tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14996383285550025552024-03-05T14:41:58.441-08:00Happy Homemaker Meliving simply in the joy of JesusBethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.comBlogger487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-71104850786788830272014-10-30T13:40:00.002-07:002014-10-30T13:40:32.905-07:0010 Month Letter to Logan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Logan Mark,<br />
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This month, you are an adventurer. You love to run, climb, explore, and figure things out on your own. You don't seem to have any fear (or understanding of gravity). I'm constantly amazed at how smart and strong and curious you are. You're such a little boy already.<br />
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While you're still definitely a momma's boy, you love being let down to explore (as long as it's on your own terms). Heaven forbid I set you down without your permission. When I do, you fold in half and pout with some pretty convincing tears. As long as the choice is yours, though, you want to be all over the floor, crawling, walking, running, tumbling, rolling, and climbing. You try to <a href="http://instagram.com/p/t6LGmUHlX9/?modal=true" target="_blank">climb everything </a>these days!<br />
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One of your favorite parts of the day is saying goodbye to Daddy when he leaves in the morning. Kayleigh has always stood on the mat and waved goodbye, and up until recently, I've always held you. Now you want to stand on the mat, too, and often run after Daddy blowing kisses, waving, and saying "Byyyyyyyyye!" in that sweet high pitched voice that shows that you spend most of your time with your mom and sister ;-) Another thing that has recently become just about the best privilege <i>ever</i> for you is when <i>you</i> get to be the person who leaves. Daddy takes you with him and Kayleigh now when they go to get the mail, and you make the biggest show of going "bye bye!" You want me to stand on the mat and wave until you're out of sight. You puff up so big and proud when Daddy tells you you're going to get the mail. It's an all-important job, and you're up to the task.<br />
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You've added some new words this month. You surprised us just last night with "<a href="http://such%20a%20boy...%20he%20says%20mama%2C%20dada%2C%20kayleigh%20%28kay-ee%29%2C%20hi%2C%20bye%2C%20night-night%2C%20tap%2C%20cat%2C%20and%20now%20throw.%20%20i%20never%20would%20have%20guessed%20that%20would%20be%20one%20of%20his%20first%20words%21/" target="_blank">throw</a>." I didn't expect that to be one of your first words! Such a boy! You say Mama, Dada, Kayleigh (Kay-ee), hi, bye, night-night, tap, cat, and now throw. You love throwing balls and chasing after them. You and Kayleigh have a lot of fun with it these days.<br />
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She's still your favorite playmate. The two of you have so much fun together. We sometimes have to remind Kayleigh to give you gentle hugs, and sometimes we have to remind you not to kiss with your teeth, but for the most part, you two love each other with a fierce love and are the best of friends.<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nicknames:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Boyo, Little Man, Logan Mark, Puppy, Chunkers.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Temperament:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> You still swing between the two extremes. Extremely happy, extremely heartbroken. It doesn't take much to get you from one to the other.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You've developed this nasty new habit of pinching me with very sharp fingernails. It seems to be something that soothes you while you're nursing, but you'll pinch my skin between two fingers and then drag your nails across my skin until your fingers meet in a tiny pinch. Ouch! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You've never been a fan of your car seat, but you still really hate being strapped in. You also don't appreciate it when I dig something out of your mouth that you popped in there in secret. Pieces of books, beads from Kayleigh's jewelry box, leaves, socks...I know, I destroy all of your fun.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy We Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Baby carriers! As you grow older and more independent, I'm cherishing every time I get to put you in the Ergo or <a href="http://instagram.com/p/t8-p-Pq7fK/?modal=true" target="_blank">ring sling</a>. Holding you close to my heart, kissing the top of your head, tucking your toes into my hands, showing you everything from my view...I love this season of being your mommy.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy You Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Blocks, balls, toy cars. Daddy and I are impressed that you try to stack blocks!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: </b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You're Loving Most Right Now: </b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sounds/Words: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mama, Dada, Kayleigh (Kay-ee), hi, bye, cat, tap, throw, night night.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Foods You Like:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <b> </b>The only thing I've discovered that you don't like is quinoa. That's ok, it's an acquired texture ;-)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Milestones: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Your t</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">op two teeth came in this month, and you have 4 more looking like they will be here soon. I wonder how many teeth will be in that little mouth by your first birthday! You're already ahead of Kayleigh..she just had two. And I have to give an honorable mention to your first Halloween :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-43326395154731615362014-09-28T10:32:00.000-07:002015-07-22T14:18:39.874-07:009 Month Letter to LoganDear Logan,<br />
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Your 9th month has been quite an adventure for you. You broke your finger, learned to walk, added more words, and got to come with Mom and Dad to the Essential Oil Convention in Salt Lake City. <br />
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You had your 9 month baby appointment on September 11th, and all four of us went (it was Daddy's day off). You did great, even though you didn't appreciate the shots, and we went home for a calm day of cuddling after that. In the evening, you got into the open pantry while we were making dinner, and you knocked a class jar off of a shelf. It landed on your pinky finger and, oh my baby, that's one of the scariest times I've been through. Your little finger turned purple and swelled to more than twice its size. I tried to calm you by nursing you so that we could ice your finger, but you could not stop screaming. We swiped some oils on your finger to help with the swelling, put a few more oils on you to help calm you, and then I put you in your car seat and drove to Urgent Care while Daddy stayed behind to put Kayleigh in bed. We are 45 minutes away from the closest Urgent Care our insurance will cover (got to change that!!!) so I was so glad when you fell asleep on the drive. When we got to the hospital, I woke you up and carried you in. You were smiling and waving to everyone while I was trying to check you in, and when the doctor came in to see you, you tried to give her a high five <i>with your injured hand</i>! I was starting to think that maybe I was crazy for bringing you in since the swelling was down, the color was better, and you were clearly not in the significant amount of pain you were when we were at home. But sure enough, after the Xrays came back, the doctor told us that your finger was broken. I was so sad for you! But wow...what a testimony to our good God and these amazing oils. We applied oils to your finger for two weeks, but you stopped acting like it bothered you after just a few days. Praise God!<br />
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Another big excitement (much more positive) was that you got to join us for the Convention. Kayleigh stayed behind and spent time with Grammy, Papa, YiaYia, and Ami, but you got to brave the 10 hour drive up and the 4 days of being whisked around from one event to the next. You were a trooper, though! I made a different shirt for you to wear for each day of the Convention, and you stole many hearts with your big smiles and happy waves. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"I hit SILVER in my sleep!" </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">It felt very full-circle to reflect about how my pregnancy with you is what got us started on our essential oil journey, and while at Convention, you got to go across the stage with us celebrating our achievement as Silvers. </span><br />
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September was also the first time you got to go to Bible Study Fellowship as a participant. Last year, I wore you in the Ergo and took you to my class, but this year, you got to go to your own class. I was anxious about the thought of leaving you with people you do not know (since you have given several loved ones very difficult times when we leave you behind to go on a date) but you've been a champ at BSF! I think it has to do with the fact that there are so many other babies there and that you're such a social little person. You seem to love it, and I'm so thankful for that!<br />
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We love you so much, Logan Mark. So, so much.<br />
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Love, Mommy<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nicknames:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Boyo, Little Man, Logan Mark, Puppy, and whatever character Kayleigh decides you are for the day.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Temperament:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Happy happy, except when teething or tired. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Broken bones! Never again, ok?</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You don't seem to mind when we tell you not to do something. You just smile and wave and keep on doing it. Hopefully that changes soon!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy We Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We bought a diffuser for your room, and we love it! You're sleeping better now, and we. are. so. thankful.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy You Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm always asking why we need toys in this house. YOU don't need toys; you just need people to love you and something to hold in your hand as you walk around the house (preferably paper that you can eat. That's definitely a favorite right now)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You wave at <i>everyone</i> and say "Hiiiiiiiiiii!" in a very high pitched squeal. It always makes people smile.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You're Loving Most Right Now: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Playing Peek-a-Boo, holding onto something flat and scooting it across the floor while your propel yourself with your legs. You are FAST!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sounds/Words: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You say "a-doo" when playing Peek-a-Boo, and it's absolutely adorable! Also Mama, Dada, hi, bye, and tap.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Foods You Like:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> You will eat anything we give you. Chicken, pasta, cooked vegetables, fruit...you love it all.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Milestones: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">First steps! Like a true mom of two, I didn't write down the day you took your first step, but you took it here at our house with Mommy and Daddy both watching. It was so special!</span>Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-38612069701693333752014-09-04T13:54:00.000-07:002015-07-22T14:22:33.047-07:00Why My Family Loves Essential Oils<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Our journey with essential oils began with this little guy</i></b></div>
