We are all finally back home, to an almost completely repaired house. John and Jacob came home on Monday, so repairs could continue, and I drove home yesterday, through the rain, with Aaron. Just today, the men finished hanging the new drywall, mudding and taping, and plastering. They will paint on Saturday.
We had a great Christmas at Nana and Papa's house. We have pictures, but I just haven't seemed to get my bearings yet, after being gone for 12 days, and then coming home to more construction, along with all the sorting of Christmas toys and stuff.
2009 was a big year for us. A wet year. We had four different water-intrusion issues this year, plus our big move. But most important, we have Aaron. And we are thankful. We are thankful for our healthy, beautiful children, a newly-repaired roof over our head (and insurance to cover the damage), a fantastic job for John, and loving and supportive extended family.
We are looking forward to 2010, but we're hoping that it's a little drier (inside our house, outside is fine), and a whole lot less construction. We have a very busy month in February, and some other trips planned. It should be fun.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
First Library Trip
My mom and I took the boys to the library for the first time yesterday. (I know, bad Mama. At least I finally did it, right?) We were in need of a change of scenery, but also wanted a place where Aaron can move around, and the library was a perfect spot.
The Paso Robles Public Library is a great library with a bright, clean area for the children. They even have puzzles and assorted building toys (blocks, lincoln logs, etc.)
And, the ever popular fish tank, with stools, so children can get up close and watch:
I read both the boys some stories, Jacob asked the library volunteer to help us find some dinosaur books, and we even checked out two books to take home.
Yes, I will have to do this more often. Maybe even attempt story time.
The Paso Robles Public Library is a great library with a bright, clean area for the children. They even have puzzles and assorted building toys (blocks, lincoln logs, etc.)
And, the ever popular fish tank, with stools, so children can get up close and watch:
I read both the boys some stories, Jacob asked the library volunteer to help us find some dinosaur books, and we even checked out two books to take home.
Yes, I will have to do this more often. Maybe even attempt story time.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Annual Santa Visit
This time, we visited Santa in Paso, which means the pictures were free! Hooray! No Orange County mall prices (or lines).
I love how Aaron is looking at Santa just like Jacob did in this picture, and Jacob was much more willing to sit on Santa's lap, unlike last year.
I love how Aaron is looking at Santa just like Jacob did in this picture, and Jacob was much more willing to sit on Santa's lap, unlike last year.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Taking a Little Time...
(Aaron's first swing ride!)
... to relax, play, and have fun during the holiday crazies!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Change of Plans
The boys and I are headed out tomorrow, off to Nana and Papa's house for Christmas. They were supposed to come here, but since our walls will be ripped out tomorrow, and there will be a containment area (for the mold and asbestos removal, making it difficult to climb our stairs), we decided to go there instead. John will join us on either Wednesday or Thursday.
But, I thought I would leave you all with one question before we go.
.
.
.
What do you do with stockings?
.
.
.
Why, you wear them, of course!
But, I thought I would leave you all with one question before we go.
.
.
.
What do you do with stockings?
.
.
.
Why, you wear them, of course!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Christmas House Tour
(Very, very long post! *grin*)
Christmas is my favorite time of year. The sights, the sounds, the smells; it truly is a season for the senses.
And every year, as I'm listening to my vast quantity of Christmas music, a song speaks to me. Stops me in my tracks. Causes me to pause amidst the crazy hustle-bustle of the month's never-ending to-do list. (This year, the song was Mary, Did You Know. I think it's this song about every other year.) And I think about the absolute, incredible miracle that occurred 2,000 years ago. For God loved us so much, that He sent His Son, as a little baby, to save us (John 3:16, Isaiah 9:6)! God incarnate! How amazing is that!
I want my children to experience this same awe and wonder. John and I have started some traditions and have special decorations to help celebrate this most miraculous birthday. Plus, some things are just for fun.
So, come on in, and see how we celebrate our Savior's birth. (And we'll just avoid the part of the house that has leaky roofs, and soggy, moldy, asbestos-filled walls, okay? Remember, from this post?)
Our first stop is here at the advent wreath.
I think that the church season of Advent is important for children. It's an important time as we prepare our minds and hearts for celebrating His birth, and encourages patience. Of course, if you remember from last year, Jacob ties the advent wreath into birthdays.
