An attempt at gardening

A heart shaped rock found in our back yard.

Eli at almost 6 months old.

So we have been busy, as usual. Although, we did make time to plant a garden this last weekend. Hopefully in 2-3 months we will have zucchini, cucumber, carrots, tomato, basil, oregano, and thyme. It's been easy thus far, only because it has been pouring down rain this last week we haven't had to water. Which is where I get forgetful. I can't even remember to water the house plants. They are alive only because I have a fabulous husband who takes care of our indoor and outdoor plants. Selah is pretty excited about it as well. She asks to see the garden every day and still feels that she must water the seeds even though we have had an ample amount of rain. So I let her fill her teacup and pour it onto the dirt anyways. When she gets her mind set on something she has to follow through.

I have mentioned before that she is quite independent. Well today I asked her to go sit on the potty and even handed her the potty stool, that gets carried everywhere. She proceed to grab it from me, go lay it back where it was, and then pick it up to take it to the bathroom. I love the fact that she is independent, and find it humorous the things she does to prove that. Although, I know there will come a day when it will bother me. Namely, when she reaches her teenage years. Ugh! I don't want to think about it yet. Anyways, she is now sleeping in a big girl bed and is doing really well. She seems to get up at least once telling us that she needs to go potty, which is good. Hopefully we can start on being nighttime potty trained. I am amazed at the skill children have in mastering "the stalling game." It is an innate skill that does not need to be learned. Something God created in them to bring humor to our lives...or stress at bedtime. Here is a common conversation between Selah and I once she is tucked in:

I proceed to leave the room...

Selah: Wait! I have to tell you something mommy.

Me: What do you have to tell me sweet heart?

Selah: umm...ummmm...ummm...I don't know!

Then she will talk about something random. Such a little stinker!

She is also using the word 'cool' a lot more and telling me she wants to 'hang out' with me.

Eli is such a cuddle bug and so darn cute! He is getting two more teeth in, this time on the top. He rolls across the floor with increasing speed and is doing fairly well with the solid food. I thought that it would help him possibly go longer than two hours before nursing again, but that hasn't happened. I even followed the advice of the doctor, but to no avail. Eli just likes to eat!

In other news, my graduation ceremony is in two weeks! So excited!!! I will try and get announcements out this weekend. My cousin, a professional photographer, took our pictures and they are so lovely. I should get those tomorrow and they will be sent out with the grad. announcements.

Well I will leave it at that. Next months budget needs to be determined. For those of you who struggle with debt, as most people do, we recommend taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It has helped us pay off our car, credit card, and student loan debt all before I graduated. It takes discipline, namely changing spending habits, but it is so worth it.

Well as Tigger says, "TTFN!" Ta Ta For Now!

I love to cook!

I thoroughly enjoy cooking! I really didn't realize that I had such a fondness until I got married and had to cook for Dan and I. Then after Selah was born and she started eating solid food I had the privilege of making homemade baby food for her, and now I am doing the same for Eli (I will try and post pictures soon). I was also just asked to help cater an event at our church. So excited for that opportunity!

I like knowing that my family is getting tasty and nutritious food. One of my favorite blogs to read is all about healthy cooking. And what I mean by healthy is not eating all raw vegetables, rather using fresh ingredients and limit the use of salt, fats, and processed foods. Check it out here. It is called Finding Joy in My Kitchen. We have made several of her recipes and have yet to find one we did not like. Here are a few we really like:

Lasagna Soup

Smothered Aussie Chicken

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Mint Oreo Crunch

Have fun recipe surfing!

My babies

I love Selah and Eli's unique personalities. I just wanted to take a moment and write about them so that they can look back and read what they were like as children through my eyes.

My Selah is a clever girl and has proven to be quite independent. If something isn't working for her she keeps at it for a while. Very persistent and a good problem solver. She has a very caring nature. Loves to share with everyone. When she is down to her last bite of ice cream or chocolate treat she insists on sharing it with one of us. She is also a little comedian and loves to be tickled. One thing she has been doing lately is trying to nurse her baby dolls. However, she puts them right at her belly button! So cute! Selah is usually not the cuddly type, but I am thankful for those spontaneous hugs, kisses, and eskimo kisses that she increasingly gives throughout the day. One thing she does like to do a lot is hold my hand.

Selah also seems to have inherited Dan's musical abilities. She often takes the tune to another song and makes up new words. She also loves to dance, use glitter glue, and anything that is pink. Her and I went on a Mommy-Selah date last week, and one thing we always do together is go to Coldstone Creamery. We always share a small scoop of pink ice cream (Strawberry), one mix in (she picked gummy bears last time), and white cream (whipped cream) or chocolate sauce on top.

My sweet girl, I am so happy that God has allowed me to be your mommy. Your smiles, giggles, dancing, and running around bring a smile to my face. I love your humor, talking with you after Papoose and Children's church, and the little ways you surprise me with something new you learned. You are a beautiful and unique creation of God. I love you so very much, Selah! (a.k.a, Bub, Monkey, Se Se, Se J, Cutie Cutes, and Preciosa)

My Eli is now 5 months old! He has had many firsts lately. Today he had his first taste of brown rice cereal. He liked it! He would whimper when I wasn't giving it to him fast enough. At the end there was a minimal amount of rice on his bib. Selah even helped feed him. She wanted to try it, but immediately had a look of disgust on her face. I'm not sure if it was the rice cereal or the breast milk it was mixed with. He is getting his first tooth on the bottom, and has discovered his feet. They are just so fun to grab and put into his mouth. Eli, although he is young, has already proven to be quite the ladies man. The ladies, young and old, just flock to him. Could it be the blue eyes? They are quite dazzling! Could it be the smiles? Who doesn't love a big grin like his?!