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Last year while I was pregnant with Logan, I was horrifically sick with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The medication I was on so that I could just keep down sips of water was giving me awful migraines. The pain from the migraines made me so miserable, and Tylenol just wasn't cutting it. I started searching for something else. There must be something else! I was desperate. I bought a raw Baltic amber necklace. I told my husband that I was ready to pay for a rain dance if someone told me it would help my headaches go away. And then a friend told me that someone was coming over to talk with her about using Essential Oils for her daughter's growing pains...and maybe there would be something for my headaches, too.</div>
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I was familiar with Essential Oils. My mom had sworn by Tea Tree oil for every cut, scrape, and bug bite we ever got as kids. I had a bottle of Lavender oil that I had bought at (gasp) Target and used to make my <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2012/08/natural-postpartum-recovery-for-new.html" target="_blank">Natural Postpartum Gift Set</a> that has brought a lot of traffic to my blog. But mostly, essential oils were just used in my home as a natural alternative to chemical-filled household cleaners. I had rid my house of all of those when Kayleigh was born, only using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils for the past two years.</div>
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Jesse and I went to that first Essential Oils class ready for the lady to tell us exactly what we needed for my headaches. We expected to plunk down $20-$40 for whatever she said would work, and then walk away without ever looking back. I laugh now to think of it :)</div>
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Instead of finding one simple quick fix at the class that night, Jesse and I were completely amazed to learn how truly impacting Essential Oils can be to every aspect of our life. We walked out that night with a whole new outlook on our healthcare. </div>
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Essential Oils are now our way of life. I'm so thankful that I can care for my little ones at home instead of having to run to the doctor for every little thing. What a difference that makes! Instead of feeling helpless as parents when our children are not at their best, Jesse and I are empowered.</div>
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We have spent the last year researching articles, learning from others who use Essential Oils, listening to experts in the field, and using our oils every day. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">Essential Oils are just too wonderful to keep to ourselves. Jesse and I are excited to launch our new website, <a href="http://www.newleafessentials.com/" target="_blank">New Leaf Essentials</a>, and are looking forward to sharing more about these amazing natural solutions with you!</span></div>
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-12673326405422256452014-08-19T13:47:00.003-07:002014-10-30T13:41:12.990-07:008 Month Letter to Logan <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Logan,<br />
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Every day, someone comments, "He's getting so big!"<br />
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And you are. And a little bit of me cries each time it's said. You're growing into your puppy feet and your hair is so long it's falling into your eyes and spilling down your neck. Your legs are strong enough for you to stand on, and you're like a speed demon when it comes to crawling these days. You relish in exploring new tastes and foods, and your chubby little fingers are getting better at grasping small pieces and bringing them to your mouth. You're growing, growing, growing. But you know what? Right now, this very second, you're the smallest you'll ever be again, and so I just smile and kiss your chubby cheeks and let people comment away about how big you're getting. You're still so small to me.<br />
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Your chubby rolls are so kissable, and you snuggle in so sweetly. You love to be held, worn, cuddled...you are still our "heartbeat baby." You have two sharp and sparkly little teeth, and as much as you enjoy eating new foods, your favorite is still Momma's milk.<br />
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Our nursing relationship started out pretty rocky. You've never been easy to nurse, but I think this month has been the best yet. I love this time we share together. As you keep growing up and gaining independence, you need me less and less. For the first 6 months of your life, I could barely ever set you down. You woke up as soon as your skin touched mine, and you would cry as if you were in physical pain. You're still like that 30% of the the time, but I know the day will come all too soon when you won't even fit on my lap anymore. As much as I love our togetherness right now, I promise to you right now that I will never be the creepy mom from "Love You Forever" who climbs in through her grown son's bedroom window to hold him and rock him at night. <br />
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This is <i>our</i> time right now, baby, and oh, I love it so much!<br />
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You and Kayleigh are still the best of friends. You adore her so much that I have to use the baby gate to block you from the hallway when she is sleeping so that you don't crawl to her door and call to her. When it is time for her to wake up, all I have to do is say, "Let's go get Kayleigh" and you bolt down the hallway squealing with joy. She is so protective of you and does a great job of following you around and taking things away from you that are not safe for you to have. She always replaces the no-no item with one of your toys, and it makes my heart burst to see how lovingly she takes care of you. The two of you play so well together. It makes me so happy to watch!<br />
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I can't end this letter without talking about how much you love your daddy. You follow him around like a puppy when he's home, and have recently joined the daily farewell at the door--except that you don't stop at the door, you crawl after him like you hope he'll take you with him. You have also figured out that Daddy is the best rough houser around. He can make you laugh like no other.<br />
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We love you so much, Logan Mark. These are happy, happy days, and we are so thankful that you're part of our family.<br />
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Love,<br />
Mom<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nicknames:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Boyo, Little Man, Logan Mark, Puppy, Lois (Kayleigh came up with that this month. She also calls you Quincy. I have no idea why.)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Temperament:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Happy, hands-on, becoming more independent </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Teething. I'm thankful we have oils to help you feel better!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Us interfering with your curiosity. Mom, don't take me away from there! That outlet looks really tasty! What do you mean I can't suck on the trash can?</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy We Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The little musical activity table. You stand at it now and boogie to the music, just like Kayleigh used to. It makes me happy.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy You Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kayleigh. Kayleigh is absolutely, hands-down, your favorite. The vertical blinds in the living room are a close second.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The way you blow kisses, giggle when we tickle your belly, and the way you clap when you're happy. (It looks more like "make it rain," but it's so cute)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You're Loving Most Right Now: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Blowing raspberries, blowing kisses, biting our toes as stealthily as you can, and singing your heart out.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sounds/Words: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You say "Momma" and "Dadda" and "Hi!" We haven't identified you trying to say Kayleigh's name, but you know exactly who we're talking about when her name is spoken.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Foods You Like:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <b> </b>You still love milk, but you're also having a lot of fun trying new things. Some current favorites: Sweet Potato, Avocado, Banana, Peach, and those little finger food puffs. We're going the Baby Led Weaning route and letting you sample healthy, soft foods from our plates and feed yourself. You're doing great! You're also <i>obsessed</i> with drinking water out of a cup. You are so proud of your little big boy self!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Milestones: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Standing up unassisted, developing very good fine motor skills by self-feeding. Drinking from a sippy cup and a straw cup.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-49251117201703444652014-05-06T18:30:00.000-07:002014-10-30T13:41:26.808-07:005 Month Letter to Logan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My baby boy,<br />
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I had a list of things I had planned to do tonight, but then you fell asleep on my chest while I was washing dishes and I just had to sit down and treasure it. You're 5 months old today, Logan, and you're in such a hurry to not be a baby any more that whenever you do something so preciously newborn-esque, I can't help but stop to enjoy it.<br />
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These moments with chubby cheeks and dimpled fingers pressed against my skin while you sleep...sweaty brown hair curling at your neck...little twitches that remind me that you never stop moving--even in your sleep. The way you lift your head, lock eyes with me, and then settle in again once you're content that we're still as we were when you drifted off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaabPpuaREWqxU8pBleSO-0p2J30fm5DIKrr4b0sx70oHcerUPdty4_7QK0pWgx1x-kGW2GUCVVIlxJ6CgRDsaD_hVq6a_CI_8yvGQ2htCbScx2mXZeRvCK07U2G62Bx9pXPbYziV6jc/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaabPpuaREWqxU8pBleSO-0p2J30fm5DIKrr4b0sx70oHcerUPdty4_7QK0pWgx1x-kGW2GUCVVIlxJ6CgRDsaD_hVq6a_CI_8yvGQ2htCbScx2mXZeRvCK07U2G62Bx9pXPbYziV6jc/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a>I'm so proud of my big boy and so sad at how quickly your babyhood is disappearing. I'm constantly caught between deciding which emotion to allow to lead. You are solidly in 9 month clothing now, and everyone thinks you're at least that old based on your size. You are so strong and so inquisitive. You reach for anything in your path and grab at it with very clumsy little chubby hands. I can tell that you are going to love big people food when we let you have a taste of it. You eye everything on our plates and try your best to grab it right off our forks.<br />
