Random Issues

Thankful Thursday: Little Blessings

2012-02-16T05:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a little bit of what I am thankful for, and a little bit of what’s going on in our lives, as seen through the camera lens!

:: My little girl and her great big imagination, and how fast she is learning and growing! Here she is feeding Betsy a hot dog for breakfast.

:: A random visit from Grandma Fezzi!

:: A library that we can easily visit, since it is only 2 blocks away! Elaine loves books and going to the “library”!

:: Siblings finally learning to play together without too much fighting!

:: A little helper to pack my diaper orders, which continue to come in consistently.

:: Opportunities to teach Elaine to share the Gospel. Though we were the only family who showed up for soul-winning, we were able to pass out some literature and teach Elaine too. Here she is handing out “papers” with Daddy!

:: A big box of Valentine’s goodies {read “chocolate”} from Grandma Godby. Elaine loved th dress and insisted in wearing it with her striped shirt, polka-dot tights, and black “leather” boots. She was a sight!

Nolan went straight for his chocolate too, before I could get a good picture of the adorable bags my mom made. See her pictures here!

Some Nolan Moments

2012-02-15T14:40:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of recent Nolan videos. He just started eating puffs, and really likes to be able to put things in his mouth, by himself, and not have Mommy pull them out!

Nolan also likes to play this game with Daddy. But…sometimes he gets tired or lazy, and forgets to supply the noise. Then he looks at Ben with shock as if to ask, “Where is the noise Daddy?” It makes us laugh every time!

Special Delivery for Ma & Pa

2012-02-15T10:46:00.001-05:00

Elaine is coming via Priority Mail to visit you! Warning: She will drink your coffee, eat your chocolate, and steal your heart!

How’s that for a snazzy outfit?

Notice the mailing label? Can you guess what Elaine was helping me with today?

Wordless Wednesday #2: Baby Walking

2012-02-15T10:08:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Babywearing

2012-02-15T09:32:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Oh, yes! He’s standing!

2012-02-08T15:02:00.001-05:00

{and my life will never be the same}

Betsy

2012-02-06T10:58:00.001-05:00

I was working on a blog post when Elaine came running over. She wanted me to take a picture of Betsy (her baby doll). I decided to humor her, and grabbed my camera. I followed Elaine to the living room, and she helped me take this picture:

You may be thinking I have lost my marbles. Perhaps I should explain why Betsy is “nakee”. You see, Betsy had a dirty diaper, so being a good mommy, Elaine took it off. Betsy then went “poo-poo” on the big girl potty. Isn’t that amazingly fast for potty training?

I said to Elaine, “What is Betsy doing?” I received this reply, “She paying.” {She’s playing}. Nolan has just started pulling himself up on the furniture, and I loves to stand here at the “coffee table” and play with the handle or his toys. I guess Betsy is just following his example!

Now you’re probably wondering why I put this on my blog. Well, Elaine wanted the picture on the computer. And I just thought you might need a little Monday morning chuckle. Hope your day is filled with as much excitement as mine is sure to be!

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-02T06:46:00.000-05:00

Did you know that I have a home business? I sell cloth diapers online. My store is called Doable Diapers. I won’t get into the whys and hows of cloth diapers in this post, but you can feel free to email me if you have questions. I love talking about “fluff.”

November and December were very slow months for my business. I was barely making my obligatory payments for things like my website and postage.

Then Ben lost his job. I have been asking the Lord to increase my sales. And He has! Business has been very good in January. New customers. Repeat customers. Lots of business. Just when we needed it. Just when I turned it over to Him. And I am thankful.

Wordless Wednesday: Nolan wears pink!

2012-02-01T13:06:00.001-05:00

{daddy did it}

Cravings

2012-01-31T05:41:00.000-05:00

Let me just get this out of the way up front. No – I am not expecting. These are not pregnancy cravings. Sorry Grandma, grandchild #3 is not on the way.

Okay, moving on. I gave up my coffee recently for several reasons. It is expensive. I like it only with liquid creamer or half and half. Also expensive. And I was wasting a lot when I would get distracted by kids and household disasters, coming back to find my coffee cold. You can only reheat it so many times before it looses something, you know?

I have never liked hot chocolate, except on rare occasions. Until now. With a tight budget, the sweets have also been gone. One night I was desperate for something hot and chocolate-y. So Ben whipped up some homemade hot chocolate. I was instantly hooked. It actually tasted like chocolate – not like a powdered cocoa packet. Smooth. Creamy. You get the point.

But alas, hot chocolate is expensive too. Milk. Chocolate chips. Pricey.

The next time I went to Costco I picked up one of these:

For $10, it’s a steal. The equivalent of about $1.50 per bag in the store. Cheap. And I love having it on hand. For cookies (on a whim). Topping on coffee cake. And of course, hot chocolate.

Just mix 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of chocolate chips, and 4 cups of milk in a sauce pan over medium heat, until the chocolate is melted and the milk is heated through. {serves 3-4}. Even Elaine has started asking for this treat!

It is a treat in our house, but it is also my latest craving. And it is still cheaper than Starbucks! At $4.04 each, I can buy a gallon of milk for $3.19 and use a scoop out of my chocolate chip hoard. And it serves all of us, not just one of us. Mmmmm…one more thing to love about winter!

Back in the Game

2012-01-30T16:32:00.001-05:00

Admission: this former coupon addict hasn’t used coupons or played the “drugstore game” since moving to New York City. I tried a few times when we first moved here, but I was quickly discouraged. I had a hard time finding my coupons, and the newspaper here is expensive. The grocery store that accepts coupons isn’t overly convenient, and it doesn’t double any coupons.

I tried to score the free deals at CVS, RIte Aid, and Walgreens, but they were always out of the free items. I guess it’s because there are so many people living here! And, dragging two kids to the store when I can’t walk there and don’t always have a car isn’t easy. So I gave up.

Entere Money Saving Mom’s new book, The Money Saving Mom’s Budget. I got the book, and the audiobook. With Ben’s recent unemployment and the tight budget, I knew it was time to get back on the frugal track. I was still mostly there, but slightly derailed.

I found a local free paper that has the coupon inserts. I made a coupon box. I printed coupons online. I planned my shopping list. I signed up for the Grocery Game free trial. I am going to try and shop at the supermarket near our church because they double coupons. I will have to go on Sundays after church, though.

My kids have been sick this weekend. After three days of throw up and diarrhea, I was ready to escape the house and responsibilities. When Ben got home from church, I got to go out for a couple of hours – all.by.myself. Hallelujah! {Note: I love my kids, but shopping is SO much easier alone!}

I’m reading a book called, “Who got Peanut Butter on my Daily Planner?” My mom sent it to me when I was expecting Elaine. I’m wondering why I waited so long to read it! I love what the author, Cindy Dagnan said on this topic. It sums up my feelings exactly!

