The Big 3-0

W turned 30 yesterday!! And I didn't have one thing planned for the weekend. Long story...W became obsessed quite enamored with a product called Utilikilt back in September. He's wanted one ever since he got fitted for one--but these puppies sell for $300. 

W had done some research and discovered that they travel to fairs around the area. Since the company is still in its grassroots development, they allow volunteers to help out with these fairs in exchange for merchandise. So back in March, W contacted them about the local Maker Faire on his birthday weekend. He was hoping to have fun helping sell kilts and then barter his time for one. He was super excited and was told he was first on the list. But come closer to the weekend and he still hadn't heard anything from them. Long story short, he had to jump through lots of hoops just to find out they had forgotten about him and were already staffed. My disappointed hubby was such a good sport and we made up plan B as we went along.

We went for a hike after a great morning at the Farmer's Market with friends,

Did some building and truck playing,

And had a fabulous breakfast before church on Sunday

I told W that our next weekend plans will by far make up for his cancelled ones, but he said he loved his birthday weekend even with Plan B.

Happy Birthday, Lover!

Painting With Water

One of the more simpler and way basic activities in the art book I recently purchased was painting with water. Totally not re-inventing the wheel here, but sometimes you just need a little reminder of easy peasy things to do. During a morning of outside play, I grabbed some water and an old brush and let E go to town. And to town he did! He totally loved playing and I loved the easy prep and clean up. All I did was snap pictures. We give this activity four thumbs up!

I think E was channeling a more passionate Picasso art piece than he was a mild Monet...

Pregnancy No-Where Land {25 weeks}

Since I've already hit the half way mark, I feel like weeks 21-29 are just out there. Like no real land-mark during that time--you're just humming along-- until BAM! week 30 hits and you've only got 10 more. I know third trimester starts week 28, but 30 seems so much farther along. It is a bit nerve-racking to think we've about 3 months until this little boy comes.

And after getting a sneak-peek of heat on our vacation, I've confirmed what I already suspected: being pregnant and heat are a recipe for horribleness. I despise swollen feet. We'll be spending all our time at the pool or I'll be hating prego life with its swollen toes. We might actually have to use our AC this year. Bummer.

Our little guy now has a nickname, thanks to G-pa. He's affectionately called "Boy". Quite original, huh? ;)

And I'm still in shock over how much of a sweet-tooth Boy has. I mean, I was not in the least bit sugar-crazed with Ezra. It was all about the salt. This time is a completely different story. I guess it's God's way of helping me finally understand those women who had ice cream, candy and cookies all the time. So I'm pretty sure I'll be gaining the same amount of weight, if not more, with this little guy. Yeesh!

A girlfriend {who's also on her second and due the week I am} called me a few weeks ago just to ask, "Jess, are you tired? Like really tired? And like everyday?" "YES!!!!" is what I said in response. I'm seriously tired still even though I'm in my second trimester. But I've been told by two friends and a SIL that magnesium does wonders and I may be in deficit. So I'll be heading to the health food store soon for some topical cream. Other than that, I feel great.

I've just been trying to soak up only having one little one to chase after and the joy of giving him all my attention. All the while, making mental notes that my alone times are a complete luxury that I may not see for a long while after baby Boy is born. Mental preparations should help with transitions, right?! I'm sure it'll still be a wake-up call when I actually go through it. ;)

My hopes and prayers have been to get all our planned projects done in time, finish my reading stack, go through my teacher boxes to make way for more garage storage, have at least one night away with W, attempt to transition E to his bed, and cook and freeze some meals...in addition to all the other typical newborn prep-work. Long list with about three months to do it. Heh. A girl can dream.

Buh-bye, toes...

Mixed Berry Cobbler

I wish I was a baker! Where I could just 'whip up' some scones, rosemary wheat bread or some homemade sweet cinnamon rolls. W is definitely much more well-versed with his Kitchen Aid mixer than I am. I have unrealistic visions of me wearing my Anthro apron, covered in flour and butter while about to serve up some sweet treats {I just happened to feel inclined to make} to my mouth-watering family or invited guests. Still haven't ever come close to this...perhaps I should take a baking 101 class {Stef?!}. 

But pre-boxed baking aside, I've discovered I can 'bake' with my crock-pot! {Seriously, can this thing pay my bills too?!}

Mixed Berry Cobbler

What you need:

1 package {16 oz) frozen mixed berries

3/4 granulated sugar

2 T quick-cooking tapioca

2 t grated lemon peel

1 and 1/2 C all-purposed flour

1/2 C packed light brown sugar

2 and 1/4 t baking powder

1/4 t ground nutmeg

3/4 C milk

1/3 C butter, melted

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream {says optional but in this family, mandatory!}

What you do:

Coat crock-pot in non-stick spray. In medium bowl, mix berries, granulated sugar, tapioca, and lemon peel. Transfer to pot. For topping, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and nutmeg in medium bowl. Add milk and butter; stir until just blended. Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of berry mixture. Cook on low for 4 hours. Uncover; let stand for 30 minutes. Serve with ice cream!