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You truly delight in your sister. And she delights in you. Every time you hear Kayleigh's name, you sit up a bit straighter and search for her with excited eyes. She kisses you and sings to you and often has to be reminded about "gentle love" because her love for you is so fierce. Please always be best friends. I know there will be days with squabbles and anger between the two of you, but please always love her. God gave us siblings as our first best friends. I treasure the relationship I have with your Uncle Jon Jon. I'm sure he could tell you a thing or two about growing up with an older sister :)<br />
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Nights are becoming so much better. You're frequently a night owl, but when you do go to sleep, you usually sleep through the night or only wake up once. We like that. I'm hoping you'll soon learn how to fall asleep without being swaddled and nursed to sleep. Right now, you just kind of lose it when you're tired and nothing will work to calm you except to swaddle you and nurse you to sleep. Dad's out of luck in that area, so please find something we can both do to appease you!<br />
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Teeth are coming in, so that makes life hard sometimes. It seems like they are all coming at the same pace. You have six swollen little spots on your poor gums. I wonder when they will come in...and if they'll pop up all at once? We calm you with oils and use them on your jaw for pain--what a difference it makes! You''re also sporting some baltic amber these days. Aren't we a crunchy family? Lol!<br />
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We love our strong little boy so much. Always use your strength and passion for God's purposes. We've already started praying to that end.<br />
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Love, Mom<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nicknames:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Boyo (Daddy's new name for you), Little Man, Logan Mark, Puppy, Chubbers</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Temperament:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Inquisitive. Wanting to be a part of everything. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Teething. It's so sad to see you like this!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Teething. It almost makes you more miserable than it makes me! ;-)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy We Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Right now, ice teethers. They give you something to take your pain and anger out on.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy You Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The jumper is still a favorite. You also recently discovered balls and the wooden bead maze toy. It's fun to watch you try to grasp at them.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You're becoming more independent and able to entertain yourself for longer amounts of time.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You're Loving Most Right Now:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Being a big boy! Sitting up for longer periods of time (if we help you sit up--you're not able to do it yourself yet). Playing with bigger toys.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sounds/Words: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You are getting loud! Happy coos and shrieks . You even startle yourself sometimes!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Foods You Like:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <b> </b>Milk...though I have a feeling you'd be totally happy at this point if we handed you a cheeseburger. Pretty soon, Little Man.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Milestones: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Eating your toes, sitting for longer periods, first round of teething, first trip to the beach.</span>Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-44855921320071600422014-04-08T15:50:00.000-07:002014-10-30T13:41:40.347-07:004 Month Letter to Logan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey there Little Man,<br />
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It dawned on me today that I'd better call you that as long as I can...it's barely true any more! You have gone through a huge growth spurt, from 7lbs9oz at the hospital, to over 17lbs four months later. You are currently more than half of Kayleigh's weight and more than half her height--and she has a 26 month head start on you! I wonder how long it will be before things even out?<br />
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You're already in 6 month clothing, and the little Carter's jeans you wore today were a little long, but they were size 9 months. Eek! I'm sure it'll feel like 2 weeks from now that we're going through the shoe store trying to find dress shoes in size 14 for your first dance. Slow down, baby.<br />
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You still would rather be held over anything else, but you're starting to be ok if we put you down for a little while. Mostly in the mornings, but hey, we'll take it! You rolled over for the first time on March 19th, and boy were you proud of yourself! Since that day, you've seemed much more content to be on your own. You are getting so strong. You're able to support your upper body all by yourself, so we set up your jumper last week. It's cute to watch you bounce up and down as you kick your little legs off the ground and try to grab at the toys around the jumper. I have a feeling that thing is going to be a favorite for a long time!<br />
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About 3 weeks ago, you finally started sleeping in your cradle for more than 15 minutes at a time. We've always teased that you're a heartbeat baby--if what you're sleeping on doesn't have a heartbeat, you'll wake up right away (this is still 100% true during the day). We're at the point where we can put you in your cradle when we go to bed, and you'll sleep through til about 4am, usually. When I hear you stir and cry, I go into your room and bring you back to our bed. I'm much more rested when you're only with me for a few hours instead of wiggling and kicking me all night long! And oh, I love your sleepy smiles and sweet little snores. I don't want to jinx myself, but you have slept straight through the night (9 hours each time!) three of the last four nights. Here's hoping!!!<br />
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People tell me all the time that I need to start letting you get used to not being held all the time. I used to secretly think the same about other moms I saw who never put their babies down. What I didn't realize back then is how big of a factor the baby's personality is. I've long since stopped comparing you to your sister and just love you for who you are--and right now, you need to be held. Truthfully, at first, it exasperated me. I didn't know how to parent two children when my arms were always filled with one. But you know what, Logan? Your eyes are so full of love. I've never seen a baby express that much emotion with tiny little eyes that are still learning to focus. When you look at me, I can just feel the love pouring out of you. I know God has big plans for that beautiful heart of yours. I've started praying for it daily. I think, as mothers, we see our children's strengths early. I pray that your heart will always be full of love for those around you, that you'll have a big servant's heart like your daddy's, that God will use your heart to bring others to Him. <br />
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Your giggles are in full swing these days. I love to hear you laugh! It doesn't take much at all--just a happy glance your way, and you're giggling and squealing for more. Something that can always make you laugh right now is when we take your little arms and raise them above your head, then bring them back down to your lap. I have no idea why. You just think it's hilarious, though, so we do it all the time. I hope you're always this easy to entertain!<br />
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It is so much fun to watch you and Kayleigh together. The <a href="http://instagram.com/p/mLEXUgHlZl/" target="_blank">conversations</a> you two hold together! My heart just bursts with joy and treasures <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja1o_CNZWtA" target="_blank">these times</a> where, in each others' eyes, you can do no wrong. I know the days will come when I'll wish we were right back here, where there is no fighting, no name-calling, and no tattling. These are precious days. I try my best to treasure them in my heart. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobbes was bigger than YOU when you were born!</td></tr>
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Four months old, already, Logan Mark. The days are just flying by and I feel like I'm already grasping at them to come back. <br />
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We love our boy so much!<br />
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Love, Mom<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nicknames:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Smiley Boy, Mr. Logan, Little Man, Logan Mark</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Temperament:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Momma's boy :) </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Your frantic cries from the other room while I try to tuck Kayleigh in for bed. Nap/bedtime is the hardest part of my day, having to leave you out there while I spend a few moments of one-on-one time with your sister. But you get it all day long, and she deserves some Mommy time, too.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You Could Do Without: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ever being out of my sight :)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy We Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The jumper is our new favorite thing! It's so much fun to watch you. You're getting stronger every day!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Item/Toy You Love The Most: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You haven't really attached to any toy. You love your fingers. You're still not a thumbsucker, but you will suck on any part of your hand that goes into your mouth. Sometimes, both hands at once!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Your belly-laugh. My goodness, no one can listen to that and resist smiling. I hope you can always spread joy this easily!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things You're Loving Most Right Now:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Blowing raspberries, laughing at Kayleigh, being held.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sounds/Words: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kayleigh tries to translate your sentences for us. It's pretty humorous.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Foods You Like:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Momma's milk, but NEVER from a bottle. On the few occasions I've left you behind, you've cried and made it very clear that you'd rather starve than try a bottle. Oh boy.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Milestones: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/lvox64HlRw/" target="_blank">Rolling over!</a> You're also very close to being able to tripod. Sometimes you can sit up by yourself for about 30 seconds without even using your hands. Your strength amazes me! What will this upcoming month bring?</span>Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-69199813258398978802014-01-31T15:02:00.002-08:002014-10-30T13:41:55.224-07:00Two Month Letter to Logan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Logan,<br />
