The Maynors came to Davis for a visit! The last time they were here was 3 years ago, when Grayson (turning 4) was a year younger than Noah is now! This trip was "supposed to be" a great time to celebrate our new job, to finish the quilts we started last year in St. Louis, and to be out and about as much as possible... But it was better than that, in ways we wouldn't have chosen or expected. We're still waiting to figure out the job situation; Noah and Lillian had fevers almost the whole time; Bean's nose ran (and ran and ran and ran); the daddys worked on fixing cars; and the fabric was looked at longingly from time to time...
What DID happen, and what we wouldn't give up for the "perfect" vacation: we loved each other in a very real life kind of way. We ordered more take out, took more naps, and prayed together in our weakness. It felt good to be loved for the mess we are :)
There was ladybug catching, car patching, smoothie chugging, laundry lugging, mess making, cookie baking, chair swirling, hair curling, singing, hugging, laughing, loving, bathing, reading, dancing, cheering, little-boy-spat interfering, merry-go-rounding, fire-truck sounding, tooting, hooting, wii-game rooting, pizza, thai food, striped noodles, coffee, pancakes, dishes? OODLES! Happy hellos, sad goodbyes, and hopes to do this all again, these are the things that make us LIVE, these, the things that make us friends.
Favorite quotes from the weekend:
Grayson: Noah, what did you do?
Noah: oot ! (Noah's word for "toot") *now imagine them repeating this conversation more than 100 times in 4 days.
Abby (talking about Matthew and Peter): Those two are great together!
We miss you guys already.
March 23, 2009
March 17, 2009
Greener than a Green Thing's Green Bits
I get that saying from Bronwyn--my most wordish friend. You can have fun with it: "Noah, your feet are stinkier than a stinky thing's stinky bits" (etc.) Abbs had a great time greening up for school today. There was NO way she was going to get pinched.
March 11, 2009
"Mee-go!"
Hang in there with us...we hope we will have job news soon! In the meantime, check out the Bean on his favorite merry-go-round! He calls it the "mee-go" (hands swirling to get his point across). His animal of choice? The horse.
It was "pig day" at the Farmer's market on Saturday. See the flickr pics for one of Noah petting a (stinky) piglet! I am SO glad we are not pig farmers.
It was "pig day" at the Farmer's market on Saturday. See the flickr pics for one of Noah petting a (stinky) piglet! I am SO glad we are not pig farmers.
March 6, 2009
TOOTH! Or, lack thereof.
Her smile will never look the same. That row of perfect little baby chicklets has a noticeable and sizable GAP now! You should see the girl eat a banana; the bite pattern leaves a big notch where she is missing her top tooth. Oh and she can't whistle anymore (I don't know why, exactly, but she thinks this is the case. I don't think she could really whistle before the tooth was missing). Her cute S's are even more cute because you can see her little tongue working to make the sound :)
After she got the tooth out (a major process--it was several weeks of daily reporting on the state of the tooth, the struggle with eating and with making her tongue sore from fussing with the tooth, etc.) she said: "Momma, look how wiggly my tooth is!" As she pointed to the NEXT tooth over. I told her that other tooth had better stay put for a while! We can't take another month of daily tooth drama! That next sucker is NOT very wiggly, so we are encouraging her to leave it be lest she be unable to bite things until she turns 8.
But isn't she a cutie?
After she got the tooth out (a major process--it was several weeks of daily reporting on the state of the tooth, the struggle with eating and with making her tongue sore from fussing with the tooth, etc.) she said: "Momma, look how wiggly my tooth is!" As she pointed to the NEXT tooth over. I told her that other tooth had better stay put for a while! We can't take another month of daily tooth drama! That next sucker is NOT very wiggly, so we are encouraging her to leave it be lest she be unable to bite things until she turns 8.
But isn't she a cutie?
sweet nap
My boys are tuckered out. It is rare that Noah will sleep outside of of his crib--he is too distracted or excited by other venues (and having people around) to get shut eye without the safe enclosure of crib bars and his trusty bear, "Boo."