“Hit an all-night [grocery] center after the children are in bed. I often do that in the summer, and my cell phone always rings at least once. It’s my bewildered husband, worried about me. Nothing’s wrong—I’m just having an absolute ball, shopping and browsing without anyone wailing, begging, or whacking another sibling on the head with a box of cereal!”

I got to hit CVS and Walgreens, and I was able to find all of the freebies/deals on my list. I know that God was saving those last four bottles of Dawn on the bottom shelf just for me. And thanks to a friend, I had four coupons to use on them. You always have to put out a little upfront to get started, but now I have store cash for both stores to roll into deals next week. I spent $11, saved over $35, and have $7 for next week.

I am proud to show you my first shopping trip, now that I’m back in the game!

I really just needed the Dawn, but I made $1.50 on the eye drops, and the chocolate is for an event coming up at church. And who can resist Hallmark cards, especially when they are FREE? The redbox rental was also free, and my Starbucks drink printed a survey for another FREE drink!

Elaine wanted in my picture and assumed this pose. I think she was trying to get her mouth as close as possible to the chocolate!

Nolan got to join the picture. He went straight for the soap!

Sick Day

2012-01-27T17:30:00.001-05:00

We have been up since 1 a.m. Elaine lost her “cookies” all over her bed. The stomach virus has been going around several of our friends here. While we were cleaning up the bed (and Nolan was screaming his head off in his bed), Elaine had round #2 all over the floor. We went through 3 sets of pajamas in less than an hour!

I stayed on the couch with Elaine and after some dry heaves she finally succumbed to sleep. Then it hit her on the other end, if you know what I mean. Poor girl was so thirsty, and kept asking for (of all things) chocolate! But every little sip I gave her just came back up.

A newly washed Bunny was soiled again in 30 minutes. Elaine cried and cried because she puked all over Betsy, and her dolly has no more clean clothes. My girl just wants to be held…and she wants to wear her new boots. Nolan wants to be held, and he wants to touch the new boots. Elaine does not like that!

It’s tough being a mommy sometimes. This is my first experience with the stomach flu – the first time Elaine has thrown up. I don’t do well cleaning it up, either. Probably because I don’t throw up easily, or very often. I lost everything when I was in labor with Elaine, and that was the first time that I can remember…since…grade school. So this is definitely not pleasant for me!

While Elaine was on her 3rd movie of the day (the only thing that seems to be helping her settle down), I stole a few moments at the computer. Realizing that I no longer heard Nolan playing, I stepped into the room to investigate. This is what I found:

{notice the boots?}

{conked out with his favorite toy – the computer cord}

Seriously – I have never seen a kid so attracted to cords before! I cannot keep them all out of sight enough…he always finds them!

So that’s it from the Hamilton household for today. Maybe I will get to sleep tonight??!!??

Wordless Wednesday #2: Elaine & Betsy

2012-01-25T09:24:00.001-05:00

Found this when I entered the room…

From earlier this week:

Wordless Wednesday: My Two “Babies”

2012-01-25T05:24:00.000-05:00

Snow Day

2012-01-21T17:46:00.001-05:00

Winter has finally descended on the Big City. We have about an inch of crispy, icy snow. Elaine couldn’t wait to get on her snow pants and go outside to play. We made it a family affair and headed to the park. Elaine got to ride along on the sled, even though there wasn’t really enough snow for sledding. This is Nolan’s first snow. It’s a litlte late…his snow suit barely fit! Guess it’s time to move him up a size!

Elaine & Nolan on the sled. Nolan was so bundled he couldn’t move! Then Elaine insisted that Ben sit on the sled so she could pull him!

Elaine kept losing her mitten, so Ben gave her his gloves. She looked so funny with her giant hands!

The Sock Fish Game

2012-01-21T17:13:00.001-05:00

I’m on a roll this week – finally doing some projects that I have pinned on Pinterest! I captured this photo of Nolan that was inspired by a picture pose on Pinterest. Yesterday Elaine and I made a fishing game, also from Pinterest.

We took old socks – ones that were too small, or had missing mates, and stuffed them to make fish. In the toe of each sock is a heavy duty magnet. We tied off the ends with ribbon, so that the ankle of the sock looks like a tail.

Then we had fun gluing buttons, wiggly eyes, bows, mustaches, and foam fins onto them. And finally, we were able to go fishing using a dowel rod, string, and additional magnets. Too much fun!

I found the mustache in a jar of ribbons and bows that my Grams gave me. I couldn’t resist putting it on our giant fish, and I think he is just too cute!

Nolan…Six Months

2012-01-20T22:17:00.001-05:00

I finally got it done…Nolan’s six month pictures, edited, and digital scrapbooked. Enjoy!

These pictures were inspired by Pinterest. I finally did something that I had pinned! (For those of you who are not yet addicted to Pinterest, let me know and I’ll send you an invite!)

Ben’s new name for Nolan is “The Nolanator”.

The B-I-B-L-E

2012-01-20T18:01:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Nolan Plays

2012-01-18T08:36:00.001-05:00

Go Broncos!

2012-01-14T18:55:00.001-05:00

We have Broncos fever in the
Hamilton house!

Go Tim Tebow!!!
Beat New England!

Elaine Drinks Tea

2012-01-12T12:52:00.001-05:00

Elaine always wants to share what I have - even if it is “coppee” (coffee)! Recently I gave up coffee and have been drinking tea instead. Elaine is always asking for some, so I started giving her some milk with a little tea in it. She likes to drink out of my pretty tea cups.

After I took this picture, Elaine wanted me to take “one more” for “Ma”. So here is another shot!

She was right – the smile is much better in this picture!

Next time “Ma” comes to visit, I think we will have to do a tea party!

Let’s Eat–Nolan Style!

2012-01-12T12:42:00.001-05:00

Nolan doesn’t have to be prompted to open his mouth. Just hold a spoon in front of his face, and he’ll come find it!

Wordless Wednesday: Elaine’s Curly Hairdo

2012-01-11T15:29:00.001-05:00

Favorite Posts of 2011

2012-01-10T00:09:00.000-05:00

This is a little late in coming, but I wanted to condense 2011 by listing my favorite blog posts! Here are my top picks, in several categories…

Homemaking:

My Homemaking Binder – we are still using this system!
T-Shirt Skirts – I had so much fun sewing for Elaine!
Nursery Organization – I was featured at IHeart Organizing!

Random Posts:

Sledding at Owl’s Head Park
The Tree that Saves
Grandpa Painting Elaine’s Toes
Nolan’s Newborn Pics
What’s In A Name? – I think this is my absolute favorite post of the year. Don’t know why…I just enjoyed writing it!
The Height of Sisterly Love…
Cake and i-keem
A New York City Spectacular
The Feast of Tabernacles

It was a year with several big family events. Here are the highlights, in chronological order:

Remembering Gramps
Danielle’s Wedding
It’s A Family Affair – current family pictures with both sides of the family.

Okay, so I have a lot of favorites! There you have it. Our 2011 in a nutshell!