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I'm writing this letter to you while you're curled up on my chest, sound asleep. That's the way we do life these days--you and me, always together. What a little cuddle bug you are! When my arms are crying for a break, but you're crying that you don't want to be put down, I just snuggle you in harder and remember to cherish these moments because I know you won't always want to be this close to me. It's a funny thing to have to <i>remember</i> to cherish something. Maybe you won't understand this because you'll never be a mom, but I hope someday you'll be a dad. And when you are, I hope you'll be as good at coming home and rescuing your tired wife like your daddy is so good at rescuing me. You were born into a home full of so much love, baby boy.<br />
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Speaking of things to cherish, I will always treasure these sweet moments of watching you with your sister Kayleigh. It amazes me what best little friends the two of you are already. Getting to see you is the first thing she asks for every morning. She covers you with kisses, and we often have to remind her to stop and let you breathe. She loves you so much! You love her, too (even though you usually cry like a typical boy whenever she smothers you with kisses) and I love the way you smile at her as she talks to you or sings to you. Daddy and I pray every day that you will always have such a close relationship. My brother is one of my favorite people in the world. The spacing between you and Kayleigh is almost the same as between your Uncle Jon and me. I praise God that you and Kayleigh have each other to go through life's adventures.<br />
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You are growing so fast. You've nearly doubled your weight since birth--what a chunker! Your rolls are filling out, and you've definitely added another chin or two this month. You're solidly into size 3 month clothing already. Even though you were smaller than Kayleigh was at birth, I think you're working hard to catch up to her now!<br />
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Your baptism was two weeks ago. What a beautiful, special day! Daddy got to baptize you, and you wore a beautiful little baptism outfit that was lovingly made by your Grammy. It was a small gathering since so many of our loved ones have been dealing with illnesses, and your aunts and uncle are so far away right now, but it was a day covered in love. Yiayia, Papa and Grammy, Tyler, Stacey, and Bine Stover, Matt and Emily Terhune, Greg Wilson, and Jim and Charlotte Friebus all came to the service to celebrate your special day. Tyler and Stacey are your godparents. They have been dear friends of ours ever since Daddy and I have been married, and they love you and your sister very much.<br />
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You make our days brighter, little guy. Our days brighter, and our nights longer. Much, much longer! Work on sleeping at night and being awake during the day, ok? Mommy and Daddy love your bright, smiley face! (We'd also love to not see it at 3am).<br />
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We love you so much!<br />
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Love, Mom<br />
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<b>Nicknames:</b> Puppy, Smiley Boy, Mr. Logan, Floppy Puppy, Snuggle Puppy, Chubbers<br />
<b>Temperament:</b> Happy when being held<br />
<b>Things I Could Do Without: </b>The fact that you will only sleep at night if you're in bed next to me. I've always been so cautious about SIDS, and the fact that I don't get to sleep unless you're in bed makes me so nervous. It also means that even when I'm sleeping, I'm not really getting good sleep...<br />
<b>Things You Could Do Without:</b> Being put down. Ever. You hate being put in the cradle, the bouncer, the rock 'n' play...even being set down on the changing table is enough separation to break your little heart. <br />
<b>Item/Toy We Love The Most: </b>Our Ergo and Moby. They allow us to hold you while still accomplishing things we need to do (Public Service Announcement: Life with two kids doesn't go on pause when the baby needs to be held. Boooooy are we learning that!)<br />
<b>Item/Toy You Love The Most: </b>You're trying hard to find your thumb, I think. I've tried to help you, but it seems to be something you need to discover on your own. Maybe you'll be able to self-soothe when you find it! That's my hope...<br />
<b>Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: </b>I love it when you chuckle in your sleep. It's the cutest thing! I also love all the smiles and chuckles we get when you're awake now, too.<br />
<b>Things You're Loving Most Right Now: </b> You smile when we tickle you or give you kisses. You also love to be sung to--whether it's Kayleigh singing to you or Dad or me. But really, you're happy no matter what as long as you're in someone's arms.<br />
<b>Sounds/Words: </b>You coo and interact with us and it makes my heart burst. I'm looking forward to so many things to come!<br />
<b>Foods You Like:</b> This answer is going to be the same for a while :) Milk! We haven't introduced you to a bottle yet. You and I have never been separated long enough for you to need one!<br />
<b>Milestones: </b>Baptism! Welcome to the family of God, our sweet little one!Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-34422866353662043992014-01-01T20:14:00.001-08:002014-01-01T20:14:30.964-08:00Happy New Year from the Brubakers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As Jesse and I watched the clock slowly creep toward midnight last night, we reflected on the past year.</div>
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What a year!</div>
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2013 was not what I expected. At all.</div>
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A year ago last night, Jesse and I were toasting to the financial freedom we were looking forward to in 2013. With two stable jobs, we thought we'd be set. I was envisioning the amount of growth my blog would experience in 2013, looking forward to the new connections I would make and the friendships that would deepen through it. Our daughter's second year of life was certainly one to look forward to, and Jesse and I were excited to see how much she would grow in the coming year.<br /><br />And then the year settled in, and with it, a lot of surprises! The week that I found out my ESL teaching position had been cut from the school budget was the week I found out we were expecting a new baby. I was beyond sick for pretty much all but two months of my pregnancy. We moved to be closer to Jesse's job, but the additional monthly expense of that move has added a great amount of stress. I wrote 11 posts for my blog in 2013. Eleven! I've missed this so much, but at the same time, there was just no room in life for blogging this past year.</div>
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It's been a challenging year, for sure, but oh, such happy things have come from it!</div>
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Jesse and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary this year. Even though I was too sick to take a big trip, we stayed at a lovely hotel 20 minutes from our house and enjoyed two nights away where we could enjoy each other and reflect on God's goodness to us in the past 5 years. I'm so, so thankful for this wonderful man God provided for me. The way he loves me, serves me, leads me, and cares for his family is so humbling and exhilarating. I am beyond blessed to be his wife!</div>
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Our sweet Kayleigh Grace turned two in September. She has grown so much this year, and is such a wonderful big sister to "Bebe Logan." She loves him <i>so much</i>. Jesse and I are constantly smiling and shaking our heads in amazement over what a smart little girl she has grown into-- and with such a beautiful heart! She is entering the stage now where she makes up her own songs, astonishes us with her observations, and memorizes and "reads" back to you all of her favorite books. We are loving this stage with our sweet girl!</div>
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Little Logan Mark joined our family on December 6th. He is such a blessing from God, and I can't wait to share his miraculous birth story with you. Having a second child has definitely thrown Jesse and me into the world of being truly grown up. All it takes is saying "the kids," and you instantly feel older! In his nearly one month of existence, Logan has stolen our hearts. He is a very easy baby, loves to be held, and makes the cutest sleepy grunts and sighs you've ever heard. I'm seriously going to have to get it on video so that I never forget this sweet stage in his life.</div>
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Many other wonderful blessings have come our way this past year, and I can't wait to tell you about them. As life settles in for this new little family of four, I dearly hope that I'll have time to return to this beloved space and share in life with you again. Thinking forward to 2014, I'm excited. 2013 taught me that God continues to bless you above and beyond even when nothing turns out the way you had expected it to. I'm thankful for that, and I'm looking forward to seeing His plans for us in the coming year!<br />
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-56881177353792045792013-10-01T12:52:00.001-07:002013-10-01T12:52:43.994-07:00Pregnancy<div class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesse and I have each loved the name Logan
since before we met each other. It's been on our "boy list" for
a long, long time. We decided to give our son's middle name after my dad,
Mark. Our little Logan will be blessed to grow up with the two most
wonderful men I know--his daddy and his papa. I'm so thankful for this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Exactly a week after we found out that I
was pregnant, I was hit with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperemesis_gravidarum" target="_blank">Hyperemesis
Gravidarum</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>again. If
you've been following my blog since my days of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2011/04/my-secret-smile.html" target="_blank">pregnancy
with Kayleigh</a>, you might remember how completely incapacitated I was during
my first trimester. I had hoped that it was just a complication
with that pregnancy, and was really hoping that it wouldn't happen again.
However, apparently that's just how I do pregnancy. Fun stuff.
This time, though, instead of being sick from weeks 8-14 like I was with
Kayleigh, I was sick from weeks 6-20. And I had a toddler. Like I
said, fun stuff :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was 14 weeks along, I experienced
bleeding and ended up in the ER. It was the scariest day of my life.
Thankfully the baby was ok, but the doctors put me on strict bed rest
until week 20. I couldn't do anything more exerting than walking, and
wasn't allowed to lift my little girl. It broke my heart! God was
so good, though, and saw us through it. We were blessed by family
members, church family, and friends coming out of the woodwork to help us.