This day, however, we spent time romping at the Farmer's Market, the library, and a stop at the post office. Noah was pooped. Apparently, Matty was too! Bean was asleep in the car by the time we got home and remained asleep!!!! (for the first time in over a year, for sure) as daddy carried him in the house! So Matty took the opportunity to get snuggles from the little guy. They used to sleep like this all the time in Bean's early days. Daddy's chest was the BEST spot in the house! I'd argue that it still is :) I'm so glad I have pictures of the two of them just like this at different stages. Look how our Noah Bean has grown!
These are moments I treasure deeply.
This day, however, we spent time romping at the Farmer's Market, the library, and a stop at the post office. Noah was pooped. Apparently, Matty was too! Bean was asleep in the car by the time we got home and remained asleep!!!! (for the first time in over a year, for sure) as daddy carried him in the house! So Matty took the opportunity to get snuggles from the little guy. They used to sleep like this all the time in Bean's early days. Daddy's chest was the BEST spot in the house! I'd argue that it still is :) I'm so glad I have pictures of the two of them just like this at different stages. Look how our Noah Bean has grown!
These are moments I treasure deeply.
March 3, 2009
how sweet
Long days of waiting.
Don't we all know how these are? Well, no matter if you are waiting for Spring, for a job, for a proposal, for healing, for a tooth to come out, for a paycheck to come in, for a baby to come home, for glory...you are not alone. We humans are so often obsessed with the future, with what will come? When will it be here? When will I know?
DEEP BREATHS. My seven year old (yes, SEVEN YEARS!) reminds me of how sweet it is to delight in the simple pleasures all around us, despite the looming doubts and uncertainties. On a walk the other day, she picked this little bundle of flowers for me. She was so happy to be able to give me something beautiful. Little does she know how much beauty she brings to our lives every day!
Last week, Abby handed me a white sheet of paper, rolled up diploma style. She said it was for my graduation. I unrolled my diploma and read (between stars and exclamation points drawn in crayon): "You have finished the level of kindness!!!!!!"
I got my degree in KINDNESS?! The people who know me are chuckling... But really, this funny little piece of paper signifies more achievement than my master's diploma (which is still sitting in a file in the registrar's office, waiting to be picked up after three years...). I value my MA. I value getting a PhD. But when I think about the deepest treasures we have, I think of people I love, not things I've done. Between Abby's gestures like picking wildflowers and making precious declarations that I'm "the best mommy in the world" and Matthew is "the best daddy" and Noah is "the best brother", I think--does it get any better than this?
So, as we wait through times of disappointment, angst, and testing on the job market, we have this sweet girl seeking out the things we overlook, the things all around us that cry out: "You are loved! You are provided for SO well! Do not worry about tomorrow!" And those things challenge the disappointment and the doubts. We have it SO good.
I'll write in soon about the results of the job search. We hope we'll have resolution in the next 2 weeks or so. But in the meantime, know that the Pearsons4 are more than just "hanging in there"--we are being tended to day by day, by a good God who knows us, who loves us, and who provides faithfully all that we need (and even some things we want!). Yeah, we have tears and we have the regular moments of joy and of dashed hopes, but we have each other. And we are being reminded that life is bigger than this job market.
Don't we all know how these are? Well, no matter if you are waiting for Spring, for a job, for a proposal, for healing, for a tooth to come out, for a paycheck to come in, for a baby to come home, for glory...you are not alone. We humans are so often obsessed with the future, with what will come? When will it be here? When will I know?
DEEP BREATHS. My seven year old (yes, SEVEN YEARS!) reminds me of how sweet it is to delight in the simple pleasures all around us, despite the looming doubts and uncertainties. On a walk the other day, she picked this little bundle of flowers for me. She was so happy to be able to give me something beautiful. Little does she know how much beauty she brings to our lives every day!
Last week, Abby handed me a white sheet of paper, rolled up diploma style. She said it was for my graduation. I unrolled my diploma and read (between stars and exclamation points drawn in crayon): "You have finished the level of kindness!!!!!!"