All About Nolan

2012-01-09T23:51:00.001-05:00

Nolan is six months old now. He is crawling (army style), sitting up, and cutting his first teeth (hence the rosy cheeks). He loves to steal toys from his sister and is very good at seeking out electrical cords to chew on. (Elaine is the Daddy-appointed tattle-tale, and she loves to say, “Nolan. No cords. No-no.”) He has a great smile, likes bubbles in the bath, and wears shoes, to Elaine’s delight. He eats like a champ – just wave a spoon in front of his mouth, and he will open wide to let it in! He’s my boy!

:: Baseball is in his name. Read more here!

:: Mommy’s kitchen helper. Don’t tell Daddy!

:: First Tie – he looked like a little man for church!

:: Exploring – he found the pots!

:: Yum, yum! Give me more!

:: Happy Little Man

Wordless Wednesday: Brother & Sister

2012-01-04T16:11:00.001-05:00

A Well Loved Farm…

2012-01-03T23:07:00.001-05:00

This post is especially for “Ma” Godby!

There is a little farm that I played with as a kid. And Kenny played with it. And Wesley played with it. Grandma (“Ma” as Elaine calls her) sent it to Elaine a while ago. It was played with for a while, then pushed aside in favor of the baby dolls. Now Elaine is playing with it again, and she is sharing it with her little brother. She shows Nolan how to make the cows and horses drink from the trough. She hooks up the tractor. But mostly she says, “Stop it, Nolan” when he tries to take her Little People. It is cute. This is definitely a generational toy!

{The Nolanator}
six months old

{typical face}

{will drool for teeth}

{my munchkins}

Family Pictures

2011-12-31T22:20:00.001-05:00

When my family was in town for Thanksgiving, we took advantage of the opportunity to get a family portrait done. My friend Cheryl from church is an excellent photographer, and she was gracious enough to come to the park and work with our family. She captured nearly 200 amazing pictures. Here are my favorites. Thank you Cheryl!

The Wally Godby Family:
Becky & Kenny, Mom & Dad, Wesley, Andrea & Nolan, Ben & Elaine

Everyone, plus Gramsie (Dad’s Mom)

{My Parents}
married 30 years!

This is one of my favorite shots! And in case you were wondering before…Nolan takes after my side of the family! (But he does have more hair than Grandpa!)

What a tease…

I love the light in this picture…

Elaine definitely enjoyed the attention of her uncles during the visit, but she really liked Wesley.

{The Ben Hamilton Family}
Ben, Elaine, Andrea, Nolan

My kiddos

My Ben

My brothers – Wesley, and Kenny. It was so much fun to be all together again!

{The Mr. & Mrs.}

Me & Grams

New Friends, Great Finds

2011-12-30T05:43:00.000-05:00

We travelled to Massachusetts last weekend to be with Ben’s family. His sister is home from her first semester of college at BJU, and his brother was off work for a week. We had a great time together!

There were a couple of special treats in this trip for me. First, I finally got to meet Amber Jones. Amber’s parents are Pastor & Mrs. Neiner – from the church where Ben grew up and his parents are members. I went to college with Amber’s brother Doug, and I know her brother John and his wife Erin pretty well. But I had never met Amber.

Amber and I have been stalking each other on Pinterest for a while. I was so glad that she was in town when I was, so that we could hook up. It was a quick visit, but it felt like I had known her for a long time. We have many of the same interests. Amber is the first “internet” friend that I have been able to meet in person too!

My second treat was hitting the thrift stores. I have been pinning DIY ideas all over Pinterst, but I didn’t have the access to cheap and thrifty second hand items to make them work. Ben and I left the kids with “Grandma Fezzi” (you can ask me about that story later), and headed out on our own.

I didn’t have anything specific in mind, but I wanted to gather some supplies to have on hand for my next crafty moment. I was pleased to find some new shoes, a grapevine wreath that I want to decorate for the spring, a picture frame to re-purpose, a basket, and a bread machine.

The bread machine was my great bargain. It looks nearly new, and was marked $9.99. That is $2 less than I paid for my other thrift store bread machine, which is slowly dying. When I got to the register, I found out it was a yellow tag item, making it 1/2 off! The first loaf is baking now, but it seems to be working great!

I hope to share some completed Pinterest projects with you sometime soon. First I have to complete them!!!

Random Pictures

2011-12-29T22:27:00.001-05:00

Nolan was nice enough to model a new cloth diaper for my diaper blog. He also just started sitting up. I thought some of you might like these pictures too.

The Albert diaper by bumGenius in honor of Albert Einstein

I guess I should have combed his hair. Oh well. Now he REALLY looks like Grandpa Godby now! (JJJKJT, Dad).

Elaine saw the camera and the backdrop, and started saying, “Ewaine. Pitchers. Fwirst.” So…she wanted me to take her picture too. She donned a new outfit (from Erin Neiner) and gave me a few smiles!

It’s A Family Affair

2011-12-29T07:13:00.001-05:00

We have been privileged to spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with our extended family this year. We took advantage of the opportunity to get some family pictures!

Cheryl took these pictures of the Godbys – more of them to come later!
Becky, Kenny, Wally/Dad, Sherry/Mom, Wesley, Andrea, Nolan, Ben, Elaine

The Hamiltons
Ben, Evan, Elaine, Meredith, Sissy/Mom, Jim/Dad, Andrea, Nolan

We are blessed to have both come from Christian homes, and we enjoyed the times of visiting that we were able to share this year!

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-29T05:25:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for two things. Recently we have successfully {so far} tackled two big steps as parents: potty training Elaine, and moving Nolan into Elaine’s room. Maybe they’re not really such big steps. But they are two things that I was particularly scared to do.

I was already nervous about potty training. Everyone has a different method, a different timeline, and a different kid. I didn’t know which one would be best for us. We tried twice and failed…Elaine wasn’t ready. I thought she was, but she wasn’t. It didn’t help me any when my mother-in-law told me that the two hardest things she ever did were potty training and teaching the kids to read.

I was going to wait and do the potty training thing after the holidays. Elaine turned 2 at the beginning of November. She is talking much more, and we have been “practicing” getting her pants/skirt down and up by herself. I knew she could understand now. But the holidays are busy times. Elaine must have read my brain somehow, and decided to do this potty thing a week before Thanksgiving. Perfect timing. But she was ready. And she basically did it herself.

We still have an occasional accident, and we still have to remind her when it is time to go, and she still wears a diaper for naps and bedtime. Lots of reward stickers, and a bag of M&M’s later, she is potty trained. {Insert sigh of relief}. So much easier than I thought!

Nolan started out sleeping in our room. When he became more sensitive to noise and light, we moved his cradle to a corner of the living room. He outgrew the cradle and was upgraded to a pack ‘n’ play. Yet he was still waking once in the night to nurse.

We just took a trip to Massachusetts. Ben told me that when we returned home, he wanted to “integrate” Nolan into Elaine’s room. It was great timing for him to announce this, because while visiting Ben’s family, we all shared a room. So Nolan and Elaine napped and went to bed together. With no problems.

