and spread it throughout the 1500 square feet of our apartment. The fathers turned to the window to see a two-year-old boy covered in red. The initial thoughts of blood drew them to the horrifying scene of red smashed into the carpet, spread on the toys, kneaded into the couch's and spattered on Mum and Dad's brand-spanking-new bedspread. After a few choice words, Boy Cousin 1 was asked why he didn't come get them. The six-year-old responded with a very thoughtful, "I don't know." A mad frenzy of cleaning followed, the anxious fathers googling every known and unknown remedy to handle the stains. In addition to large quantities of stain remover and bleach, hairspray and nail polish remover were also effective at removing the red tint from our furniture. Uncle also dashed to Home Depot (running over a metal tricycle in the process) to rent a deep-cleaning vacuum which whisked away the lipstick, dirt, and who knows what else! Mum, having helped Auntie (who is pregnant with #5) clean up the last bits of party evidence, arrived home to find every light on, Boyo sleeping in his lipstick stained shirt, the washing machine and dryer humming full force, and Dad frantically vacuuming the still-damp carpet. After hearing the whole story, Mum could not help but laugh at the crazy and sweet man before her. His puppy eyes begged for forgiveness, and she gave it quite readily. After all, life with boys is bound be a little messy!



Saturday, June 29, 2013

Our Adventures; Part 1

We had quite a long, exciting, and exhausting trip, and trying to recap has been almost as challenging.
I ended up taking very few pictures, since my mother and grandmother have better cameras - not to mention free hands - I am still trying to gather the photographed evidence of our little jaunt. List-making seems to be my best form of record keeping, but it does help me remember some of the details of  our outings. Like any vacation it had great parts, and some rather rotten parts.
Our car battery failed in Grants Pass, OR and my dad and I couldn't jump it, so we called AAA. (Side story, Roman bought a discounted packaged at the Creston Auction in April.) Ethan really loved the big truck.

The other thing Ethan loved was the puddles. He soaked an entire outfit before we left the hotel, and his sneakers took days to dry out.

One of the first outings we had in CA was to the Stoneridge Mall and the World Market. The latter store would have been a great place to stock on Christmas gifts for all my sisters and sisters-in-law. Man, I wished I knew who I had as my exchange partner!
Ethan loved the glass elevator, the Lego store, and walking (out of the carseat!!) with Grandpa and Grandma!
Saoirse was a doll, slept some in the stroller and was generally admired for her red hair and sweet smile.
I enjoyed free chocolate from Ghiradellis, browsing Pottery Barn with my mom, and getting Roman some great stuff from The Art of Shaving.

Our next big outing was The Oakland Zoo. Honestly, this was event was the one I was most looking forward to. Ethan could not go around fast enough. 





A giant centipede!



While the zoo animals were definitely exciting, my children really loved the dogs we encountered at every rest stop and relatives house. I just know that Saoirse will be the one to convince Roman that we need a puppy. Ethan has already convinced me. :)


Friday, June 28, 2013

Contemplate


Watching a sunset, a sunrise, the stars, a storm, floating clouds in the blue summer sky,
your life will become something to marvel about.
God is Good!







Thursday, June 27, 2013

Dance

I have always loved to dance, my ballet lessons were the highlight of my weeks as a little girl.

Roman also enjoys dancing and we frequently dance in the kitchen, and our children seem to enjoy it too.

I hope Saoirse likes to dance around the house in a tutu.

And yes, I think everyone should don nice clothes and go out dancing with our spouse at least once.



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Good Conversation


Share some of your joys with everyone, and take time to find out their little joys as well.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

1 Peter 3:4


This picture reminds me to create an atmosphere wherein beauty is felt more than seen. 
The spirit of gentleness can be found in many ways;
A home you love to be in,
People you love to be with,
Food you enjoy,
Moments captured from the chaos.
While gentleness is first a character trait, we do respond to our surroundings, so create surroundings that help you achieve a gentle spirit.

Monday, June 24, 2013

What Will You Do Today?


Sandbucket hats


A rainy day project

All done!

Including the perfect mess!!


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Romans 12:12



There is so much to learn from the Holy Word. As Alistair Begg says,
"It is not the things I don't understand that bother me; it's the things I do understand that trouble me."
Lessons must be practiced if they are ever to be learned.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Friday, June 21, 2013

Because I Have a Son


Little boys are strange creatures. Full of ideas, giggles, and mischief. He is studious, needing time to observe before diving into something new. 


He is a flirt,with a winning smile that charms me even when he is being naughty.


How does he do it? How does he combine that sweet desire to please and the macho sense of destruction?
How do I lead my lad to manhood?


With kindness, and a love of mischief!


~Photos taken by Vikki Anderson (his great-grandma) and Raijoice Mallery (one of the many aunties)



Thursday, June 20, 2013

Happy Birthday Hayley!


It is my baby sister's 15th birthday!


The crazy one, the wild tomboy, the only one who cried when Roman proposed to me.
She is turning into a very pretty and sophisticated young lady and I am so proud of her. 

Happy 15th Birthday Hayley!

You are a great sister, a fun aunt, and I can't wait til you have kids so I can say, "HA!"
I love you Hayley.


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Happy Birthday Mother!

It is my mothers birthday. So here's to the special lady who is the only one I trust to organize my kitchen perfectly!

She prepared me well for motherhood and is just a lovely as her mother.


And I am so glad she was there at the birth of my son and daughter. She captured great photos and supported me when I needed it most.


I love you!
Happy Birthday Mother!










Monday, June 17, 2013

Love My Husband


I am so glad to be settling back into life after our long vacation. Roman stayed home to work and that was a long 16 days away from his settling presence. I have learned so much of love from that wonderful man. We had a rough week adjusting, with some unexpected family crises. Thus blogging fell off the stove entirely. So I as learn to be grateful for everyday and moment I am given as life throws me curveballs.



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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Monday, June 10, 2013

Sleeping Babies




Sleeping babies are so sweet, and it gives me a sense of confidence that they trust me.



Sunday, June 9, 2013

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Grateful



This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Everyday Things


Making life special takes the right attitude, not any special talent.