I got my degree in KINDNESS?! The people who know me are chuckling... But really, this funny little piece of paper signifies more achievement than my master's diploma (which is still sitting in a file in the registrar's office, waiting to be picked up after three years...). I value my MA. I value getting a PhD. But when I think about the deepest treasures we have, I think of people I love, not things I've done. Between Abby's gestures like picking wildflowers and making precious declarations that I'm "the best mommy in the world" and Matthew is "the best daddy" and Noah is "the best brother", I think--does it get any better than this?
So, as we wait through times of disappointment, angst, and testing on the job market, we have this sweet girl seeking out the things we overlook, the things all around us that cry out: "You are loved! You are provided for SO well! Do not worry about tomorrow!" And those things challenge the disappointment and the doubts. We have it SO good.
I'll write in soon about the results of the job search. We hope we'll have resolution in the next 2 weeks or so. But in the meantime, know that the Pearsons4 are more than just "hanging in there"--we are being tended to day by day, by a good God who knows us, who loves us, and who provides faithfully all that we need (and even some things we want!). Yeah, we have tears and we have the regular moments of joy and of dashed hopes, but we have each other. And we are being reminded that life is bigger than this job market.
February 24, 2009
we're still here
The Pearsons 4 are still here. We're still on the job market and will have updates soon. Suffice it to say that things are busy around here! As it has been an emotionally exhausting experience, I've avoided blogging. Sometimes the public forum seems too public, and I wonder how much to say and not say as we go through the ups and downs of looking for a job! Twice I've attempted to post and had blogger dump me off and lose my post. Oh well.
If you have specific questions, email me. We will emerge from under this rock soon and shed some light on the situation! Just as soon as we know what is going on ourselves!
If you have specific questions, email me. We will emerge from under this rock soon and shed some light on the situation! Just as soon as we know what is going on ourselves!
January 21, 2009
the moment
We watched the presidential inauguration this morning, live. Abby watched at school. I tried to get Noah's American flag sweater on him for the picture, but he has had a fever for a couple of days and just wasn't in the mood to be gussied up. So, here he is in his little dog PJs looking on with mom and dad as Obama becomes president. I LOVED the quartet with Yo Yo Ma and Itzak Pearlman. Noah enjoyed it for a couple of minutes, then asked his daddy to play a you tube video of "Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round." It was a real morning--kiddo with a fever, hubby getting ready for the day, me making coffee then sitting on the floor with Noah. It was also a momentous and history changing morning. Funny how we can experience both the momentous and the mundane simultaneously.
January 20, 2009
A Moo-ving experience
We got to see this tiny cow be born tonight! Matty and Noah saw the hoofs sticking out, but the momma cow was taking too long, so they went home and Abbs and I stayed behind to see the rest of the birth. With a little help --a strong and smooth pull--from one of the guys who works at the cow barn, out came a little moo cow. And then came the questions! Why can't the baby stay with the momma (a practice of dairy barns)? Did you hear the momma moo? Was it owie to have the baby? Was it owie to have me and Noah? Is the baby OK? When will it get to nurse?
Then the cow guy got to talking to another onlooker about artificial insemination and how they can tell when the cows are "ready" to be inseminated...this included details about bulls jumping on cows (mounting), cows jumping on cows, etc. and Abby's eyes were large as she asked me:
A: Why would the bulls do that?
G: Uh, that's how they make baby cows.
A: That's so mean!
G: Well, they aren't mean to each other, and besides, there aren't any bulls at this dairy barn.
A: I'm so glad I'm not a cow that gets jumped on.
