A City Life For Me

Nolan: 5 months old Pajamas: Size 12 months!

My family was in town for Thanksgiving last week.  There were ten of us total.  My Grams and my sister-in-law Becky had not been to NYC before, so we gave them a whirlwind tour on Friday.  Among other activities, we took the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island, and back again.  It was sunset, and the view was spectacular! We watched the City go from this… {the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline} …to this beautiful orange glow reflecting off the glass buildings…. …to amazing shades of purple! Lady Liberty gave us a show all her own. {“Pa” and “Ma” as Elaine calls them} {P.D.A. – public display of affection} {Ben, Elaine, Me, & Nolan in front of the Verrazano Bridge} {Kenny & his bride Becky with Lady Liberty in the distance} {Wesley & his niece} As we watched the sun set and the sky turn deep shades of colors, I was reminded of this verse written by King...

We sang this song at our Thanksgiving Praise service last night.  It’s been a while since I have sung it and I really enjoyed the words.  I wanted to share them with you on this Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to God for My Redeemer words by August Ludwig Storm (Swedish) translated by Carl E. Backstrom Thanks to God for my Redeemer, Thanks for all Thou dost provide! Thanks for times now but a mem’ry, Thanks for Jesus by my side! Thanks for pleasant, cheerful springtime, Thanks for summer, winter, fall! Thanks for tears by now forgotten, Thanks for peace within my soul! Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny! Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply! Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair! Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare! Thanks for roses by the waysi...

Elaine is afraid of the vacuum.  So anytime I get it out, she runs for the couch.  It is her safe zone.  The other day when I was vacuuming I gave her the task of entertaining Nolan.  This is how they were when I finished my work – each smiling, each with a book in hand!

Last week we went to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with some friends.  Elaine, Havilah, and Adelei had a fabulous time!  There is a Tot area for kids under 5.  They have a water area, craft time, music makers, a sandbox, dress-ups, and other fun things to play with.  We spend the time before lunch exploring this area. Elaine playing with the water toys.  The apron didn’t do her much good – her sleeves & sweater were drenched! Adelei had a good time too! Havilah was the only one tall enough to stand up in the middle of the water! {the girlies…Elaine, Havilah, & Adelei} After lunch we headed into the main part of the museum.  They have a nature center where the kids can learn to plan a garden, walk through and explore wildlife & birds, and learn about sea life. Havilah planting a garden.  She spent a lot of time in this area! Elaine found some lettuce! Elaine likes to copy Havilah…which has worked ...

I received new digital scrapbooking software for my birthday.  I got to play around a little with it tonight… I can’t wait to do the baby books!  {thanks Mom & Dad}

…that make me smile.  Here are a few from my birthday through today. {Elaine in her new dress and boots} {spices organized} I used some money that Ben’s Grandma sent for my birthday to get new magnetic spice canisters that will hang on my wall rather than sit on my counter!  And I had no clue that I used this many spices until I started cleaning and organizing! {the return of the Gingerbread Latte} Seriously…does it get any better? {Longaberger baskets and hooks for my décor} from Ben’s parents for my birthday.  I love baskets! {Nolan’s fluffy bum and chubby legs} And yes, he is standing my himself watching Elaine in the tub.  And yes, he almost fell and bonked his head on the toilet. {digital scrapbooking software} from my parents for my birthday.  I can’t wait to start!

We gave Nolan his first taste of “real food” last night.  Elaine enjoyed helping, but I don’t think Nolan enjoyed being gagged by the spoon that she shoved in his mouth! {chewing on the spoon before we started} {first taste} {Elaine helping.  See her open mouth?} {not too thrilled}

One of Ben’s favorite tricks with Elaine was balancing her on his hand.  He has been practicing with Nolan now, and they are finally good enough to go public! Here is Elaine doing the same trick:

   

This year Ben and I headed up the annual Harvest Party at church.  The theme we chose was “The First Thanksgiving.”  The kids usually come in costume for the theme, so I made Elaine and Nolan little Indian shirts. My Happy Little Indian Girl! I made the costume several weeks ago.  I could barely get Nolan’s shirt on him this morning!  Here they are in the teepee. Two Little Indians Elaine and her partner in crime, Selah.  They were both Indian girls!   There weren’t only Indians running around…there were a few pilgrims too!  Sadly, there was only one Pilgrim boy.  But he was my favorite! Indians and Pilgrims waiting for the program to begin (Josie, Faith, Isabella, Shastya, and Jalen)   Mama and her Indian Boy. Nolan was definitely the ladies man this afternoon!  He was passed from one teen girl to the next, and none too happy to be put in his car seat to go home! Mary and I did the ...