I was worried that Nolan would cry in the night and waken Elaine, and then we would have two awake kiddos in the middle of the night. But Elaine has been sleeping through any noise Nolan makes. Nolan is doing great at finding his paci without mom. Mom is doing okay ignoring Nolan’s cries in the night and waiting to feed him until the morning. {Insert sigh of relief}. So much easier than I thought!

Wordless Wednesday: Fun Times with Uncle Evan

2011-12-28T14:22:00.001-05:00

Danielle’s Wedding

2011-12-21T10:52:00.001-05:00

My best friend from college just got married! I was privileged to be able to fly down to Orlando, FL for her wedding. I took Nolan with me, and left Elaine at home with Ben. It has been over a year since Danielle and I have seen each other, but we picked right up where we had left off. I arrived on Saturday in time for one of Danielle’s bridal showers. We decorated the reception hall on Sunday afternoon in between church services. The wedding was on Monday, December 19th at 2 pm. I was a bridesmaid!

The reception hall and table décor

Best friends – last picture together before she got married!

Beautiful bride….with her flower girl (one of her 3rd grade students)

The DeVane family – Scotty, Danielle, Mom, and Dad

Danielle and I both love purple. What color would you expect her wedding to be? Purple of course! It was beautiful!

Getting the veil on before the wedding. (Sara, Danielle, and Mrs. DeVane)

The Bride and the Mother of the Bride

{beautiful}

Darren and Danielle cutting the cake. The orchids were edible!

Yeah. They were way too nice to each other!

Someone rang the bell…so they kissed!

Darren, Danielle, Me, and Nolan

The getaway car

The bride and groom exit

One last kiss for the crowd!

Congratulations to
Mr. & Mrs. Darren Wells!

Wordless Wednesday: Nolan’s First Flight

2011-12-21T10:26:00.001-05:00

My New York Cuties

2011-12-16T10:03:00.001-05:00

Children’s Christmas Program

2011-12-14T10:34:00.001-05:00

I just shared pictures of Elaine with her hair in curlers for the first time. It was for a special event – the Children’s Christmas Program at our church. Elaine turned 2 in November, so she joined the ranks of kids who attend Sunday School! That meant that she was included in the Christmas program this year.

This year I put together our church’s program for the kids. I put together the “script” and assigned the parts to all of the kids on our Sunday School program. Then I practiced with them for the last six weeks. We kept it simple with some scripture and Christmas songs. The songs were new words sung to familiar tunes like Onward Christian Soldiers, and Braham's Lullaby. I took them out of a book that my Grams recently sent me from her stash of children’s ministry supplies.

Elaine’s class joined the 4’s & 5’s class to sing Away in a Manger. Elaine knew all of the hand motions, but she didn’t sing the words. All of the classes did very well – they knew their verses, they nailed all of their entrances and exits, and I was so pleased with the outcome!

rocking Baby Jesus – away in a manger

the stars in the sky

asleep on the hay

no crying did make

Wordless Wednesday: First Time in Curlers!

2011-12-14T10:18:00.001-05:00

Striving for a Simple Christmas

2011-12-13T23:12:00.001-05:00

I have been mulling over in my mind how to write this post. I’m not sure if I have found the best way to communicate what I have been thinking about. But I am going to try.

My focus this Christmas season has been on trying to do things simply. Elaine is at the age where she is more aware of things, and I want to sort of solidify Christmas traditions now. There is so much that I love about Christmas, and so many things that I have just “always done”. I am still trying to sort through what is good and what is best. Ben is rather neutral on the subject. Here is why…

Ben’s family did not celebrate Christmas for many of his growing up years. My family (and my extended family) definitely made a big deal about Christmas. So when Ben and I were dating we talked about this topic. What would we do as a family? We wanted to find something in the middle, but at the same time create our own traditions and ways of celebrating the holiday.

It is so easy to get caught up in the world’s way of having a merry holiday. I think they include the birth of Christ only to sell more “stuff” to Christians! With the commercials, coupons and deals, hustle & bustle, borage of holiday parties and activities….how can anyone stay focused on what is really important at Christmas?

I have come to really dislike the gift giving part of celebrating Christmas because it is so materialistic. But I do like planning gifts to give to others. In the last couple of years I have discovered that it is truly more fun to give to others, to get creative, and to find or make the perfect gift (while not breaking the bank).

So here are some things that we are doing this holiday season… For fun. For pleasure. Because they are pretty. And just to keep things simple.

Canning Jar Candles
Mason jars, epsom salt for snow, and votives.

{inspiration credit: here and here}
They are so pretty as the wax melts and makes the “snow” colored and glowing!

Button Wreath Ornaments
Gifts from Elaine for several special people.

{inspiration credit}
She needed to make three. She gave up after one. But she had fun!

Homemade Gift Tags
Super easy with my Cricut. Elaine even made her own!

Homemade Ornaments
spray painted juice lids and spaghetti sauce lids, then decorated with my card-making supplies

Giving some to some newlyweds so they have some Christmas tree decorations for their first Christmas! Simple, but fun. And hopefully they will know that I created these especially with them in mind…

Handprint & Footprint Ornaments
I started this “tradition” for Elaine’s 1st Christmas, so we did it this year for Nolan too. I took some footprints & handprints and made ornaments and decorative tiles out of them.

Funny story…I inked Nolan’s hand & foot while he was sleeping. We ended up with ink on the sheet, bib, and my clothes. Then Elaine found the inkpad and smeared it on her face. It didn’t wash off right away, so she looked bruised all around her mouth for a couple of days!

Real Evergreen Wreath
I have always wanted a real Christmas wreath…ever since Mrs. Pease sent her daughters each a wreath from Maine to hang on their dorm room door at college. This year I chose a wreath for my door instead of a Christmas tree.

Names of Jesus Advent Chain
We printed out the names of Jesus and made a paper chain. There is a free printable available from this website. Each night until Christmas you pull off a link of the chain. Elaine is still rather young to do a “study” but we are reading the names and Scriptures.

My intention is to make some cookies and goodies to give to my two unsaved neighbors that live next door to us, as well as the staff at our favorite corner grocer, and the staff at the shipping center that I utilize for my business. We’ll see if these intentions come to fruition!

Recently I read about a family who gives each child three gifts for Christmas: one needed item like PJs/clothes, one wanted item/toy, and something for their savings account. We had already decided to do that for our kids this year. (Except their bank account money came from Great-Grandma Hamilton). I don’t want them to grow up thinking Christmas is about getting things, or making out a list of things they want, etc. We want to put the focus on giving to others and finding delight in being used by God to be a blessing to other people. There are some specific ways we have chosen to do that this year, but I have chosen not to elaborate.

So whatever you choose to do or not do for Christmas…however you choose to celebrate or not celebrate…whatever you do “big” or just keep it simple…I hope that you find a way to keep the focus where it belongs. Everything that we do, whether at Christmas time or throughout the year, is supposed to be for the glory of God.