My mother also made this beautiful Christmas Countdown Calendar, which Jacob looks forward to every day in searching for his "treat."
The Christmas tree is also an important part of our Christmas tradition.
Yes, we do use an artificial tree. For me, it's a matter of safety more than anything, but to each their own, right? Anyway, ever since children, the tree has made me laugh, because I still put my breakable keepsakes up top out of reach. Then there is a line with no ornaments, and the bottom foot or so has fabric ornaments that the boys can't destroy. This year, Jacob also decided to decorate the tree with some coasters from India.
If you notice, there are no presents under our tree. This is because I do not want that to be the focus during the advent season. Presents do not arrive until Christmas eve. What you will find under our tree is the very cool Fisher Price nativity set. Jacob loves to set up the characters, and Aaron loves to chew on them. Perfect.
You will also find lots of other nativity sets around our home.
These are just a few. If you notice, one has Santa kneeling in front of the manger. We do have Santa in our house, but focus on how Santa only wants to bring glory to Jesus. And of course, you can't have Santa without stockings!
My mother made these for us. Aren't they beautiful? She's amazing. If you notice, there are stockings for all four of us. We exchange gifts amongst all of us, and not just for the kids. It's important in our house that the children understand that it isn't all about them, and to give gifts to others, including Mama and Daddy.
One of our gifts this year is the gift of cookies, so i've been busy.
This is just a small sample. I love to bake, and love to include my children. We will also be making cupcakes on Christmas eve. Since Christmas is a birthday celebration, we make birthday cupcakes, and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
Jacob and I also made this (with a little help from Daddy), just for fun.
And, our house is never complete without a vast quantity of books.
This is only some of our children's Christmas books. Most are about the nativity story, but some are just for fun.
And finally, this is the beginnings of our Christmas card door. For we love to hear from all of you, too.
As I head out the door, I pause, and say a prayer for each of the people represented in those cards. For you are all such blessings in our lives!
May you find special and meaningful ways to celebrate our Savior with your family. Merry Christmas!
Christmas is my favorite time of year. The sights, the sounds, the smells; it truly is a season for the senses.
And every year, as I'm listening to my vast quantity of Christmas music, a song speaks to me. Stops me in my tracks. Causes me to pause amidst the crazy hustle-bustle of the month's never-ending to-do list. (This year, the song was Mary, Did You Know. I think it's this song about every other year.) And I think about the absolute, incredible miracle that occurred 2,000 years ago. For God loved us so much, that He sent His Son, as a little baby, to save us (John 3:16, Isaiah 9:6)! God incarnate! How amazing is that!
I want my children to experience this same awe and wonder. John and I have started some traditions and have special decorations to help celebrate this most miraculous birthday. Plus, some things are just for fun.
So, come on in, and see how we celebrate our Savior's birth. (And we'll just avoid the part of the house that has leaky roofs, and soggy, moldy, asbestos-filled walls, okay? Remember, from this post?)
Our first stop is here at the advent wreath.
I think that the church season of Advent is important for children. It's an important time as we prepare our minds and hearts for celebrating His birth, and encourages patience. Of course, if you remember from last year, Jacob ties the advent wreath into birthdays.
My mother also made this beautiful Christmas Countdown Calendar, which Jacob looks forward to every day in searching for his "treat."
The Christmas tree is also an important part of our Christmas tradition.
Yes, we do use an artificial tree. For me, it's a matter of safety more than anything, but to each their own, right? Anyway, ever since children, the tree has made me laugh, because I still put my breakable keepsakes up top out of reach. Then there is a line with no ornaments, and the bottom foot or so has fabric ornaments that the boys can't destroy. This year, Jacob also decided to decorate the tree with some coasters from India.
If you notice, there are no presents under our tree. This is because I do not want that to be the focus during the advent season. Presents do not arrive until Christmas eve. What you will find under our tree is the very cool Fisher Price nativity set. Jacob loves to set up the characters, and Aaron loves to chew on them. Perfect.
You will also find lots of other nativity sets around our home.
These are just a few. If you notice, one has Santa kneeling in front of the manger. We do have Santa in our house, but focus on how Santa only wants to bring glory to Jesus. And of course, you can't have Santa without stockings!