Oh boy. There weren't any more specific questions, so I let it go. I guess cows might end up being her entry into the birds and the bees talk one day. That is so Davis, California. I forget sometimes that we live in Dairy central. Anyway, it was super cool to see a calf born. I kept feeling sorry for the momma cow. Even the way she waddled around and the way her little eyes seemed so say "I'm tired" seemed familiar. Sigh. For Abby, the evening just made her more sensitive to the fact that we eat animals. She has started to feel very sad lately about eating chickens, pigs, and cows. She cried the other night about a joke I made regarding rabbit stew. She could NOT believe people would eat a bunny. It was a big scene. Matthew was laughing, making Abby indignant, but it was nearly impossible not to laugh--she was so passionate and upset! It reminded me of myself when I was her age. One time my mom had purchased a mouse trap to catch a mouse we had in the house. This is no joke: I made two large posters--one for me and one for my little sister-- and we picketed my mom outside our house. The signs read "Rights for Mice!" "Mice have lives too! Mice have rights!" Apparently it was kind of embarrassing for my mom.
Anyway, I'm just hoping that Abby doesn't become a vegetarian anytime soon. That would make meal planning a challenge.
Then the cow guy got to talking to another onlooker about artificial insemination and how they can tell when the cows are "ready" to be inseminated...this included details about bulls jumping on cows (mounting), cows jumping on cows, etc. and Abby's eyes were large as she asked me:
A: Why would the bulls do that?
G: Uh, that's how they make baby cows.
A: That's so mean!
G: Well, they aren't mean to each other, and besides, there aren't any bulls at this dairy barn.
A: I'm so glad I'm not a cow that gets jumped on.
Oh boy. There weren't any more specific questions, so I let it go. I guess cows might end up being her entry into the birds and the bees talk one day. That is so Davis, California. I forget sometimes that we live in Dairy central. Anyway, it was super cool to see a calf born. I kept feeling sorry for the momma cow. Even the way she waddled around and the way her little eyes seemed so say "I'm tired" seemed familiar. Sigh. For Abby, the evening just made her more sensitive to the fact that we eat animals. She has started to feel very sad lately about eating chickens, pigs, and cows. She cried the other night about a joke I made regarding rabbit stew. She could NOT believe people would eat a bunny. It was a big scene. Matthew was laughing, making Abby indignant, but it was nearly impossible not to laugh--she was so passionate and upset! It reminded me of myself when I was her age. One time my mom had purchased a mouse trap to catch a mouse we had in the house. This is no joke: I made two large posters--one for me and one for my little sister-- and we picketed my mom outside our house. The signs read "Rights for Mice!" "Mice have lives too! Mice have rights!" Apparently it was kind of embarrassing for my mom.
Anyway, I'm just hoping that Abby doesn't become a vegetarian anytime soon. That would make meal planning a challenge.
January 18, 2009
The wisdom of a seven year old
Here are a few of the funny things Abby has said in the first 2 days of being seven years old!
On fiscal prudence:
A: I like going shopping. It's fun to buy things.
G: Yes it is.
A: But you have to be careful.
G: Hmmm, how come?
A: Because you don't want to be, what's it called? "Broke?"
===
On choosing one's work:
(After Abby told a story about encouraging her friends in P.E. at school)
M: It sounds like you're a good leader. Maybe you should be in the army.
A: No, that would be really hard work.
M: It would be really hard work if you were a dolphin trainer too.
A: Yeah, but if I don't work hard as a dolphin trainer, I'll lose my job; and if I don't work hard in the army, I'll die.
M: touche!
===
On self esteem:
(On a bike ride with me, Noah, and our friends, Bronwyn and Teg)
A: Bronwyn, aren't you SO excited about my birthday party?
B: Yes, I am.
A: I'll be the most important person there!
and later, after Abby thanked Bronwyn for treating us to frozen yogurt...
B: Thank you, Abby, for riding bikes with me.
A: You're welcome.
B: And thank you for eating yogurt with me. It is always more fun to eat yogurt with friends.
A: Mmm Hmmm.
B: And thank you for being so cute.
A: I'm almost always cute.
On fiscal prudence:
A: I like going shopping. It's fun to buy things.
G: Yes it is.
A: But you have to be careful.
G: Hmmm, how come?
A: Because you don't want to be, what's it called? "Broke?"
===
On choosing one's work:
(After Abby told a story about encouraging her friends in P.E. at school)
M: It sounds like you're a good leader. Maybe you should be in the army.