His Will Cannot Lead Us…

2011-12-11T21:40:00.001-05:00

We were just told this week that as of January 1st Ben will no longer have a job. Things have been going downhill in his job for a while, and we have been scouring the internet and the want ads for a new job since Nolan was born. The last few weeks have been very uncertain and sporadic. Sometimes Ben gets a call at 8 p.m. and is told not to come in the next day. There just isn’t enough work to keep everyone busy. He has had anywhere from one day to three days off each week for a while.

Even when he was fully employed, the income was never quite enough. God has been faithfully providing our needs, and we know that He will continue to do so. It’s really neat to see how He chooses to do it, and the timing that He determines is best, in every situation. It has been good for us to be dependent on the Lord to provide our daily bread, though it is not always easy to trust when you cannot see!

Ben does have an interview on Wednesday, but the position is in Long Island and will be quite a commute. We need more information on the job before we can know if that is God’s will.

We really covet your prayers at this time for God to provide us a job and to lead us in His specific will for our lives. I am excited to share with you in the future how God has led us through this time in our lives!

There is a song called Grace. One of the lines in the chorus says, “His will cannot lead me where His grace will not keep me…” We know that God has led us here, and so we know His grace will keep us here.

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-09T10:02:00.001-05:00

Well…I started writing this on Thursday. Now it’s Friday. Such is life with two little ones.

Today I am thankful for Elaine. In a different sort of way. Let me explain. When I was in the teen group, my youth pastor preached a series called “Crowded to Christ.” He used the lives of several Biblical characters to illustrate that sometimes God places people or circumstances in our lives just to “crowd” us to Himself. The one example that I recall was Jacob. His name means supplanter, yet he didn’t really face his deceptive ways until he came face to face with another deceiver – Laban. When Jacob looked at Laban it was like looking in the mirror.

God has been showing me some things about myself through Elaine. The things she does…the attitudes she shows…that bother me the most, are the very things and attitudes that I find myself struggling with on a frequent basis. I guess you might call them my besetting sins. Sometimes I try to gloss over them or make excuses for why they aren’t really that bad. But then Elaine displays an action or an attitude that drives me crazy or makes me angry. And it’s like looking in a mirror. God is showing me again that these things are my problems too. It is very convicting.

I’m sure that some of what Elaine does is because she has been watching me and interacting with me for over two years, every day, all day long. I’m thankful that God brings people and circumstances into our lives to show us our sin, to crowd us to Himself, and to keep us “on the ascending plane.” He doesn’t leave us alone to stagnate. That’s a great God.

Wordless Wednesday: Elaine & the Kitty

2011-12-07T10:23:00.000-05:00

She Gets A Purple Heart

2011-12-04T21:38:00.001-05:00

Last week when my family was in town for Thanksgiving, we gave them a whirlwind tour of New York City. Grams and Becky had not been in NYC longer than a plane stop-over, and it seemed like everyone had something on their “list” that they wanted to see. We started with Jane’s Carousel under the Brooklyn Bridge, then walked across the bridge, had hot dogs in the park for lunch, took the Staten Island Ferry to S.I. and back, then hit the Rockefeller Center and Times Square before returning home to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. It was a lot of walking, a lot of steps, and a lot of train rides.

Definitely not a flattering picture – we are all stuffing our faces!
Grams, Kenny, Me, Ben, Becky enjoying NYC hot dogs!

On the train – Wes, Mom, Grams, Dad, Ben, Elaine, Becky, & Kenny

The Christmas Tree wasn’t lit & decorated yet, but these giant ornaments adorned the water fountain by Chase bank in Rockefeller Plaza.

Elaine, Mom, Grams, and Bex on the train.

I had originally planned our route to include train stations with elevators and handicap accessible ramps so that Grams wouldn’t have to do as many steps. (She has bad knees, and steps are particularly difficult). But as we added stops and activities, and changed the order of things, the train stations got a little out of hand. Grams ended up doing quite a few flights of steps. We tried to stop and rest in between walking and sight-seeing, but I know that we wore her out!

Grams and Dad on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge

In an effort to take it easy on her, Dad hailed a bicycle cab from Rockefeller Center to Times Square. The bicyclist could tell they were tourists, I guess, because he took the long way around. I think my dad must have gone into shock when he was told it would be $52! (They charge per person, apparently).

We cheered Gramsie on all along the way, and jokingly said that she deserved a Purple Heart for surviving our fast walking tour of Manhattan. As I thought about everything that we did that day, I realized that she probably really did deserve a Purple Heart. I also realized that she will probably never come and visit us in Brooklyn again!

Thanks for visiting Gramsie! Here’s your Purple Heart!

I want to mention too that Gramsie got to meet her newest great-“grand.” She has always called us grandkids “the grands”, and Nolan is the newest member of the Godby family. He enjoyed the time he got to spend rocking with his Great-Grams!

Happy Birthday Ma!

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well…you get the idea! Elaine’s Grandma is turning 29 today!
(She has been 29 for a while).

Happy Birthday “Ma”!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2011-12-01T15:50:00.001-05:00

Today the kids and I pulled out our little box of Christmas decorations and set to transforming the house. We opted to put a wreath on our front door this year (I have always wanted a real Christmas wreath, and it smells soooooo delicious!), so we are not going to get a tree. I hung my artificial garland around the bay window, and we added our lights and ornaments there. I need to get some of that pine tree scented oil to make my house smell like a real tree!

Elaine was ever so excited to help with this project. She went, “Oooh” when I turned on the strand of lights. She helped me “fluff” the garland, and it was all I could do to keep her out of the ornaments until I was ready. I held her up to hang the little ornaments, her eyes lit up as she handled each pretty item. It was tiring, but worth it. Next year though, I think we will wait for Ben’s help!

“Little Wally” Meets Big Wally

2011-12-01T15:29:00.001-05:00

Ben’s parents think that Nolan really looks like my dad, Wally. They have started calling him “Little Wally.” Several people at church have commented that Nolan looks more like me than Elaine does, so I guess he must take after my side of the family. However, I must clarify that Nolan’s enormous size does not come from me!

Last week “Little Wally” finally got to meet Big Wally. You see, my dad had not yet been able to see Nolan in person. But at last, grandson met grandpa.

So what do you think? Does Nolan take after the Godby side? Try not to compare the amount of hair…we already know that Nolan has more hair than Grandpa!

Wordless Wednesday: Nolan is 5 Months Old!

2011-11-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

Nolan: 5 months old
Pajamas: Size 12 months!

A New York City Spectacular

2011-11-29T17:50:00.001-05:00

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 David: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)

David had the privilege of watching the sun set over the Promised Land. I guess we got to see one of the next best things when we watched the sun slip away over a free America and her symbol of liberty. It’s a close rival to a sunset over the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

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 wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for homes and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks thro’ all eternity!

I really like the second stanza. It just seems to sum things up for me right now. As with many people, the economic difficulties facing our country are also facing our family. Things have been difficult. But God is faithful, and He has faithfully provided all of our needs and more. Here is just a little taste of what God has done for us…Recently we didn’t have the money to make our rent payment. Ben had lost several days of work because there isn’t much work at the shop right now. We saw God provide our rent money in one weekend.

