Kelli, Kelli Quite Contrary...How Does Your Garden Grow?

So I found my camera yesterdy morning. It was in my Sunday School bag (?). I was relieved that it hadn't been lost. Anywho, I thought I would show some pictures of the garden since it was right after I planted it that you saw pics. Things are thriving and it's been really neat to see how involved Avonlea is in helping to water, weed and harvest veggies. Every morning when Lincoln goes down for a nap, the two of us head out back together and work in the garden. Avonlea knows what plants are which and what vegetables/fruits grow on certain plants. She especially loves picking strawberries when they're ripe. It's funny because I've even taught her that she has to wait until things are "ripe" or fully grown to pluck and eat, so I'll hear her wandering around the plants saying things like, "You're not big enought to eat yet"...speaking to a green bean or a cucumber. It's funny. =)
































peppers

















yellow squash
















green beans


















what we harvested this morning

baby cucumbers

Easter Pictures

Easter Last Year















Easter, 2008 - Lincoln and Avonlea are dressed and ready for church






























Easter Baskets...Rob's (notice the beard trimmer!)
Lincoln's (in the football basket)
Avonlea's (white with pink bow)















"Striking a Pose" (??)















Dying Easter Eggs

One Voice Musical at Church- Easter Morning

Easter Facts

I found this on another person's blog, but thought it was interesting to read:

Did you know that.......

Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.
This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives!!! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1. The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

2. The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

Update, At Last!

Well, for those of you who have been wondering if I've fallen off the face of the earth...I haven't. I've lost my digital camera, which means no updated pictures. (sob) I've turned this house upsidedown and no luck. So, until my camera decides to show itself, I'll have to continue using my other non-digital camera and pictures might not be happening for awhile.



As for what we've been up to...



We had a wonderful Easter. This year, Easter came to me in a whole, different meaning. Rob and I participated in our church's musical production of One Voice accept that we did it in modern times. It was very interesting and after seeing it and practicing it over and over and over, I learned so many more things than I had before. My perspective of Easter was put into a modern-day setting and well, to explain everything would take me pages and pages of blogging so I won't, but don't we have such a wonderful Savior?!!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!



We had a really enjoyable day celebrating Christ's resurrection. We went to church, came home for some much-needed naps and then enjoyed company for dinner. The Swensons came over for a dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, carrots and a yummy dessert. We had an Easer egg hunt outside in the backyard and then when it got dark, we had a bonfire and roasted marshmellows.



This was the first year I actually hid Easter baskets. Last year, Avonlea was a little young and didn't understand even what an Easter basket was. This year, it was really fun. It's a tradition that Rob's family used to do (hiding the baskets) and we had fun doing it this year. Rob even got to hunt for his basket. Avonlea received a little, plush duck, some jellybeans, playdough, flipflops, and a small, chocolate bunny. Lincoln received a lunch bag with Cookie Monster on it, a plush bunny rabbit and yes, empty eggs. The kid can't eat jellybeans yet. Rob's gift in his basket was quite practical. He received a beard-trimming set. Some of you know that he played John the Baptist in our musical yesterday. Well, he had to grow his beard out and he was looking quite scruffy. Somehow, his old beard-trimmer wound up breaking last week and I wasn't about to let him have to go without trimming it after the musical so needless to say, he was quite happy to see what awaited him in his basket. =) He wasted no time in shaving his beard and trimming his go-tee.



Lincoln is talking away this week. "Ma-Ma, Da-Da and Ba-Ba (bottle)" are his favorites. Avonlea is on 7 different types of medications for her asthma and a nasty virus that's going around. Lincoln has now also caught this virus. Poor kiddos. So we're back on breathing treatments and trying to get ourselves through tantrums of taking medicine (Avonlea gives us the hardest time about taking her medications so unfortunately, we have to force them down her. It's so hard to do and it's even harder when Rob's not here to help me.) Anyone with ideas on how to administer oral medications to your child, please let me know!!!! I'm desperate!!! We've tried tea parties with medicine in the tea cups, letting her give it to herself, taking it while distracted, disguising it in foods/drinks and yes, I've even resorted to bribery (jellybeans) which I thought I'd never do. Some of the medications are crucial for her to take or she could have serious breathing problems. She's on some steroids, poor thing, and they don't taste very good.