A: No, that would be really hard work.
M: It would be really hard work if you were a dolphin trainer too.
A: Yeah, but if I don't work hard as a dolphin trainer, I'll lose my job; and if I don't work hard in the army, I'll die.
M: touche!
===
On self esteem:
(On a bike ride with me, Noah, and our friends, Bronwyn and Teg)
A: Bronwyn, aren't you SO excited about my birthday party?
B: Yes, I am.
A: I'll be the most important person there!
and later, after Abby thanked Bronwyn for treating us to frozen yogurt...
B: Thank you, Abby, for riding bikes with me.
A: You're welcome.
B: And thank you for eating yogurt with me. It is always more fun to eat yogurt with friends.
A: Mmm Hmmm.
B: And thank you for being so cute.
A: I'm almost always cute.
Answers to questions I didn't make up
From my friend Lisa's blog, and now on mine.
1. What is your occupation right now? Mom/ grad student/ full time hubby-helper and encourager as we face a tough job market
2. What color are your socks right now? not wearing socks. I live in california and it was 70 degrees yesterday! OK, that was a record high and I am wearing wooly crocs.
3. What are you listening to right now? the clickety click of the keyboard, Noah making choo choo sounds and Abby asking me if Noah is allowed to stand up in his toy car. Now Noah is banging the metal coffee tamper on the metal trash can. AAAGGGGGHHH. Too loud!
4. What was the last thing that you ate? CAUGHT! A bite of Abby's b-day cake (it's still a long way till noon.)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, Matty taught me almost 10 years ago
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Matthew. Noah called my phone from Matty's phone (this happens a lot).
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes
8. How old are you today? 31
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? College football followed by ice skating. Though Phelps had me riveted by swimming last year!
10. What is your favorite drink? coffee
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes. wash out stuff to go darker. Tried highlights once about 4 years ago. didn't do it for me.
12. Favorite food? I don't know. I love good food, so this is too hard. How about food I didn't have to cook!!
13. Last Movie you saw? Doubt. M and I had a date!
14. Favorite days of the year? I don't know. Days I get to take a nap?
15. How do you vent anger? sometimes with tears, sometimes with words
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? does a cat count? I had an awesome cat named Shadow.
17. What is your favorite season? I do not like "favorite" questions. I like different things about all of the seasons. Maybe Fall gets my vote, but it also makes me nostalgic and sad sometimes for reasons I can't quite figure out.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? fresh cherries! AMAZING
23. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday, but it was a long while before that.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? I don't have a closet. It's my desk now, and usually a disaster.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Christina or Lisa
26. What did you do last night? Cleaned my closet/desk! No joke!
27. What are you most afraid of? too deep a question. If you want to know, you'll have to call me.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? plain--as with almost everything, plain is usually better!
29. Favorite dog breed? Hmmmm...the quiet, non-wiggly, non-stinky breed?
31. How many states have you lived in? 4, so far
32. Diamonds or pearls? both
33. What is your favorite flower? hydrangeas, dogwoods, tulips, gerber daisies
1. What is your occupation right now? Mom/ grad student/ full time hubby-helper and encourager as we face a tough job market
2. What color are your socks right now? not wearing socks. I live in california and it was 70 degrees yesterday! OK, that was a record high and I am wearing wooly crocs.
3. What are you listening to right now? the clickety click of the keyboard, Noah making choo choo sounds and Abby asking me if Noah is allowed to stand up in his toy car. Now Noah is banging the metal coffee tamper on the metal trash can. AAAGGGGGHHH. Too loud!
4. What was the last thing that you ate? CAUGHT! A bite of Abby's b-day cake (it's still a long way till noon.)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, Matty taught me almost 10 years ago
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Matthew. Noah called my phone from Matty's phone (this happens a lot).
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes
8. How old are you today? 31
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? College football followed by ice skating. Though Phelps had me riveted by swimming last year!
10. What is your favorite drink? coffee
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes. wash out stuff to go darker. Tried highlights once about 4 years ago. didn't do it for me.