Eli has such an easy going, laid back personality. He is quite content no matter where he is at. Whether he is rocking out during the music portion of worship on Sunday mornings or having quiet time with mommy in the evenings. He has plenty of smiles for whoever is holding him, until he gets tired. Very rarely does he fuss when he is tired. Instead he rubs his eyes and has a glazed over look on his face.

My precious son, you are a wonderful and adorable gift from God. I love the smiles you give me whether I am sitting across the room from you or getting you out of your crib in the morning. You are just so darn cute I just can't help but give you ooies and kisses! Your relaxed nature is a breath of fresh air from the busyness that surrounds us. I love you, Eli (a.k.a, cutie bug)

Resurrection Day

Painting Easter eggs with Gramma and Grampa Marion.

At the annual Easter egg outreach. It was soooo cold!

Sneak peak at their Easter outfits.

My Auntie Sonie made Selah's dress. It is beautiful!

We are nearing the end of Holy week, and will commence with the grandest celebration of all. It does not just end with Good Friday, Jesus' death on the cross. A good friend said this on Friday, "It may be Friday, but Sunday's coming!" Amen! This celebration is a time as followers and believers in Christ to remember and rejoice in His resurrection on Easter Sunday! Have a Blessed Easter remembering and praising the One who loves you more than you could possibly imagine!

Eli-4 months

Enjoying the great outdoors in his Bumbo.

Selah and her best friend Samantha.

Hanging out at the Children's Museum. That is my new double stroller I got a ridiculously good deal on. Regularly priced $500 and I got it for $165. Yeah baby!

Just another update for you folks who actually read this. I'm not sure how many of you are out there, but if anything it is a good way to chronicle my kids' childhood. So my blue eyed boy had a check up today. He is now 15 lbs. and 25 1/2 inches long. He is doing well! Dr. Basco was impressed by how strong he is and advised me that he is in the beginning stages of teething. Yeah, already knew that. The kid drools constantly and in high volume! He has yet to be cranky, though. Recently he has found his voice and we frequently hear him in his crib just 'talking' away. Eli is so cuddly, so content, and such a smiley boy!

Selah has been enjoying many play dates with her friend Samantha. Those two munchkins are the cutest together! It won't be long before those two are asking to have sleep overs. I pray it is a friendship that lasts a lifetime.

Last update I briefly mentioned a ministry opportunity that I was going to serve in. For those that do not know already I will be directing the summer program for our children's ministry department. I've been going through the curriculum and am so excited. It is going to be an in depth, challenging, life changing look at God's word for not only the kids, but the adults as well. So, if you remember please pray for me as I take on this huge role.

Our new home

God is faithful and has been revealing himself to us in many ways lately. Through providing a home for us, the incredible amount of help we have been receiving lately, and a ministry opportunity. Praise God for his faithfulness!

We moved into our new home last weekend. It is a cute little 3 bedroom house with a huge backyard. I don't have to share walls with anyone and I can do laundry in my home! I must admit I was a bit nervous moving out of the "Multnomah bubble." We were there so long and it was comfortable and safe. Now in a sense we are in the real world. Real neighbors who most likely are not believers. It's a welcome change, though. Thus far, it has proven to be a quiet neighborhood. There is a lovely little park that is just one block away. We've yet to try it out because (1) it's been raining and (2) it's so nice having our own private, fenced back yard finally.

I mentioned that God has been revealing himself to us and the biggest avenue is through our church family. They helped us after Eli was born and then again when I got sick and couldn't do anything for 6 weeks. Which inconveniently overlapped with moving. However, God always provides, and several people came alongside us to help us with the move and also to help clean out our old unit.

In regards to the ministry opportunity, I won't say too much at this time. But I've always believed that the Lord sent me back to school for a reason, He was preparing me. Not only learning and gaining in knowledge, but also developing my character. After Selah was born I was going to wait until she started school to go back, but God had different plans. Well, a ministry opportunity was proposed to me a few months back that involves exactly what I want to do. Yes, I am scared, because I value children's ministry so much. I also realize it is not all on me. As I learned in my latest class, people are my most appreciable asset. I have the best team to work with! I am excited and ready to rock and roll!

It is finished

I have officially graduated from Multnomah University. Finished my Final Paper tonight and I will hand it in on Thursday during the celebration dinner with my cohort. So excited, proud, thrilled, and sad. Yeah, just a little sad. I'll miss it all...learning, being challenged in a structured environment like that, classmates (although, we are planning monthly get-togethers), professors, and the beautiful campus. Not only have I gained knowledge, but even more so spiritual growth and character development.

*sigh* Wow! It's hard to believe I am finished. Ever since Dan and I met, which was 7 years ago, I have been in school. Only taking breaks when Selah and Eli were born. So, I think he is more excited than I am. Because he has been by my side through this whole journey he has been the greatest encouragement. Often kicking my booty to read and write when I felt unmotivated. Not literally, but he would give me a look that said just do it. Often times the hardest part in writing is just getting started, but once I start I can't stop. He would bring me special treats or snacks, and make me cups of tea as I sat at my computer late at night. A lot of times he would stay up with me, because just having him in the room encouraged me to work and unfold my thoughts and ideas. He also said he couldn't sleep anyways knowing I was downstairs. He has been willing to read all of my papers. Considering I wrote 15-25 page papers every week these past two years he had a lot of reading material to keep up on himself.

Words simply cannot express how greatly I appreciate you, honey. Because you stood by me and encouraged me I have finally made it. I love you!