God has also been there for me emotionally. I feel like I have had a hard adjustment to being a mommy of two kids. There have been up days, and many down days. It’s one of those storms that I have weathered. I’m so thankful that when I wanted to give up, God never gave up on me. He never left me or forsook me. He was by my side, bringing me through. Sometimes I had to choose to speak the truth to my heart, even when I didn’t think I wanted to hear it. Psalm 46:7 has been precious to me: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

This year I feel so overwhelmed when I consider everything for which I have to be thankful. Elaine is learning some short memory verses. One of them seems very fitting to close this post:

Truly God is good.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday: Nolan fell asleep in Elaine’s bed!

2011-11-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Elaine dressed herself!

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

We Love Books!

2011-11-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

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!

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

2011-11-21T22:39:00.001-05:00

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 in my favor when it comes to potty training!

{My kiddos}
In the sea area there was a play mat by an aquarium. There were sea animal puppets and seaweed hanging from the ceiling. Nolan enjoyed getting out of the stroller to roll around. Elaine took the opportunity to nab his pacifier!

{Nolan & Ian}
The day wasn’t as much fun for the boys, but I think they still enjoyed it! And yes, I did dress Nolan in camo because his stroller is pink (another hand-me-down from his sister)!

The next section of the museum includes multi-cultural hands-on fun. There is a pizza parlor where the kids can take orders and then create and bake pizzas (all of the crusts were bean bags, and the toppings were felt). There was a grocery store where they could load up their shopping baskets with food and put it down the conveyor belt. There was a Mexican bakery and a Chinese card shop. But the biggest hit was the MTA city bus. The driver’s seat was in high demand!

Elaine “shopping”. She loved the store. Trouble is she insisted on filling her basket, and then she kept saying, “hebby, hebby” (heavy) because she couldn’t carry it.

Elaine driving the city bus. Good thing she can’t get a driver’s license yet!

Wordless Wednesday: Elaine Teaches Nolan to Talk on the Phone (but it’s really an alarm clock!)

2011-11-16T05:56:00.000-05:00

New Software…

2011-11-15T23:04:00.001-05:00

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}

it’s the little things…

2011-11-14T16:29:00.001-05:00

…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!

Nolan’s First Cereal

2011-11-14T13:24:00.001-05:00

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}

Nolan’s Balancing Act

2011-11-14T12:06:00.001-05:00

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:

Elaine’s “Horse” Ride

2011-11-14T12:04:00.001-05:00

Two Little Indians

2011-11-12T22:16:00.001-05:00

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 decorations this year. We had an Indian colony, a thankfulness tree, and some pilgrims. I made the teepee in the former pictures also.

I was browsing the internet and came across a recipe for teepee cupcakes. I had three or four ladies volunteer to make them. Not only are they adorable, but they are delicious too!

See? I told you. Isabella and Josie think they are delicious too!

Our Thankfulness Tree grew leaves when the kids wrote down things they are thankful for and glued them on the branches.

Adam, Timothy, Caitlin, and Jeramiah filling out their leaves for the tree.

A little fire outside of the teepee.

Miss Janine’s craft table – picture frames!

Well it was fun, but I’m glad it’s done! I’ll take a quick breath before I have to start planning Thanksgiving dinner…

Thankful Friday

2011-11-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

For the last couple of nights Elaine has been almost hysterical when we left the room and closed her door for the night. One night we ended up leaving the door open and the hall light on so that she would calm down. Last night as I was turning off the light I realized that it was really dark in her room. I looked down at the outlet where the two nightlights live, and they were not on. “That’s funny. They are new, they should still be working. That must be why Elaine is so upset,” I thought. A closer investigation revealed this:

Once I saw it, I remembered when Elaine had been trying to pull the night light out of the wall a couple of days ago. I gave her a sharp “No! Don’t touch!” I think that she must have dropped the penny behind the light and she was trying to get it out. Not realizing what was going on, I firmly pushed the night light back into the wall.

I’m thankful that Elaine did not shock herself on the light, and that our house did not burn down! Needless to say, the outlet is shot, but amazingly the nightlights still work!

{cake and i keem}

2011-11-10T08:43:00.001-05:00

Elaine was excited about her birthday for one reason. It wasn’t the presents that were piled high. It wasn’t the fun and activities. It wasn’t even the balloons or M&M covered cake. Nope. She was focused on one thing – “I keem” (as she refers to ice cream). But before we get to the ice cream, here is Elaine on her 2nd birthday. Prepare for picture overload!

{the birthday girl and her loot}
So nice of my mom to wrap everything individually!

Grandma & Grandpa Godby gave her pots & pans, dishes, and everything a little girl needs to cook up a spread. She loved it!

She even shared a plate with everyone at the party!

Where am I going to store all of these toys?!?!

New jammies – “Everyone is Thankful for Me”

New outfit from Auntie Mere. Meredith has the style in the family…she gets along great with Elaine, who is all about fashion and accessories!

Pretty dress from Great-Grandma and Grandpa Paul

A tea set from Mommy & Daddy. So…I picked this up (brand-new) at a stoop sale. I threw it in her birthday bag as an afterthought. I didn’t even know if she was ready for it. But when she pulled that out of the bag, we had a hard time diverting her attention to anything else. She knew exactly what to do with her tea cups, and Daddy taught her to make a slurping sound. She will get along great at the Paul girls’ tea parties!

Grandma and Grampa Hamilton restored this tricycle for Elaine. There is even a bell and tassels!

I was eagerly anticipating her opening this gift, as she points out every bike we see. But we made the mistake of opening the trike after the tea set. The only way to get her to try it out was to load up the basket with her tea cups. Now we have to teach her to pedal!

Can we say s.p.o.i.l.e.d.?

Elaine is learning to sing songs, like the “ee bee pider” (Itsy Bitsy Spider) and Away in a Manger. She thought it was great that everyone was singing to her!

Elaine made a good effort on blowing out the candles. Daddy added some hot air. Nolan contributed the drool.

Finally! She got to have i keem!

But when it was all done, she back over there loading up her new bike with all of her other birthday goodies!

{family-ness}

2011-11-10T08:25:00.001-05:00

We captured some great family pictures as we sat and enjoyed the beautiful weather and amazing view in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

{first visit to the Brooklyn Bridge}

{Elaine was still sleeping, so Nolan was the center of attention. Jim, Nolan, Ben, and Sissy}

{my men}

{l.o.v.e. this picture – my happy boy!}

{lets get Daddy in that picture!}

{with Grandma Hamilton}

{three generations}

{the hamiltons ~ est. 2007}

{random birthdayness}

2011-11-10T08:20:00.001-05:00

some random shots from Elaine’s birthday…

Though the rest of us enjoyed the b.e.s.t. bagels in the world for breakfast, Elaine opted for her favorite – the hard boiled egg with salt!