People brought us meals, came to clean our house, and gave me entire days
to rest while they entertained Kayleigh for me. We were humbled and
exhilarated by the love that we received during that very difficult time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm 30 weeks along now, and finally feel like I'm rocking this pregnancy thing. I can't believe we only have about 10 more weeks until we meet our little guy! Jesse and I preregistered at our hospital yesterday. We are so thankful that Logan will be delivered at the same hospital where Kayleigh was born. We love the people there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesse and I don't feel like it's really sunk in yet that we're having another baby. Pregnancy is one thing, but bringing home another little person is such a crazy idea right now. We're over the moon excited, but at the same time, it's hard to wrap our minds around. A baby. We've done that before. But we've never added one when we already have another. Sometimes we feel like we've just figured out how to do this whole parenting thing with one. Other days, we still feel like we don't know what we're doing. And yet here we are, adding another one to the mix?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All it takes though, is snuggling someone else's newborn, or looking at pictures on Facebook of friends with their fresh little squishes. It takes me back to the days of milky tongues and feathery hair that smells so, so good. I can't wait to bring our little Logan home, to cuddle in bed with both of our children in the mornings, to teach Kayleigh how to help take care of her little brother. Watching her lovingly pat my tummy and give "Baby Logan" kisses is enough to make my heart burst. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before Kayleigh was born, I remember crying to Jesse that I didn't know how there would be enough room in my heart to love another as much as I love him. Kayleigh's arrival showed me that hearts aren't confined to a certain amount of love--they keep growing and growing. 10 more weeks, and I know this heart will triple in size.</span></div>
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Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-30335679122715507642013-08-30T04:30:00.000-07:002013-08-30T04:30:01.612-07:00Catching UpIt's been a long time since I've posted anything.<br />
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A really long time.<br />
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Part of it's because of how crazy FULL life has been in the past few months, and the other part is that even in the slower moments, the thought of writing a catch up post was so daunting to me that I put it off some more.<br />
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Let me start with the most beautiful part.<br />
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The day we took this picture, we had no idea that we were no longer a family of three...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLblFAjV0nDuZ87ONtpGg3w1TlwzJ09bi0MD1dz8nVn87n5spuMLlSPlFIae3Qjd3ESsItNQy9Je4IIVPzd5b1H5SnA31-ipPOSrM28Lj7b_xsd4uzH4d6v6S3b29jOJS3PNYoXDo9qcE/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLblFAjV0nDuZ87ONtpGg3w1TlwzJ09bi0MD1dz8nVn87n5spuMLlSPlFIae3Qjd3ESsItNQy9Je4IIVPzd5b1H5SnA31-ipPOSrM28Lj7b_xsd4uzH4d6v6S3b29jOJS3PNYoXDo9qcE/s400/DSC_0389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But my goodness, life has changed so much since then! Our sweet little "Brubaby #2" will be joining our family in mid December, and we can't be more excited.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA31cb2UMVxKROvZ3eA8SuonrCPcC9-OTTmACKZil9jAGlPSffxEV9MSsX8OT7lukTd_00drUwpT3dzcv5XMclV3S6232p01LW2X0ljXZtPh2rLQV_9EUvyR7xZuhJhVNLSMyp0HxUwM/s1600/IMG_20130530_161304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA31cb2UMVxKROvZ3eA8SuonrCPcC9-OTTmACKZil9jAGlPSffxEV9MSsX8OT7lukTd_00drUwpT3dzcv5XMclV3S6232p01LW2X0ljXZtPh2rLQV_9EUvyR7xZuhJhVNLSMyp0HxUwM/s400/IMG_20130530_161304.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Kayleigh's little brother, Logan Mark!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have so much to share about my pregnancy, but I'm going to save it for another post :) There is SO much to catch you up on!</div>
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So, just a few days before I found out that I was pregnant, I also found out that I was losing my job. The online ESL program I was teaching through lost its funding, and just like that, my position was gone. It was heartbreaking. I truly loved teaching those classes and connecting with students from all over the world. That job was such a blessing during my first [nearly] two years as a stay at home mom. I miss it terribly, but I'm so thankful that God provided it in the first place. It was a wonderful growing time for me, and I was definitely stretched. As untimely as it was to lose nearly half of our monthly income the same month that we found out we were adding another little one to our family, Jesse and I truly see God's hand in it all. My pregnancy with little Logan has been far more difficult than Kayleigh's, and I was so sick that I would have had to resign anyway. (But I would have killed myself trying to do it all first.) It's definitely been tight financially ever since, but we've been leaning on God fully, and He hasn't let us down :)</div>
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In mid-July, Jesse let me know that he felt that we really needed to move closer to our church. It had been an idea that we had talked about throughout the year since he started working there, but I hadn't expected it to suddenly become so pressing--especially since mid-July was just about when I was starting to get back on my feet and join civilization again (pregnancy-wise). But just like that, we were searching for a new place to live that was closer to church. This was no small feat, since our church is in a very wealthy area (which is exactly why we had been commuting for the past year!) and moving closer to church also meant moving away from some of our dearest friends. For the past two years, we have been so blessed to have our friends Tyler and Stacey (and Bine!) living just a few doors down. They were the Mertzes to our Ricardos, or the other way around, however we wanted to look at it :) Giving that up was one of the hardest things ever.</div>
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Just a few short months ago, this whole gang lived within walking distance of each other. What a blessed two years it was to be just steps away from the Stovers and the Pratts! I'll always look back on those years as some of the happiest of my life. I loved, loved, loved being neighbors with some of our best friends. (The Pratts moved to Northern California about 2 months before we moved, so don't think that I don't love them, too--they were just already gone!)</div>
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Living in our new town is quite an adventure. Like I said, we can't afford to live in the actual city where our church is, so our new surroundings are quite different from where we just came from! In our old town, we lived on a main street and were within walking distance of a Target, CVS, Starbucks, our bank, the library, tons of parks, recreational areas, the Post Office, and a ton of other things. From the window of our new home, I can just see cows. Cows, cows, cows...and dirt. There is nothing within walking distance, and we haven't even found a good grocery store yet. It's taken some adjustment, but I know that God will bless us by this move. </div>
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One of the biggest differences, however, is that Jesse can come home between teaching classes and leading youth group and attending meetings. The schedule of a youth pastor is a crazy one, and living so far from church often meant that I didn't see him from before 7am until after 10pm. There were at least two days a week that Kayleigh would go the whole day without seeing her daddy. Now that we only live 10 minutes from our church, Jesse can come home for dinner or swing by to change his clothes. It's so wonderful!</div>
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This is such a big update already, and I feel like I haven't even caught you up on everything! I'll have more to share in the days ahead. I've missed all of you! It feels like this is the very first time things have slowed down since my aquarium post back in April. So many things have changed since then! Lots of trials, but God has turned them all into good things. Praise His name!!!</div>
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-30603817725861895752013-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-19T05:00:10.791-07:00Lavender LemonadeIf you've been around my blog for long, you know how much <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2011/06/lavender-festival.html" target="_blank">I</a> <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2012/08/natural-postpartum-recovery-lavender.html" target="_blank">love</a> <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2012/05/lemon-lavender-pound-cake.html" target="_blank">lavender</a>.<br />
And if you've ever spent time with me in person, you know how I can't resist lemons.<br />
And now <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=626831010675180&set=a.175244442500508.41381.170192779672341&type=1&theater" target="_blank">my little girl does, too</a>. It makes me happy :)<br />
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So, in my world, there are few things more perfect than the blend of lavender and lemon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP5lsVqMpAgM9Ise3PN7UGl2tnhzSHqJAn5o7W5Gz2tlOURrm3FjBT6iSV_dIoQNfvpXHWggkXKIN13d7TRLA91Bxrs-1yBdJ08SlLIfAXQ1ufggAesWydOjZxSR-aLCU7-wIDB8RzYI/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP5lsVqMpAgM9Ise3PN7UGl2tnhzSHqJAn5o7W5Gz2tlOURrm3FjBT6iSV_dIoQNfvpXHWggkXKIN13d7TRLA91Bxrs-1yBdJ08SlLIfAXQ1ufggAesWydOjZxSR-aLCU7-wIDB8RzYI/s400/DSC_0332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To make the perfect lavender lemonade, you will need:</div>
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♥ 1 & 1/2 cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice<br />
♥ 1 & 3/4 cups white sugar<br />
♥ 1 tablespoon <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50199986/culinary-lavender-edible-12-pound?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=GPS" target="_blank">culinary lavender</a><br />
♥ 8 cups of water<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66KB-oB3M4ulRjfeg3Kml4LK3igUrln3WQI_EQSbr4RxsQquRoura2Rzn1yB74fw-3HDrmZmlFXwyoBvKrXPpT9AdVBuPnNjGy47Yc95ZclBtDzD__jQi_8_0uw0TXaphdyqW_aYOXWI/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66KB-oB3M4ulRjfeg3Kml4LK3igUrln3WQI_EQSbr4RxsQquRoura2Rzn1yB74fw-3HDrmZmlFXwyoBvKrXPpT9AdVBuPnNjGy47Yc95ZclBtDzD__jQi_8_0uw0TXaphdyqW_aYOXWI/s400/DSC_0315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To prevent the sugar from settling at the bottom of the pitcher, create a simple syrup. Slowly stir the sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan over low heat. Add the culinary lavender to the pot, and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj945OvO8rjYrk6oQidBtuIsw1VDaXes3cN-myWd0OtaA2pSfba85jKUOkxLv8szdbT1dSpNUdznN0K2jwKGkaAjGesK2gF99Q-B-HFCNnun7cSgbhirPOfJvi58bC6DYRCxSmf5u_Lo24/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj945OvO8rjYrk6oQidBtuIsw1VDaXes3cN-myWd0OtaA2pSfba85jKUOkxLv8szdbT1dSpNUdznN0K2jwKGkaAjGesK2gF99Q-B-HFCNnun7cSgbhirPOfJvi58bC6DYRCxSmf5u_Lo24/s400/DSC_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once the simple syrup is cool, strain it to catch the lavender buds, and combine it with the lemon juice and water.</div>
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Add some ice and a few slices of lemon, and you have a lovely, refreshing summer drink!</div>