The house smelled amazing! One step closer to baking stardom! ;)

Switching Gears

For the past several months, I've been on a crafty kick. Well, that's finally slowing down some. I blame it on the fact that the new Joann's is still not open yet {the 20th}. But this also happens to be typical J style. I'll go in full-out burst then fizzle out and lay it aside with the hopes of picking it up again some time later. Probably explains why I start things so early-- I know I need some time when I don't do anything with it. 

All that to say, my current focus is back to the books. After lingering in Simplemom's recommended reading list, my amazon cart was quite full of some great books. I couldn't want to start!

Currently reading: Simplicity Parenting

Wow! This book is utterly amazing. It completely spells out W and I's parenting philosophy wonderfully. We've always understood that we do things a bit differently and are a bit hippy, but I've had a hard time fully laying out our intentions for doing the things we do or want to do. This author beautifully articulates what I've been hoping to rely to others. 

The basic premise is that our culture {and therefore our children} suffers from too much: too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too fast. Payne peels back each of these to reveal the joy of living simply so that children can actually embrace their childhood. "A protected childhood allows for the slow development of identity, well-being, and resiliency." {p12} It's been hard to put this puppy down and not read every paragraph out loud to W when he's home.

In the stack, waiting to be read...

 First Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos

I've already leafed through this one a bit and am excited to try some out with E. It basically takes the approach that at this age, it's all about discovery. Not a final project. So the ideas in here are meant to spur exploration through an art process. You probably won't get a cute little piece to hang up on the fridge, but they'll be tactile-learning about the world around them!

Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching & Learning the Greatness of God

Theology 101 for little ones. Sharing ways of living out and teaching little ones God's truth.When the author's girls were just toddlers, he tried to creatively teach them the same things he was teaching his seminary students. Looking forward to reading this gem!

Heaven On Earth

Super new-aging-ness aside, this book follows the Waldorf/Montessori idea that parents are their children's first teachers. What I was most interested in was the ideas about creating play spaces for indoor and outdoor areas with variety of natural toys, incorporating kids into daily chores and rhythms, and it's very do-it-yourself approach.

It's been awhile since I've read anything 'instructional' and not just for entertainment. I'm really looking forward to some learning and seeing where I can implement these goodies in our day-to-day routines!

{28th} Birthday Weekend

May {as well as December} is kind of a big month in our home. W's and my birthdays are a week apart days wise; but he's 2 years older. This year turned out to be a weekend celebration.

Close friend and adopted sister, Linds, was visiting from Colorado for a wedding. And we got her for two nights! Such a treat since we haven't seen her since she moved back home in December. Saturday morning, we reunited with Meggs and my parents for a walk to the farmer's market. We shared some coffee and hardy laughs before meeting up with the boys.

 E and his {once all local} Aunties.

From there, my parents took E for the day. W built a fire and we relaxed before I got ready for a women's tea event at our church. It was my first year going--Nat was hosting a table and she did a fabulous job!!

Morgan modeling gracious tea etiquette.

 Long haired Mamas!

I dashed back home, changed, and headed out with my hubby to do some fun, kid-free activities...{well, actually, not all that different from the usual except with the pleasure of uninterrupted attention on each another}

We fed the ducks for a short bit...

Walked ever-so-slowly through Draeger's Market, buying a few things I've needed for recipes but couldn't get at our local Safeway. Then headed to my favorite-of-favorites store. I also walked that entire place very slowly, tried the lotion samples, handled all the merchandise, and ignored the fact that my belly is growing by trying on some clothes. Simple girl, simple needs, simple pleasures. :)

Here's happy me with 2/3 of my birthday loot. They have new monogrammed mugs which I was all over! And I actually found several items that I could pass as maternity so I had a hard time deciding what top to get.

And I so appreciate my hubby who joyfully indulged me. Then it was off to Thor 3D.

And out for a late dinner. Definitely our latest night out in a long time, but so refreshing! It was such a delight to have some extra afternoon time to each other. For my actual birthday, we relaxed at home. We all just needed a "down day" and the weather wasn't really one for an adventure out. W brought me breakfast in bed. I napped, read, and baked. W played some worship songs on guitar since E napped through church. We enjoyed many warm fires, a walk, and some good family time.

There are moments, if I lose perspective, when I become anxious or scared about aging. I don't know if I'll panic in two years when I hit the big 3-0. I have a feeling I won't. Maybe because I didn't really have a mental checklist of requirements to accomplish by that age or a standard of looks to uphold. I think my challenge will come around 50 when my healthy parts start to fail and just not work as properly. Or I can't do the same things I once did with speed and without help. When aging brings you face to face with the simple fact of your mortal limits, that's hard. Good thing I have a few years before then. ;)

But really, I enjoy aging. I love adding years together with my husband, adding experiences with my son, and adding adventures as a family. All of those joys take time. Take years to build. I'll happily exchange some of the" pains" of aging for these precious gifts of time!

Thank you, friends and family, for making this girl feel special!

5 Things I'm Loving {C.B.Swenson Edition}

One of the many reasons I love visiting and spending time with beloved, like-minded families is comparing notes. I'm able to learn many more tips, tricks, and helpful hints in a short amount of time than online researching/surfing alone. Here are some of the new things one of my sis-in-laws, Carolyn, shared with me during our way-too-short weekend together.