12. Favorite food? I don't know. I love good food, so this is too hard. How about food I didn't have to cook!!
13. Last Movie you saw? Doubt. M and I had a date!
14. Favorite days of the year? I don't know. Days I get to take a nap?
15. How do you vent anger? sometimes with tears, sometimes with words
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? does a cat count? I had an awesome cat named Shadow.
17. What is your favorite season? I do not like "favorite" questions. I like different things about all of the seasons. Maybe Fall gets my vote, but it also makes me nostalgic and sad sometimes for reasons I can't quite figure out.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? fresh cherries! AMAZING
23. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday, but it was a long while before that.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? I don't have a closet. It's my desk now, and usually a disaster.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Christina or Lisa
26. What did you do last night? Cleaned my closet/desk! No joke!
27. What are you most afraid of? too deep a question. If you want to know, you'll have to call me.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? plain--as with almost everything, plain is usually better!
29. Favorite dog breed? Hmmmm...the quiet, non-wiggly, non-stinky breed?
31. How many states have you lived in? 4, so far
32. Diamonds or pearls? both
33. What is your favorite flower? hydrangeas, dogwoods, tulips, gerber daisies
happy 7 year old!
Abby turned 7 yesterday (the 16th). She had a fun party with a bunch of friends and we celebrated her for the wonderful girl she is. What a joy to have Abby in our lives!
January 11, 2009
the other big reason I'm not blogging much...
We're waiting waiting waiting to hear back from schools that interviewed Matty. We're in that tense moment between interviews and calls for fly-outs. So, we've talked as much as we can about every scenario we can think of, and there's not much more to talk about. All we can do is wait! We're a bit jittery and distracted. It is very hard to give updates, because we don't really have clear updates to give. This week should bring with it some clarity, we hope! So please be praying for us.
In the meantime, we are trying to keep busy, keep distracted from the job search a bit, and focus on how GREAT we have it right now: we're safe, healthy, warm, well provided for with our jobs, weathering this tense time as a family remarkably well, and we know we will be fine no matter what happens! There are tons of families and individuals around the world who know nothing of the peace and comfort we have right now, despite the big wait and the major anticipation. That perspective helps keep us grounded just a little.
In the meantime, we are trying to keep busy, keep distracted from the job search a bit, and focus on how GREAT we have it right now: we're safe, healthy, warm, well provided for with our jobs, weathering this tense time as a family remarkably well, and we know we will be fine no matter what happens! There are tons of families and individuals around the world who know nothing of the peace and comfort we have right now, despite the big wait and the major anticipation. That perspective helps keep us grounded just a little.
why I haven't blogged much lately...
Danger Mouse is climbing. He is especially drawn to the stove (and the stove knobs, and anything sharp, heavy, or otherwise perilously dangerous that he can spy). He looks innocent in this picture, but don't let the cuteness fool you; he's all kinds of trouble! OK OK, I'm exaggerating a tiny bit, but he is becoming VERY daring and has little respect for potentially dangerous things. And with the top-heaviness (his head must weigh as much as the rest of him), he isn't the most graceful or balanced of kids. He took a header (haha) out of the bath tub not long ago because he was looking over the side. His wet little body just went over--slip!--wet, naked baby, surprised and a little mad to be on the cold bathroom floor. Does that hinder him from trying to stand in the tub or look over the edge? Of course not. I'm putting lead shoes on him if we ever go to Sea World! He would go swimming with Shamu, and not on purpose.
Of course, here I am proving to you all that I'm running for the camera faster than I am running for the kid. Oh well. That's part of why I've been slow to blog: trying to keep up with Bean Head,
Of course, here I am proving to you all that I'm running for the camera faster than I am running for the kid. Oh well. That's part of why I've been slow to blog: trying to keep up with Bean Head,
January 8, 2009
a new year, a new computer? um, NOPE
Well, I tried to score a new computer for the new year by dumping a WHOLE GLASS OF WATER on my open macbook. Matthew saved the day by closing it, flipping it, removing the battery--this all looked a lot like the heimlich maneuver, by the way--before it was fried. So I have been without a computer for a while as we let my computer dry out thoroughly.