With Grandma Hamilton on the train to go ride the carousel

Singing telegram from “Ma and Pa” Godby. She wasn’t quite sure what was going on. (It was probably my dad’s singing voice that made her scared).

We were gone a little longer than anticipated, and naptime was upon us. I was concerned that Elaine would be grouchy and wouldn’t enjoy the carousel. She solved the problem by napping in her stroller!

Grampa and “Noey” waiting for Elaine to finish her carousel ride.

{Jane’s Carousel}

2011-11-10T08:12:00.001-05:00

For Elaine’s birthday, we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge Park to ride Jane’s Carousel. It was built in 1922, and Jane took 25 years to restore it by hand (no chemicals). It is in a big glass cube at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, with an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline.

{the carousel and Brooklyn Bridge (under construction)}

{Jane’s Carousel – Philadelphia Toboggan Co. – 1922}

{Grampa Hamilton declined to ride and was immediately dubbed photographer. Ben & Nolan, Andrea & Elaine, Grandma Hamilton}

{I love this picture. The lighting is awesome!}

{It took a bit for her to warm up, and she always wanted someone on the horse with her, but eventually Elaine loved the carousel. She rode three times!}

Wordless Wednesday: Elaine Shares with Nolan

2011-11-09T12:01:00.001-05:00

{editor’s note: These toy dishes were Elaine’s birthday present from my parents. She shared them with Nolan as you can see in the picture. He would move his feet, the dishes would fall off, and Elaine would utter an “Ohhh, nooo!” Then she set to work putting them back on top of Nolan. This repeated itself several times!}

She’s Two!!!

2011-11-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

On this day in 2009, around midnight, I finally got to hold my child for the first time. We called her Elaine, and she was adorable.

Now, two years later, she is just as adorable, full of energy, and so much more fun!
Yes – my sweet Elaine is now 2!

Happy Birthday, Elaine!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, and “Noey”

Delightful

2011-11-04T11:40:00.001-04:00

“Between the innocency of babyhood and the dignity of manhood we find the delightful creature of a boy.”

My innocent baby is growing into a boy too fast!

{four months old}

Rolled Away, Rolled Away!

2011-11-04T08:55:00.001-04:00

The song continues… “every burden of my heart rolled away!” But today something {or rather someone} else was rolling away – Nolan! As Elaine was having her breakfast, Nolan decided to view his world from a different angle, and he rolled from his back to his tummy!

{just after the roll}

I’ll leave you with a smile to start your weekend. Ours is packed with fun…grandparents coming to visit, a new toaster oven arriving in the mail {it’s the little things that count}, and Elaine’s birthday celebration! Nolan just can’t stop smiling about all the fun he is anticipating!

{Four Months Old}

Our Fourth Anniversary

2011-10-29T15:43:00.001-04:00

Our fourth wedding anniversary was on Wednesday. We had planned to go out last Friday night, but Nolan was sick so we stayed home. Mrs. Bickel was gracious enough to keep the kiddos for us, so we went out on Tuesday.

We parked the car in Park Slope and hopped on the train so we didn’t have to find a parking spot in downtown Brooklyn. It’s been a long time since I rode the subway with just Ben!

Ben took me to Juniors. They have been making world-famous cheesecake since 1950, and it is a true Brooklyn experience. While I can’t say the food was anything extraordinary, it was certainly delicious! We had a fried calamari appetizer which is one of my faviortes! The cheesecake, however, was out of this world! I had a festive slice of pumpkin swirl cheesecake.

Our beverages were served in glasses that had lines on them for the proper proportions of an “Egg Cream.” I was intrigued enough that I ordered one to accompany my dessert. It is flavored syrup {I chose coffee}, milk, and seltzer. It doesn’t sound great, but it was yummy!

First Snow

2011-10-29T12:48:00.001-04:00

It is snowing right now. According to the weather channel it was predicted to start tonight and we might get an inch. After enjoying a late brunch of eggs and pumpkin pancakes, we looked out the window to see the large wet flakes beginning to fall. It didn’t take long before the swimming pool and lawn furniture in our neighbor’s back yard were accumulating the white fluff.

Elaine was a little more than excited to see the snow falling. We donned hats, mittens, coats, and snow pants to go for a quick tramp out front in the snow. There wasn’t much to be had because the snow isn’t sticking to the ground yet, but Elaine was thrilled!

We read on the news today that this is the earliest snow NYC has received since the Civil War! This is Nolan’s first snow, but since he is still napping he doesn’t really know what he is missing!

Nolan’s Bumbo

2011-10-28T06:33:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of Nolan the first time that he sat in his Bumbo. He wasn’t very good at holding up his head!

Nolan is growing so fast I can hardly remember when he was that little. He sits in the Bumbo a lot now, and he really seems to like it!

Pumpkin Scones

2011-10-27T23:59:00.001-04:00

Money Saving Mom had a link to a recipe for Pumpkin Scones recently. I made a batch…and then another! They were sooooo delicious. They are the perfect autumn breakfast or coffee compliment! Here is the recipe, originally found at The Shoebox Kitchen.

Ingredients:
2 c. flour
1/4 c. + 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
6 Tbsp. cold butter, cut into pieces
1/2 c. canned or fresh pumpkin puree
3 Tbsp. half and half
1 egg

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together. Using a pastry cutter, blend butter into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. In a small bowl, combine pumpkin, half and half, and egg. Add at once to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. The secret to perfect scones are a minimum of handling! Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and form into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut into triangles. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Spiced Glaze:
1 c. powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
Pinch of ginger
Pinch of ground cloves

Combine sugar and spices. Blend in milk until glaze reaches drizzling consistency. Cool scones and then drizzle with glaze.

The original recipe called for two glazes, but I thought that was overkill. I also cut some large and some small triangles for my scones. I made my own pumpkin puree using the information gleaned from this post. Use a washed sugar/pie pumpkin and coat it with coconut oil. I then placed it in a 9x13 casserole pan and baked it at 400 degrees for about an hour. Then slice the pumpkin open, scrape out the seeds (this task is so much easier after the pumpkin is baked rather than before), and then the “meat” of the pumpkin falls right off the skin. I blended it in the blender with a small amount of water until smooth. Two pumpkins yielded me 6 cups of puree, which I froze for making these scones and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

A Note to Men

2011-10-27T06:26:00.000-04:00

Our toilet seat has been loose and wiggly for a while now. I finally bought a new one this week. I installed it myself because I had a guest on their way over to the house, and the current seat was barely held in place! I happened to glance down at the box and got quite a chuckle out of a little note at the bottom. Here’s what it said:

So there you have it. The secret to a harmonious home!

Nolan’s Breakfast

2011-10-26T11:22:00.001-04:00

…and yes, he did spill milk all over me!