My mother made these for us. Aren't they beautiful? She's amazing. If you notice, there are stockings for all four of us. We exchange gifts amongst all of us, and not just for the kids. It's important in our house that the children understand that it isn't all about them, and to give gifts to others, including Mama and Daddy.
One of our gifts this year is the gift of cookies, so i've been busy.
This is just a small sample. I love to bake, and love to include my children. We will also be making cupcakes on Christmas eve. Since Christmas is a birthday celebration, we make birthday cupcakes, and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
Jacob and I also made this (with a little help from Daddy), just for fun.
And, our house is never complete without a vast quantity of books.
This is only some of our children's Christmas books. Most are about the nativity story, but some are just for fun.
And finally, this is the beginnings of our Christmas card door. For we love to hear from all of you, too.
As I head out the door, I pause, and say a prayer for each of the people represented in those cards. For you are all such blessings in our lives!
May you find special and meaningful ways to celebrate our Savior with your family. Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Some Belated Thanksgiving Photos
On a walk with Grandma and Grandpa, one chilly afternoon.
Aaron was all bundled up.
Jacob and Grandma head down the slide. (Just looking at John in short sleeves is making me cold!)
Must... try... to... touch... that... big.. furry... thing!
Aaron was having a great time with his beautiful second cousins, G and E.
Aaron was all bundled up.
Jacob and Grandma head down the slide. (Just looking at John in short sleeves is making me cold!)
Must... try... to... touch... that... big.. furry... thing!
Aaron was having a great time with his beautiful second cousins, G and E.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Aaron crawling
What a weekend!
With the heavy rain on Saturday, we discovered that our new house--even with its brand new roof--is not, as hoped, impervious to water. Apparently the roof does not slope correctly in one place, so water can pool up and eventually penetrate into the walls. Long story short, we had a big roof leak; lots of drywall is soaked, and we currently have three dehumidifiers in the house running 24/7. Moreover, because it's probably been leaking in the wall ever since the new roof was put up (or even earlier), there's mold. Pfft. All the trouble and expense of moving, and it's just like the old house. Fortunately, our homeowners insurance sent out emergency crews within a few hours, put a tarp on our roof, and set up the aforementioned dehumidifiers. Still, I'm a little worried that Jacob is going to grow up thinking that it's normal to tear out drywall and call out a construction crew every time it rains.
Fortunately, we managed to make up for lost time on Sunday and get a bunch of Christmas-related chores done. So if all goes according to plan, our friends and relatives will be receiving their Christmas cards before the new year. And even better, Grandma and Grandpa were in town for work, so they got to swing by this evening and play with the grandkids. Fun!
With the heavy rain on Saturday, we discovered that our new house--even with its brand new roof--is not, as hoped, impervious to water. Apparently the roof does not slope correctly in one place, so water can pool up and eventually penetrate into the walls. Long story short, we had a big roof leak; lots of drywall is soaked, and we currently have three dehumidifiers in the house running 24/7. Moreover, because it's probably been leaking in the wall ever since the new roof was put up (or even earlier), there's mold. Pfft. All the trouble and expense of moving, and it's just like the old house. Fortunately, our homeowners insurance sent out emergency crews within a few hours, put a tarp on our roof, and set up the aforementioned dehumidifiers. Still, I'm a little worried that Jacob is going to grow up thinking that it's normal to tear out drywall and call out a construction crew every time it rains.
Fortunately, we managed to make up for lost time on Sunday and get a bunch of Christmas-related chores done. So if all goes according to plan, our friends and relatives will be receiving their Christmas cards before the new year. And even better, Grandma and Grandpa were in town for work, so they got to swing by this evening and play with the grandkids. Fun!
This evening, Aaron figured out a new trick—actual crawling. Up until now he's been an expert at "Army crawling," where you drag your body along the ground as you move. Now, it's the real deal:
(Geek note: I love my new phone. It's so easy to take video now. The camcorder was okay, but it was never handy when I needed it, the process of transferring video from the camcorder to computer was slow, and the video files were gigantic. With the phone, it's always in my pocket, it's three clicks to start recording, and the files are reasonably-sized and transfer from the phone to the computer in just a second or two. Apple products are amazing.)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Leafblower
The family is in Paso Robles for the weekend, and Papa decided it was time to do some leafblowing. Naturally, Jacob had to help:
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