So far so good...I think my computer has been resuscitated. Thanks to Matthew, Bron and Jeremy for all of your quick thinking and techy efforts on my behalf!
I haven't blogged for a while, and it feels like there is simply too much to repot. Ugh. Where to start? I guess I'll just say that we're thrilled to have Matty home from the interviews. They went well, we think. We now wait to hear about fly outs. Any of you praying types, PLEASE pray for us--that we will get a job and that we'll have peace during the big wait.
OK, gotta go talk to Abby about her birthday party! I'll try to blog again very soon.
So far so good...I think my computer has been resuscitated. Thanks to Matthew, Bron and Jeremy for all of your quick thinking and techy efforts on my behalf!
I haven't blogged for a while, and it feels like there is simply too much to repot. Ugh. Where to start? I guess I'll just say that we're thrilled to have Matty home from the interviews. They went well, we think. We now wait to hear about fly outs. Any of you praying types, PLEASE pray for us--that we will get a job and that we'll have peace during the big wait.
OK, gotta go talk to Abby about her birthday party! I'll try to blog again very soon.
December 22, 2008
my husband is 32 today, and as subtle as ever (see below)
Yes, those of you who know Matthew know that he is clever and has a great sense of humor. Well, I'm glad he does, because I get to experience moments like these. I walked into the livingroom today to Abby's giggles and Matthew's instructions to Noah: "Go show mommy. Go find mommy and turn around. Go on. Go get her!" Look closely at the picture. The sign should have been more of a warning sign, but it communicated truthfully enough.
Matty, Happy Birthday! I don't know anyone else who would sharpie their kid for a laugh, but I am so glad you are just the way you are. OK, so maybe there is a teeny tiny room for improvement--God isn't totally finished yet--but, really, you are an awesome guy. You are becoming the finest man I could hope to know, and you are a model dad to your little ones. 32 years isn't very long, and to think you are as terrific as you are already! I love you, baby. Happy happy birthday!
Matty, Happy Birthday! I don't know anyone else who would sharpie their kid for a laugh, but I am so glad you are just the way you are. OK, so maybe there is a teeny tiny room for improvement--God isn't totally finished yet--but, really, you are an awesome guy. You are becoming the finest man I could hope to know, and you are a model dad to your little ones. 32 years isn't very long, and to think you are as terrific as you are already! I love you, baby. Happy happy birthday!
December 14, 2008
The most wonderful time of the year
We've been quite busy around here! Matty and I are nearly done with the quarter's grading work, and we're trying to get Christmas gifts taken care of as well as putting together the last bits of M's job interview wardrobe. We're having fun!
Hanging out with daddy on the weekends.
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Picking out our Christmas tree (Abbs picked the cutest tree, just her height!)
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Being visited by dear friends from seminary--all the way from their home in Brazil!! This was the first time we had met the Pires' children, Mila and Pedro! Luciene and Luciano met Abby when she was born (in St. Louis) and hadn't seen her since was about a year old! What a huge delight to see all of them! I didn't know if we would ever see each other again this side of heaven!
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Mom sent Noah this car (and gas pump). He LOVES it. He sits in it and drives around the house. Whenever he watches a show, he sits in the car, drive-in style.
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
This is my favorite new development of the week! Abby is learning to sew with the grown-up sewing machine!! She designed this headband/belt ON HER OWN!!!!!!! No joke. She took a pile of scraps I gave her and cut, pinned, and coordinated pieces until she had the look she wanted. I helped her with the steps to make a bow tie to finish things off, but she had a hand in every step. She threaded the machine, worked the pedal, the presser foot, the thread cutter, all of it! I am SO SO proud of my girl! When it was all done, she exclaimed: "I made my first piece of clothing!" The pride and wonder at her accomplishment was beautiful. What's more, seeing something made of her own whimsical, creative ideas makes us truly delighted and proud of her. Abby, you are inspiring! (see our other photos for more pics!)