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-33014354406566934082013-04-12T06:59:00.000-07:002013-04-12T06:59:10.858-07:00A Trip to the Aquarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God has blessed us with some wonderful friends who live within walking distance of our home. Last Saturday, all three couples packed up our little beauties and took them to the aquarium. We had a blast!</div>
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{<a href="http://kaysepratt.com/" target="_blank">Kayse</a>, Jon, & Emily} {Tyler,<a href="http://staceyb.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Stacey</a>, & Sabine} {Kayleigh, Jesse, & me}</div>
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It's hard to get three wiggly BFFs to sit still for a picture :)</div>
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The dads, on the other hand, had no problem with that ;-)</div>
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These two mommas are some of my greatest blessings! So thankful for them!</div>
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And so, so thankful for my little family.</div>
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-56613444777345391892013-04-09T20:15:00.001-07:002013-04-09T20:15:51.493-07:0018 Month Check-Up<div dir="ltr">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">Yesterday was Kayleigh's 18 month check up. She's still top of her class in height (wonder where she got that from?) ;-) 24 lbs and 34 inches. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.984375px; text-align: start;"> We wanted to treat her to an ice cream after getting 4 shots, but when we got to McDonald's, she was sound asleep!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.984375px; text-align: start;">So, we treated ourselves in her honor :-)</span></div>
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Next time, Kayleigh, you'll get a cone of your own.</div>
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We love our healthy, growing girl!</div>
Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-75519961014218305662013-03-31T04:30:00.000-07:002013-04-09T20:17:27.014-07:00Happy Easter! Love, Kayleigh Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>There's something so sweet about seeing your child sit in the wicker rocking chair that was yours when you were her size. Thank you, Lord, for our precious girl.</i></div>
Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-38195763461941557482013-03-30T08:44:00.000-07:002013-03-30T08:44:35.097-07:00Christos Anesti!One of my favorite traditions growing up was something my family said to each other every Easter morning. As soon as we first saw him that day, my dad would kiss our foreheads and say, "Christos Anesti!" Being well-seasoned in this family tradition, my three siblings and I would each chime back "Altheo Anesti!"<br />
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The beauty of those words is the same whether the truth is spoken in Greek or in English:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He is risen! He is risen indeed!</span></div>
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The Saturday before Easter is usually a somber day, one where we think on Christ's death and the time He spent separated from the love of His Father, taking our place in death so that we could live forever with Him in Heaven. While I am remembering that today, I just wanted to share this with you and remind you of the coming joy of tomorrow.<br />
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Our Lord is not dead. Unlike others in the Bible who rose from the dead, returned to their lives, and then died again, Jesus did not die. Nor, unlike other religions, is our God some inanimate figurine in a temple or on a shelf. Our Christ was crucified. He bore our sins so that we wouldn't have to. He is victorious over death, and He is coming again. <i>He is risen</i>. Death could not contain Him. Even the sin of the entire world--life after life through ages and ages--was not enough to keep Him in the grave forever.<br />
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Christos Anesti. He is risen.</div>
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Those words in Greek contain special meaning to my family because of my dad's love for Greece and his fond memories of the years he spent there as a young adult, but <u>the truth is there for everyone</u>. In every language, spoken and unspoken, <i>He is Risen</i>. Alleluia!<br />
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As you prepare for the celebration of tomorrow, be reminded of what these words mean. It's not written in the past tense--he rose, or he has risen. He <i>is</i> risen--He was lifted up, and He continues to live. The beautiful realization of the women at the tomb is the same for us. Our God lives.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Altheo Anesti!</span><br />
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Here is my Easter gift to you--a free <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/133128874/Easter-Subway-Art-Printable" title="View Easter Subway Art Printable on Scribd">Easter Subway Art Printable</a>!<br />
<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
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<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_56766" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/133128874/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll" width="100%"></iframe>Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-36499045969736847242013-03-29T04:00:00.000-07:002013-04-09T20:17:58.760-07:00Letter to my 18 Month Old Sweet GirlMy Sweet Kayleigh Grace,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1SdSb4eN_ix7B1QHq_lRCeic58x1zaCHR5nzQbqCMlk6C_NQ24Cb1jrgFmQ2ehmPvjAInSu133tRVR2Xt_n5eeu3oo9d82eFVw-SjlfxUORk9wchl8jw0R6q-mLVYdRgsSX3NxLVvmI/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1SdSb4eN_ix7B1QHq_lRCeic58x1zaCHR5nzQbqCMlk6C_NQ24Cb1jrgFmQ2ehmPvjAInSu133tRVR2Xt_n5eeu3oo9d82eFVw-SjlfxUORk9wchl8jw0R6q-mLVYdRgsSX3NxLVvmI/s320/DSC_0655.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
When you were a precious little newborn, I remember sitting in a friend's kitchen and listening to her tell me that each month would be more wonderful than the last. I thought she was crazy. How could the "Terrible Twos" be more wonderful than snuggling this precious, pink and wrinkly little bundle that smelled so good and felt so wonderful wrapped in my arms? In the months since then, you have shown me that she was right.<br />
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Each month, you add new and wonderful things to your ever-growing list of abilities, and each one is more exciting than the last. When you were <a href="http://letterstoourlittleone.blogspot.com/2012/03/6-months-old.html" target="_blank">six months old</a>, you sat up and waved and we thought it was the most exciting thing on the planet. When you <a href="http://letterstoourlittleone.blogspot.com/2012/09/1-year-old.html" target="_blank">turned 1</a>, you toddled around the house and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQdFmcT6BwU" target="_blank">bopped</a> to your favorite songs, and we took hundreds of videos and played your favorite songs over and over. But now? Now you can <i>dance</i>. And you can tell me which song you want to sing. And you lisp your precious baby words along to the song, and it melts my heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuLmevz2IKaCo743GWd2zX72XDtZnErdm4gfj1ea5h3fddhjY8McsO6PdNaZv0DLGYuqgjRnpM56y4l9A1GzrxohgLEtNJEmV0EwCW4k7dGKseUXGqlPH-Ftdz0L_Y2h5mNaHVYVz-6s/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuLmevz2IKaCo743GWd2zX72XDtZnErdm4gfj1ea5h3fddhjY8McsO6PdNaZv0DLGYuqgjRnpM56y4l9A1GzrxohgLEtNJEmV0EwCW4k7dGKseUXGqlPH-Ftdz0L_Y2h5mNaHVYVz-6s/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a>My sweet girl, your are your daddy's and my greatest joy. Each night is filled with "Guess what Kayleigh did today?" and "Look at her! She's so cute!" Daddy and I love sharing in our love for you. We love your precious one-fingered kiss (no "blowing kisses" for you--you pop your pointer finger in your mouth, suck on it, and then send the kiss over to the lucky recipient. Don't stop that ever, please. I'll cry!). We love the way you greet us in the morning with so much excitement, and then immediately ask where the other parent is, too. We love your love for "pretty" things and laugh at the way you manage to carry a tube of Mommy's lip balm, a hair brush, and your plastic jewelry while pushing a baby stroller and acting like a mommy. We love your caring heart, and the way you greet kids with an exuberant "Hiiiiiiiiiii fennnnnnnd! (friend)" We love the way you get down on the floor to pat your crying baby friends on the backs and tell them "S'ok, beebee." We laugh every time we remember the day that Daddy was sick and you surprised us both by carrying his laptop all the way from the couch to our bed because you knew it would make him feel better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyuAMozMAtryttD-WRZaE4bBSJkFA6e9Vh6CNYDBdMAvatwQaJuojQFflrrShOq1cG711MSgeXrML1YuSapiodZs9cNFcrT2_iPI-NJgW_y2qza7RpiO45BuCtnpvzJBofJHhgZXYOZ0/s1600/DSC_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyuAMozMAtryttD-WRZaE4bBSJkFA6e9Vh6CNYDBdMAvatwQaJuojQFflrrShOq1cG711MSgeXrML1YuSapiodZs9cNFcrT2_iPI-NJgW_y2qza7RpiO45BuCtnpvzJBofJHhgZXYOZ0/s320/DSC_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a>Though you knew about 25 words when you turned one, there's no way we could count your vocabulary now. You are so intelligent that I don't consider there to be anything that you don't understand anymore. Many parenting books say to speak to your child in short sentences or one-word commands because that's all they understand. We disagree. If I say, "Kayleigh, where's your cup? Go get it--it's in the kitchen!" You'll come back with your cup. If I ask you to go get your shoes so that we can go outside, you come back with two matching sneakers and a big smile while squealing "Outside! Outside!" Your favorite is when we ask you to do something to be helpful. "Take these keys to Daddy, please," or "Can you please give this book to Mommy?" We've learned to watch the weight limit that we ask you to carry, though, because if it's too heavy for you, you sit down next to it and cry like you're brokenhearted about letting us down. It's sad and adorable at the same time--but it shows so much of your servant's heart!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we even love your "Stinkface!"</td></tr>
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You knocked my socks off the other day by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgVI2EbQTQM">counting to six</a> when we thought you could only count to three, and since then, you've showed us that you can go all the way up to eleven. You love anything with color, and so far, you can successfully identify orange ("oink"), blue ("boo"), purple ("puhpul") and pink ("peek"). Your favorite is definitely pink.<br />
Any time you find something pink (like my pink washcloth today, for instance) you get SO excited and point to it while dancing and saying "Peek!" so proudly. Ah, my heart. We love you!<br />
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Art is one of your favorite activities at home, and you get so excited when I bring out crayons, paper, paint, and glitter. You decide who each artwork goes to, and you repeat their name over and over while you create. "Ami," you'll say, looking into my eyes and nodding sincerely so that I get your point, "Ami." Other current favorites are playing outside on our patio, where you love to play on the slide, decorate the brick walls with chalk, chase bubbles, talk to the flowers, listen for birds, and delight in our wind chimes.<br />
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Your contentment in your little world makes me so thankful, and I pray that you are always this joyful to spend time with your dad and mom. You are God's greatest gift to us, and we are so thankful for you--for your beautiful heart and the glimpses we see of the loving young lady you will become. We praise God for you daily, sweet girl.<br />