As for me, life is good and I'm enjoying watching my children grow and learn everyday. Rob and I are going to Mexico this summer (by ourselves!!!) and we're very much looking forward to getting away and just spending time together. Something we don't get to do very often. We're looking forward to ziplining through the jungle, riding horses, hiking up waterfalls and dining out alone without the need of packing a diperbag and babyfood. =) We've both been inspired to join the local YMCA (they have GREAT family programs with everything included in your membership). They offer every type of class you can think of, childcare up to 2 hours, full gym, a rock-climbing wall, a huge pool complete with a large slide, and tons of activities for families. Avonlea is going to try a ballet class as well (again, comes with our membership). They have karate, after school classes with tutoring and so much more. What a deal. We love going and it's almost like a date night for us. Free childcare and although we're working out, we get to spend time with each other.



I guess this blog is long enough so I'll come to a close. I have pictures getting developed so as soon as they're ready, I'll scan them in and post them.



I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter yesterday and didn't forget the REAL reason we celebrate this holiday. It isn't about the bunnies, the baskets or the candy. It isn't about eggs, lilies or the holiday meal. It's about the fact that Jesus Christ died on an old, wooden, rugged cross. He had a crown of thorns placed upon His head, a spear jabbed into his side and nails hammered into his feet and hands. He was brutally whipped and beaten, made fun of and mocked. He wasn't just any, old man that was crucified. There were many that were crucified for sinning and breaking the law. Jesus was and is different. He ROSE FROM THE DEAD after three days of being burried in a tomb. Our God is an AWESOME God and I wouldn't want to go on living in this life without Him!

Happy 9-Month Birthday Lincoln Cole!

Sorry this video is so dark.
It's cloudy out today and the blinds were closed.


I'm 3 days late (it was the 11th), but here are some 9-month photos/video of the little guy. He brings me such joy as a mother and although I wish that sometimes I could freeze my children and let them be babies forever, I am interested to see how my son grows up to be a young man. He's such an easy-going kid and although he doesn't have awesome sleep habits like his sister, you can't ask for a more lovable, sweet baby.

Some of the things he's doing are:
- crawling (he still crawls like an army soldier, but that doesn't slow him down. He can get anywhere FAST.)
- sitting up by himself
- pulling himself up to a stand pretty much anywhere
- FINALLY figuring out how to get himself back down after pulling himself up
- he says "Da da" and has said "Ma ma" in the past, but nothing as consistent as "Da da"
- he has 8 teeth and can almost take your finger off if he gets ahold of it (you seriously have to stay clear of his mouth or he'll bite!)
- he loves the following foods: yellow squash, acorn squash, butternut squash, zuchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, pears, blueberries, little bites of bread, Cheerios, Gerber's little snacks, peas, corn and I think that about does it for his diet. I'm still making the homemade babyfood and he LOVES it. There's so much more flavor compared to the store bought...I know because I've tasted and compared. =)
- he loves to swing in his swing outside
- he cruises in his walker and it won't be long before he's walking. I'm estimating around 10-11 months.
- He's officially on formula, no more "good stuff".
- he can take a step or two by holding onto one finger of mine.
- he adores his sister and loves watching her make him laugh
- he doens't like it when someone takes something away from him. He'll cry.
- he getting into the phase where if I leave the room, he cries. Ahh, the clingy stage. I remember this stage when Avy was a baby.

That about wraps it up. Enjoy the pics and video. Have a great weekend everyone!

Best Husband in the World

So, those of you that read my entry on Friday know that it's been a tough week. Of coarse, I say "tough", meaning for me. There are always others in the world worse off than I am so sometimes I need to ask God to help me suck it up. Anyway, I am not a big crier, so when I do cry, Rob knows that something is difficult for me. He knew I had had a bad day and came home with these beauties. Daisies are my favorite flower (they're so cheery and friendly!) and my heart melted when I saw them.

The night didn't end there. We had booked a babysitter for the evening and were able to get out to LeRoy Selman's to eat. We had never been there so it was fun trying something new. We enjoyed the rest of the evening just being alone without any little ones to tend to.