Wordless Wednesday: Four Years Ago…

2011-10-26T05:11:00.000-04:00

A Glimpse into Brooklyn: The Feast of Tabernacles

2011-10-20T23:05:00.001-04:00

This post is for my friends outside of NYC. If you’re like me, you are a little ignorant of some of the Jewish holidays that are celebrated. Living in Brooklyn has opened my understanding to a lot of things regarding the Jewish people. Though I knew the Old Testament was given to the Jewish people, I am learning more and more about just how Jewish my faith as a Christian really is!

I wanted to share an example with you. We have a large Orthodox Jewish neighborhood not far from us. In fact, I gave birth to Nolan at the hospital in that neighborhood! I am always amazed to see how fastidious they are in their traditions – keeping the Sabbath, wearing the prayer shawl, and the modesty of their dress to name a few. It is amazing to drive through Boro Park and just watch the people. It is also sad, because they are so lost and so blind, though they claim to serve the same God as do I.

Last week the Feast of Tabernacles began. My pastor has written a series of handouts on the Jewish Feasts and Festivals and he gives them to us at the appropriate time of year. This is from his handout on Sukkot:

It is the harvest festival to remember God’s visible presence and abundant provision during Israel’s forty years in the wilderness. God commands seven days to be set aside to dwell in a sukkah (booth) to recall with rejoicing their temporary homes.

Today, the building of the sukkah begins at the close of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). It must have a view of the stars through a palm and willow roof decorated with harvest fruit. It is the custom to carry myrtle, palm and willow branches (lulav) which are bound together and held in the right hand, while the etrog (citrus fruit) is held in the left hand and waved together by individuals at the appropriate time during the synagogue services.

John described Him [Jesus] as the Word that was made flesh and “dwelt” (God in a sukkah/booth) among us (John 1:14). The resurrected Messiah ascended to Heaven and the Spirit descended to dwell not just among us, but in us. The Church, every believer, is God’s sukkah (Ephesians 2:22).

The Orthodox Jewish people actually build a sukkah on their house to celebrate this feast. I coerced Ben into driving through Boro Park so I could take a picture and show you what they look like!

Some are bought, and look very “professional” and nice.

Some are just plywood panels. Most sukkahs that I have seen are on the terrace or in the front yard.

This one is more like a tent. Some are just tarps over a frame.

I really wanted a picture of a blue sukkah, because they are prettier. Ben was nice enough to drive around until we found this one.

Wordless Wednesday: Nolan’s Playground Experience

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Paint Chip Color Matching

2011-10-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

Recently a friend gave us some paint chip samples to make an activity for Elaine to learn her colors. We put it together last week. Here is the original inspiration for this craft. They did it to teach different shades of colors.

I cut the paint samples to 2x3”, rounded the corners, and laminated them. Then we cut a smaller square, about 1x1” and glued each one to a clothespin. Not only does this teach color matching (and names), but it helps to develop motor skills!

How to Drink Chocolate Milk

2011-10-16T21:57:00.001-04:00

Last week Ben earned the title of “best daddy” when he introduced Elaine to chocolate milk. Here’s how to have chocolate milk…Elaine style!

Gather the stuff…cup, straw, milk, syrup.

Pour in Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. It’s important to buy the name-brand product for this one!

Stir!

Daddy says it needs more chocolate. Add some more!

Insert straw.

Taste. This is the first reaction. Always give it a second chance!

Mmmmm. Much better!

Nursery Organization–Frugal Style

2011-10-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

update: I was featured on IHeart Organizing for Reader’s Space! If you are here from IHeart Organizing, thanks for stopping by!

One of the two closets we have in our Brooklyn apartment is in the kids’ room. It has been the catch-all for anything that doesn’t have a home…and it’s been driving me nuts. It wasn’t high on Ben’s priority list because he isn’t in that room very often, and there wasn’t a lot of money in the budget to spend on cool organizational containers. So…I decided the tackle the task, frugal style. In the end I was very pleased with the results.

BEFORE:

I only took one before picture, and it’s hard to tell what is going on, but most of it was a mess!

AFTER:

Here is the final after shot. I’ll show you some close-ups as we go along!

Nolan’s clothes were organized into plastic tubs and labeled by size. I already had these containers, but they were a mess.

I used the same labels that I had designed for Elaine’s clothing bins. They match the Peter Rabbit décor of the nursery.

Nolan’s clothes had to go in the closet because Elaine’s were already stored under the crib (below). I would have preferred bigger containers, but the closet isn’t very deep so I had to get the only size that would fit. In the end it was a good choice because I will have to be selective in which clothes I choose to keep for future boys (if there are any). I don’t have room to store everything!

Back to the closet. There is a lot of storage room above the shelf, but the height of the door frame limits the access. I had things in zippered plastic bags (like new comforter’s come in), but they were all just thrown and shoved onto the shelf and it was hard to find the needed items.

I decided to use cardboard boxes. I have a lot of them on hand from my internet business. But…I was going for a more visually appealing effect. So I covered the front of each box with a piece of 12”x12” scrapbooking paper. I just folded it to overlap on the top and the bottom. Since the items in these boxes are not used frequently, I didn’t feel the need to cover the whole box. I popped off some more labels – IHeart Organizing style – and taped them on the boxes!

I also re-organized the toys. For one toddler and one baby, I feel like I have toys coming out my ears! (Thank you, grandparents. The endless noise from these toys never ceases to remind us of you!)

I also added a shoe organizer for Nolan’s little shoes and other items. Elaine had an organizer on the front of the door was was whipped into better organization.

And I sorted the clothes by child and by size, eliminating the ones that Elaine had grown out of. Why didn’t I do that before? Now I have a better idea of what we have and what we need for the fall/winter!

Elaine loves to draw and color. I used some containers already on hand to get her art supplies into shape!

We use a frosting container for crayons and a parmesan cheese shaker for markers!

I don’t have much space to store a lot of craft supplies, but I do like to keep things on hand for making projects for my toddler. I don’t remember where I saw the idea, but I chose to use Ziploc bags and clip hangers (or clothespins and a hanger) to hang them in the closet. Most of the kids’ clothes are in drawers, so we had the space to spare on the clothes bar.

These plastic drawers have been around for a while, but we re-purposed them for the toys, baby doll “equipment”, purses (Elaine has TONS of those considering she is not yet two!), and quiet/learning activities.

I really like Elaine’s book “center.” It is an old army trunk from WWII that I got for $1 at a garage sale when I was in high school. I sponge painted it. It holds extra sheets and bedding. (We have another larger one as the coffee table in our living room). We just turned a crate on it’s side for the books. And the blocks found a home in a big plastic candy “barrel” that our neighbor was going to recycle.

And just in case you’re wondering – that is an original Little People farm. I played with it as a little girl too, and now Elaine gets to enjoy it!

And since we’re in the nursery, I just want to take another opportunity to show off the crib. Ben ~~made~~ built (that’s a more manly word, right?) it, and it will {hopefully} last for generations. I think it is just so pretty! And I made the crib sheet and blankets.

So that’s it – the nursery organized, and I didn’t spend a dime on it! Thanks for stopping by. I found a lot of my ideas at IHeart Organizing, and Pinterest.