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Snuggling in the morning. The kiddos continue to love on each other, snuggling and laughing a lot.
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Noah's morning antics today: he's decided to be naked. We can't keep jammies or a onesie on him. He will wear only socks and his diaper. Good thing we have heat.
OK, that's the update! I'll check back in soon!
Hanging out with daddy on the weekends.
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Picking out our Christmas tree (Abbs picked the cutest tree, just her height!)
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Being visited by dear friends from seminary--all the way from their home in Brazil!! This was the first time we had met the Pires' children, Mila and Pedro! Luciene and Luciano met Abby when she was born (in St. Louis) and hadn't seen her since was about a year old! What a huge delight to see all of them! I didn't know if we would ever see each other again this side of heaven!
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Mom sent Noah this car (and gas pump). He LOVES it. He sits in it and drives around the house. Whenever he watches a show, he sits in the car, drive-in style.
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
This is my favorite new development of the week! Abby is learning to sew with the grown-up sewing machine!! She designed this headband/belt ON HER OWN!!!!!!! No joke. She took a pile of scraps I gave her and cut, pinned, and coordinated pieces until she had the look she wanted. I helped her with the steps to make a bow tie to finish things off, but she had a hand in every step. She threaded the machine, worked the pedal, the presser foot, the thread cutter, all of it! I am SO SO proud of my girl! When it was all done, she exclaimed: "I made my first piece of clothing!" The pride and wonder at her accomplishment was beautiful. What's more, seeing something made of her own whimsical, creative ideas makes us truly delighted and proud of her. Abby, you are inspiring! (see our other photos for more pics!)
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Snuggling in the morning. The kiddos continue to love on each other, snuggling and laughing a lot.
December morning
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Noah's morning antics today: he's decided to be naked. We can't keep jammies or a onesie on him. He will wear only socks and his diaper. Good thing we have heat.
OK, that's the update! I'll check back in soon!
December 3, 2008
Matty&G
I needed no better excuse to take a few pics of Matty and me than Matty was looking extra cute today as he rode to campus for a mock interview with professors. The job market season is revving up! I hadn't expected the added bonus of a dapper Matty running around the house all the time!
We had a great time visiting my family in San Diego this Thanksgiving. I'll post pics soon, but highlights included (according to Abby and Noah): lab puppies to hold, sit-in cars to ride around in, M&Ms at Mimi's house (LOTS of M&M's!) to eat, snuggles to share, and play time with cousins ti enjoy. It was fun to see Noah bonding with my mom and grandma. He already took to my sister, probably because we look so much alike now (minus her blonde hair, of course)!
Anywho. Things are good. We have so much to be thankful for, and life feels very sweet these days for our little family. Just thought I'd share...
We had a great time visiting my family in San Diego this Thanksgiving. I'll post pics soon, but highlights included (according to Abby and Noah): lab puppies to hold, sit-in cars to ride around in, M&Ms at Mimi's house (LOTS of M&M's!) to eat, snuggles to share, and play time with cousins ti enjoy. It was fun to see Noah bonding with my mom and grandma. He already took to my sister, probably because we look so much alike now (minus her blonde hair, of course)!
Anywho. Things are good. We have so much to be thankful for, and life feels very sweet these days for our little family. Just thought I'd share...
November 23, 2008
big plans
I handed Abby a magazine of cute painting projects for kids rooms. She made several gasps at lavender, blue, and green rooms, then said:
A: Oh, momma, look at this pink room! When we move can I have my own room?!!?
G: That's what we're hoping for.
A: I have my room, Noah has his room, and it's up to you guys if you want to sleep together.
Yes, I think Matty and I will still share a room...however, we might graduate to a king-sized bed to accommodate the morning dog pile of kids.
A: Oh, momma, look at this pink room! When we move can I have my own room?!!?
G: That's what we're hoping for.
A: I have my room, Noah has his room, and it's up to you guys if you want to sleep together.
Yes, I think Matty and I will still share a room...however, we might graduate to a king-sized bed to accommodate the morning dog pile of kids.
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