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18 months in and I love you more than I thought possible when you were first born. I only expect it to grow exponentially from here.<br />
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We love you!<br />
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-57617832470594692692013-03-28T07:59:00.000-07:002013-05-30T14:05:19.050-07:00Beautiful Springtime Bunting<a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyhomemaker.me%2F2013%2F03%2Fbeautiful-springtime-bunting.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F--BwhKqUqsQo%2FUVRjFrMd1XI%2FAAAAAAAAD6Q%2FMY7zzpCMvKI%2Fs400%2FCapture%2BSquare.PNG&description=Create%20sweet%20and%20simple%20bunting%20to%20use%20as%20a%20photoshoot%20backdrop%2C%20party%20decoration%2C%20or%20room%20decor."><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br />
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I've always loved bunting. It's such a sweet and simple way to dress up a space, and it practically screams "Celebrate!"<br />
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When I put together an <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2013/03/happy-easter-love-kayleigh-grace.html" target="_blank">Easter/18 month photo shoot</a> for my sweet Kayleigh Grace, I knew that I wanted to incorporate bunting as the backdrop. I found her dress on clearance at Gymboree and fell in love with the rows of ribbons and colorful fabric. I was so excited when I got home and found ribbon and fabric in my stash that perfectly matched her outfit!<br />
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What you will need:<br />
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<li>Fabric (I used white for the triangles, and two patterned fabrics for the yoyos)</li>
<li>Sewing machine (or glue--it's up to you!)</li>
<li>Ribbon </li>
<li>Buttons, yoyos, any additional embellishments you would like to add</li>
<li> String (I used white yarn, but would have used twine if I could have found mine)</li>
<li>Iron/ironing board (if you're a perfectionist like me!)</li>
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<u><b>Bunting</b></u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs9ix9KLjCkj8QSU6cwEyoTl0ZIrTsUA23t2rXIiRUkdLlZ5FNuPdxVXSK7vkI9bnKvCDdFs0DC7PVuBDyxESRKaOREt5DeYu7ZdSU4_KAIrEhyNPU1IjfU0QVAaxNHfH5tXuZC4n51s/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs9ix9KLjCkj8QSU6cwEyoTl0ZIrTsUA23t2rXIiRUkdLlZ5FNuPdxVXSK7vkI9bnKvCDdFs0DC7PVuBDyxESRKaOREt5DeYu7ZdSU4_KAIrEhyNPU1IjfU0QVAaxNHfH5tXuZC4n51s/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="212" /></a>Cut a triangle out of cardstock or cardboard. I just played with the template until I got one I liked. My template measured 6 inches wide and and about 6.5 inches high.<br />
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Fold your fabric lengthwise so that the top layer is just a little longer than the triangle template and iron the fold so that it is stiff and smooth. Place the top flat edge of the triangle template on the fold and trace as many triangles as you will need for your bunting.<br />
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Cut through both layers of fabric, being careful not to cut through the fold. When you are finished, each triangle should be able to unfold into the shape of a diamond.<br />
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<u><b>Embellishments</b></u><br />
To add visual interest, I did an ABC pattern of ribbon, fabric, and plain. I'm planning to create a yoyo tutorial soon, so check back for that :)<br />
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For the ribbon, I simply cut lengths of three coordinating ribbons and then placed them on the fabric until I found something I liked. You can see some of my examples:<br />
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I used fabric glue to hold the ribbons in place, and then I sewed*** the "V" along the border of the triangle to really anchor the ribbons. If you choose to glue the two layers of the triangle together, just make sure that you glue your ribbons down really securely.<br />
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***Make sure that you leave about a one inch gap from the fold towards the point (as pictured in the first triangle photo). This will give you the ability to slip your string through the space and hang it--like a curtain rod goes through a curtain. <br />
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Once you have sewn/glued the triangle pieces, you can snip the ribbon lengths to the edge of the triangles.<br />
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<u><b>Assembling your Bunting </b></u><br />
Now it's time to string your triangles together and get ready to hang them. To do this, I took a crochet hook and taped my string to it, then pushed the crochet hook through the spaces in each triangle. For the photo shoot backdrop I made for my daughter, I did two lengths of 6 triangles each. Figure out how you will hang your bunting before cutting your string. The nice thing about this lacing method for the triangles is that it's not permanent--if you don't like the pattern you made, or want to change the triangles around to be more aesthetically pleasing, just unstring them and try again.<br />
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Whether you're making bunting as a photo backdrop, party decoration, or room decor, this simple project will brighten the space and add a personal touch that you can be proud of.<br />
<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-42877090606155521162013-03-27T11:29:00.000-07:002013-03-27T11:29:21.529-07:00A New SeasonI've been a stranger to my own blog. That's an odd feeling. I blogged back in November about <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2012/11/i-miss-you.html" target="_blank">my cup overflowing</a>, and that was the way my life looked from September until last week. All good things, but too many to keep up with to be able to do a good job of blogging, too.<br />
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My quarter ended last Friday. For the past 2 years, I've taught college ESL writing courses online and absolutely loved it. Balancing life as a work-from-home mom and daycare provider has been challenging, but it was a blessing. I found out two weeks ago that the online program for the private university is closing, which means that my job ended, too. I went into panic mode for a little while, but now I'm leaning on the Everlasting Arms and trusting that the One who provided me with that wonderful job in the first place will lead the way and give us wisdom as to what to do next.<br />
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I am sad, though. I loved teaching--really loved it. And my students were the sweetest, most caring people. I've been really blessed by the relationships that were created over the last two school years. Even though I won't be their teacher any more, many of them asked me to continue to send updates and pictures of Kayleigh. I love that. I'm so thankful for those kids!<br />
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Anyway, life is back to a new normal. One where I wake up without a cloud of essays to work through before Kayleigh wakes up, and one where I'm not trying to steal spare moments during naps and bedtimes to write lesson plans and email students. Instead, our dining table looks like my craft closet threw up on it, and I've had a needle and thread, a glue gun, and yarn out and in use ever since. Simply being a mom/daycare provider/wife again is awesome. I have no idea what our next plan is financially, but it's going to have to be something, because that job was 1/3 of our family's income. For this week, though, I'm simply enjoying. <br />
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And cuddling, and crafting, and exercising, and spring cleaning. It's a lovely week.<br />
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I have so many projects that I've made over the last few months that I'm dying to share with all of you. The only problem is, I never had time to create tutorials for them, and half of them, I didn't even have time to take pictures along the way. I'll be working to write up posts and recreate projects in the coming weeks and share a little creativity in this crafty space.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sneak peek of Kayleigh's Easter photo shoot!</td></tr>
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Oh, friends, I've missed you! It's good to be back. </div>
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-2926230635801192882013-02-05T14:52:00.003-08:002013-02-05T14:52:30.334-08:00Kids Book ExchangeI received a "Kids Book Exchange" invite letter last week.<br />
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You know, the kind that says, "This is <u>not</u> a chain letter!" but it totally is.<br />
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Well, chain-lettery or not, I thought it would be fun to participate in the exchange. But the form that I was supposed to "copy and mail to 6 friends" was dull and boring {and it had obviously been copied 20 times already}. Since I don't own a scanner or have any way to copy it, and knew that I would have to type the form up myself, I decided to do my best to make it cute. <br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/a/happyhomemaker.me/file/d/0B2KEiZpWLulSU3Y2bmJNTmJudkE/edit" target="_blank">Click here to access my form and print them for your friends!</a></div>
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This form is free for your use. Hopefully, just being able to print it directly from your computer will cut out the hassle of having to scan the original and make copies :)</div>
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<br /><b>Some tips for participating in a book exchange:</b><br />
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<b>1. Contact your friends and ask before sending them an invite to the exchange</b><br />
Not everyone gets giddy with excitement when receiving a chain letter. The idea of participating in a kids book exchange may be overwhelming to many moms, and you don't want to put them in an awkward position if they can't do it. Try to call, text, or email your friends to ask their permission to send the letter to them. If they don't want to participate, or don't have the time, tell them not to feel bad! Contacting them ahead of time is a considerate way to invite them to be involved without making them feel forced.<br /><b>2. Don't worry about sticking to the "Send to 6 friends" policy</b><br />
If you have 7 or more friends who would genuinely love to do this, go ahead and invite them! The more the merrier :) And, by inviting more people to participate, you're upping the number of books you'll be receiving.<br />
<b>3. Make use of Amazon or other web-based book services</b><br />
I mailed the book directly off to the little girl in the #1 slot within a few minutes of receiving the invite from my friend. Amazon saves the day! I didn't have to go to the store to pick out a book, and I didn't have to stand in line at the post office. By using my Amazon Prime account, I didn't even have to pay shipping. It made this whole book exchange almost way too easy.<br />
<b>4. Send a new and exciting book that the family is less likely to own already.</b><br />
This means to pretty much exclude all Dr. Suess and Sandra Boynton books from your shopping list. Try to think of a book that is a family favorite in your house, and have fun sharing it with another family.<br />
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When done correctly, a book exchange can be a lot of fun. Have fun participating in one, and be careful to make sure that your friends can enjoy it without feeling pressured to do so.<br />