1. TJs Microfiber clean-up cloths

How did my kitchen survive this long without these quick drying things?! And why am I still shelling out cash for paper towels?!

2. Homemade Toothpaste Recipe

 All natural, chemical free. Ok for my little Buki to swallow. And it actually makes your teeth feel so smooth and clean. We were hooked after using it for the weekend. Will definitely be buying the ingredients and whipping up a batch as soon as we get re-settled with life!

3. This health food recipe website

We ate the delicious meal above, but what I most love about the site is its break down of all the nutrients in each recipe. And the recipes posted are not only tasty but packed with lots of minerals and vitamins!

4. The Jesus Storybook Bible Videos

Had no clue that our kids' bible has a website that posts new videos on a weekly {?} basis. Since we haven't really started the whole sitting in front of the tv thing yet, this would be a great training ground for it. ;)

5. Baby Underwear

The Carter's brand "Just One You" undies are carried by Target. Charis fits in them during the day besides sleeping times and I may just have to get a few pairs to try with E. I didn't know they came in sizes small enough for little bums. We are not aggressive enough in his potty training to do undies just yet, but these could be great incentive for me to get going!! His little tush would be so cute in them!

Current Dinner Conversations

...E's first hair cut...

We all know that E is totally sportin' the baby mullet. There is just no denying that he's got some major party action in the back.

W is all for getting his first big boy hair cut AFTER October. He is convinced that E should be McGyver for Halloween.

I *think* I'm ready for a hair cut now. Half of me really wants to see what he'll look like all cleaned up..at least a trim. The other half of me loves the long, surfer look and doesn't want to face a more 'grown-up' look. 

...Our next car purchase...

We dropped of my car at the dealership for a once over before leaving for vacation. While there, we popped over to the showroom to check out the VW Routon, their version of a mini-van. We were impressed and hopeful that this could be the next purchase after saving up for the 'affordable' price tag.

Unfortunately, after mom's Consumer Reports investigation, we discovered that its prone to break-downs and is actually a Chrysler's body base. Yuck. No, thanks! So we're back to square one. I don't want an SUV or a popular mini-van. We have been oohing over the Pilot but actually seeing the inside of a mini-van, made it much more appealing to a mom with future kids in mind. Sigh. So we may end up with a Sienna or Odyssey...just like everybody else. Either way, we best get to saving!

...5 weeks of vacation...

Part of W's up-coming job will include very long hours during the work week. A bonus to this will be the 5 weeks of vacation time he'll be awarded during the first year. Recently, we've been swooning over the idea of finally making it to Hawaii. We've tried a few times to make it there on the cheap, but it never came together. W has never been and it's been yeaaars since I've been back. Kaui was our go-to island growing up, but I feel like we should start with O'ahu with Pearl Harbor and all its history. W is a huge history nerd buff.

Anyway, it's on our  'to-do' wishlist for the up-coming year. I do cringe when thinking about buying three tickets, but I figure we'll need it after having to adjust to two kids and another job with the potential of a commute.

Travel is such a bug, huh?! You come back and you're already brainstorming future trips.

...W's Men's Group Study...

It's been delightfully fun to see God providing opportunities to help meet our New Year's goals. One of W's was to start a parenting book together. God answered that by putting W as a co-leader for an early morning men's group. They are going through a parenting book that we had heard of before from various families at church and are excited to read along together as the group does.

It seems to be targeted toward 'older' kids but so far lays a great foundation for practical application. It's goal "is to build family relationships while helping kids learn better ways of responding to life's situations." From what we've been told, it's a great practical companion to another fabulous parenting book that we've read.

Final Days of Vacation

On Thursday, we met up with Ams and Abby for a trip to the zoo. They had some guest passes and thought it'd be a fun place to hang out for the day.

Although E didn't take a great nap before we left, so he was not in the happiest of moods. And it was pretty hot inland. Hard to imagine those animals being comfortable in that heat too. Even with those things against us, we had a great time checking out the animals and spending time together.

That evening, we put my dad, who had motorcycled down that morning, in charge of 'watching' the sleeping babe. Then W and I headed back to Jon and Amy's place in Brentwood for some dessert and catch-up time.  

The following day was more mellow. We stuck around campus during the day since it was too chilly and foggy for the beach. E got some lap time with G-ma, busily working away.

That evening we went out to eat at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. A kid-friendly place with lots to entertain E.

Wes showing the crazy peanut barrel and hanging pictures. 

The place is right on the beach so while waiting for our food to come, we spent some time chasing the seagulls...

 running from waves...

 and getting wet.

The portions were enormous here! This was the app I ordered that was consumed by four different people, with food still left over. I should have know, given the size of the water glasses!!

 

So, although we didn't go anywhere new or exotic, this definitely was a fun-packed and relaxing vacation. It was great to see so many people we love and not feel like we were rushing down and back like our usual So. Cal trips. Just makes us long for all of W's family to be closer. Sure, we look forward to our comfy beds and the predictability of routine, but it was such a fabulous time!