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<b>What book is a family favorite in your house?</b></div>
Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-83424526963685804072012-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:002012-12-20T04:00:16.781-08:00Holiday CheerKayleigh found a gift bag that had been left out after a Christmas party the night before.<br />
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I love that she finds<i> so much joy</i> in things like playing with a sheet of tissue paper. (I also love that she helps "Keen!" [clean] up after herself now, too!)<br />
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As special as it was to share her First Christmas with her, this Christmas is full of just as much joy--and this year, it's because she does not only simply give us joy by being in our lives (like last year), this year, she <i>creates</i> joy for herself and for us, too. I love every stage this sweet girl has experienced. She truly fills our home with joy!</div>
<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-63208140324001618342012-12-19T12:19:00.000-08:002012-12-19T12:53:35.094-08:00A Return to Oak GlenA trip to Oak Glen in the fall is one of our favorite traditions. Jesse and I have been going since we were first married, and last year, it was so special to be able to take <a href="http://www.happyhomemaker.me/2011/11/oak-glen-in-fall.html" target="_blank">Kayleigh for her first trip</a>, too.<br />
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Isn't it incredible how much a person can change in one year?</div>
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Last year, we just tried to get her to smile for pictures...</div>
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...this year, we just tried to get her to stay still!</div>
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It was another perfect afternoon.</div>
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(Kayleigh's beautiful bow was created by the talented Jenn of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennbowdaciousdesigns" target="_blank">Bowdacious Designs</a>. I just love it!)</div>
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Another favorite moment of the day was Kayleigh's 1st pickle.</div>
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Who would have known? Lol!</div>
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Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-6536734176923830932012-12-17T13:05:00.001-08:002012-12-17T13:05:57.866-08:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrate Thanksgiving this year at my Ami's (grandmother) new house. So many prayers, so much work, and so much love went into bringing Ami to live two doors down from my parents. It was a happy thing to celebrate with thanksgiving in our hearts!</div>
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Kayleigh got to sit in the highchair that her mom, uncle, and aunties used as kids</div>
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<br />(she also got to show family her "prayer hands")</div>
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In the evening, Kayleigh played with Aunt Megan in a box...</div>
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...tried to wiggle out of family pictures...</div>
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...made silly Uncle Jon Jon sing Hickory Dickory Dock...</div>
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...and cuddled with Ami.</div>
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Surely though, the best part of the night was when we received a call from Romania. It had been two months since any of us had heard my sister Kate's voice, and joy and love overflowed in the room that night. </div>
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Grownup Thanksgivings are certainly different from childhood ones. I don't know if I'll ever get used to not having all of my loved ones under one roof during favorite holidays, but I'm thankful for technology and the fact that both of my sisters were able to call home that day. It truly completed Thanksgiving for us this year!</div>
Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-52581084854947944702012-11-19T13:02:00.000-08:002012-11-19T13:02:18.825-08:00I Miss You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I realized something last month.<br />
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I'm not omnipotent.</div>
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God gives us so much on this earth to do and love and be...and sometimes I think David's phrase, <i>my cup overflows</i> translates to daily life, too. Too much goodness to fit in one day.</div>
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I love my family, I love being home. I love crafting, I love teaching. I love you. </div>
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I love this beautiful blogging community that has developed on Happy Homemaker Me over the years. I love the sisterhood, the support, the I've-been-there's, the lols.</div>
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You may have noticed something...I have, too. I can only fit so many things in my cup.</div>
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My days are filled with tickling a toddler, reading her stories, singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider," picking broccoli up off the floor, and wondering where she learned to apply <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/bgqx6idpa7riwf9/2012-11-18%2010.18.14.mp4" target="_blank">lipstick</a> and bat her eyes.</div>
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I've also added a new little joy to our days by taking care of 3 month old Sabine, the daughter of some of our dearest friends. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHKsUfvjxXxKa1h9pxnkHIqzeDVYAG5HIzXLEuKWwWMeMID4iwdhC_dQ2CI0ZWdPv88jAm_1Zx_cMAbpDRFg6PUyVpblmUM70OGzuHZo7RynPmd_gD3vv5IZrrvI8PqsK17jiV-2NBYo/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHKsUfvjxXxKa1h9pxnkHIqzeDVYAG5HIzXLEuKWwWMeMID4iwdhC_dQ2CI0ZWdPv88jAm_1Zx_cMAbpDRFg6PUyVpblmUM70OGzuHZo7RynPmd_gD3vv5IZrrvI8PqsK17jiV-2NBYo/s400/DSC_0241.JPG" width="400" /></a>Since it's always been my goal to have the computer put away while Kayleigh is awake and focus solely on her, "me time" on the computer has been pretty small lately. When Kayleigh and Sabine are both napping, or Bine (her nickname, pronounced "Beena") is home with her mom and dad and Kayleigh is asleep for the nigh is the only time that I bring out the computer and work (and by work, I mean grade essays from the two online ESL writing courses I'm teaching). And then Jesse comes home, and I only want to be with him. Blog time has been pushed out the window lately.</div>
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But--all for good reasons! I'm so thankful for our place in life right now. I'm thankful that by teaching and watching our little baby-friend, I'm back to being able to contribute to our family. I'm thankful for the work that my husband does outside of the home, and I'm glad to have a way to help again. I'm excited that we're on the road to banishing debt, looking forward to buying a family car within the next year, and able to spend time together. Last summer, Jesse tried to carry two jobs to support us, and we never saw him. This is such a healthier alternative! God is good.</div>
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I'm not saying goodbye to this blog. I'm just letting you know what life looks like right now. It's crazy--in the most beautiful way possible. Some days, I still feel stressed and wonder how I'm going to do it all, but most days I'm just thankful that I<i> can</i>. </div>
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Things are slow here on HHM right now, but I'll still be around. It just might mean that I'm posting less tutorials and series, and sharing more pictures of my lil cutie pie and moments from our daily life. She is the joy of our lives, and certainly the bright spot in every day!<br />
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<i>p.s. Kayleigh's shirt in this post was made by my friend Stacey (Bine's mommy!) only a few weeks after we found out that we were pregnant last year. It's been sitting in my hope chest waiting for the special day our little <a href="http://letterstoourlittleone.blogspot.com/2011/04/brubaby.html" target="_blank">Brubaby</a> (nickname for the Brubaker Baby) could wear it :)</i><br />
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Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-28101619136073879262012-10-27T21:50:00.002-07:002012-10-27T21:50:53.336-07:00Kayleigh and EmilyKayleigh and her little BFF Emily go to the same Mommy and Me class. They have an absolute blast there, and <a href="http://kaysepratt.com/" target="_blank">Kayse</a> and I love watching their little friendship grow.<br />
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This week, they got to dress up in Halloween attire :) Just had to share some pictures of our little cuties!<br />
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<a href="http://www.wishafriend.com/quotes/qid/2707/" style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Little girls are cute and small only to adults. To one another, they are not cute. </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wishafriend.com/quotes/qid/2707/" style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">They are life-sized.<br style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" />- Margaret Atwood</a></div>
Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499638328555002555.post-59349588790905095432012-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:002012-10-21T04:00:04.414-07:00Kayleigh's 1st BirthdayKayleigh's 1st birthday was a very special day.<br />
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Our original plan was to spend the day at the zoo, since animals are just about her favorite thing ever. But then it turned out that it was going to be over 100* inland, so we decided to head toward the coast and celebrate Kayleigh's birthday at the Aquarium. We had a wonderful day!<br />
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Two birthday girls ready to party!</div>
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Kayleigh loved her birthday "boon" :)</div>
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And her adorable birthday shirt, custom made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSassySquirrel" target="_blank">The Sassy Squirrel</a></div>
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Once we were inside, we were happy to see that Kayleigh's enthusiasm for animals carried right over into excitement for fish, too. Basically, this kid loves anything that moves (plants included!)</div>
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"WOW!"</div>
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The highlight of the day was definitely when a scuba diver descended right in front of Kayleigh. He waved and smiled, blew bubbles, and clapped his hands for her. Kayleigh was entranced.</div>
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After watching and taking pictures for a few minutes, we realized, "Why aren't we getting this on video!?" So we grabbed the Flip quickly and caught the rest of their cute interaction.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gj860waKQ-M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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After saying goodbye to our scuba friend, we headed outside to play in the fountains. My goodness, did Kayleigh love that!</div>
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It was a truly wonderful way to celebrate our sweet girl!</div>
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<br />Bethany @happyhomemakermehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13699136978045384724noreply@blogger.com2