What a perfect ending to a stressful week. =)

First "Official" Haircut for Avonlea

Avonlea received her first "professional" haircut on Sunday. I have always trimmed her hair since she was a baby, but she was in desperate need of some sort of style so we took her to a little place in the mall and had it cut there. She did REALLY well actually. I thought she might flip out, but she remained calm and I just kept her busy asking her questions about the animals on her smock. She entertained the lady that was cutting her hair with a few songs. I swore I would never result to bribery and mind you, I've never used bribery until now, but I did promise her an icecream cone if she sat still for the lady (they refuse to cut any child's hair if they aren't sitting properly the whole time...should've asked about that before we went!). Although I wanted a little bit more of a style, it still looks cute and she looks much more grown up now. It was a fun experience, but I think I'll stick to trimming it myself for awhile. $15.00 a pop adds up every other month!

The Florida Strawberry Festival

So this past Saturday we took the kiddos to the Strawberry Festival over in Plant City, Florida. We had been wanting to go for awhile (it's been years since we've been) and Saturday seemed like such a nice day to go. We went for only a few hours, but we accomplished much while we were there. We each rode one ride each (Rob rode a flume, water ride. I rode the bumper cars and Avonlea rode a car as well...see video) and ate some good-tasting, bad-for-you food (you can't be on a diet when you go the Strawberry Festival people, it's just not possible!). Avonlea was able to see some cows and we wanted to catch the pig race, but we needed to stick around for another 20 mintues to see that and we were already pushing nap time with two borderline, cranky children. We also enjoyed some strawberries on the way home. We bought a whole flat of them for $8.00...needless to say we'll be eating strawberries for a long time!

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

This was a week of growth and patience for me. If you live in Florida, you know that the oak trees are decorated with an unpleasant pollen that you can't get rid of if you tried. It not only effects your lawn, vehicles and basically anything you have outdoors, but in my kids' case, it effects they're health and moods. This means that my kids' noses haven't stopped running since Monday, their asthma starts kicking in (meaning we're back on breathing treatments every four hours...lovely) and because they don't feel well, they are CRANKY.

Patience has never been a virtue that comes easily for me. I am very impatient when it comes to waiting on other people to accomplish something for me. "If you want something done right, you'd better do it yourself" has been a motto I've always lived up to well. But, as far as children are concerned, I have always had great patience. I take the time to explain to Avonlea why we do and don't do certain things (actions can be unsafe, improper, impolite, etc.) and I think I follow through with discipline pretty consistently. Well, this week has tried my patience more than I can bear and I know it's Christ calling out, "Come to me you weary mommy!" I finally broke down and did just that today. I had to recommit myself and my family back to the Lord, knowing that I can't do it all. I'm NOT supermom or superwife. No one is and by thinking that we are, we're only fooling ourselves.

I have really been challenged as far as not disciplining out of anger this week. It's amazing how a two-year-old can run you through the ringer! I'm looking forward to an evening with my husband tonight and bedtime for my kiddos.

I came across these verses today as I was searching for patience and strength:

Jeremiah 31:25 "For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes."

John 7:37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink."

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

TGIF: Thank God It's Friday! =)

I Stand Corrected...

Thanks to my brother-in-law Dean for pointing this out to me:

On an earlier post, I stated that Americans watch 63 hours in their lifetime watching tv. Well, I wrote it wrong...it's PER YEAR!!! It's definately changed my persepective on how much tv I watch at night. I wonder what the poll would read if it was a statistic on how many hours Americans spend reading their Bible! I'd be guilty of that one.

Making Babyfood...Yum!

So I decided to try something new yesterday, making homemade babyfood. A good friend of mine (thanks Stef!) gave me this great book called So Easy Babyfood and it's by Joan Ahlers and Cheryl Tallman (see above pic). The book is really easy to read and it's packed with easy recipes on how to cook nutritious babyfood for your baby. When Avonlea was old enough to eat babyfood, I was working and VERY busy. Are you kidding? I didn't think I had time for this stuff, BUT after taking only 30 minutes to make a week's worth of babyfood yestday, I'm sure I could've found the time back then. Anyway, the book has some interesting facts:

1. When you buy processed babyfood, it's "cooked at extremely high temperatures to kill all bacteria so they can be stored in jars at room temperature" Bacteria aren't the only things killed in this process. Vitamins and nutrients are also destroyed".
2. Babyfood can also be up to three years old when you buy it on the grocery store shelf.

So, after reading these facts, I decided to give homemade babyfood a try. I bought some of the fruits and veggies the book suggested (it goes by age and tells you what is age appropriate to try from months 6-12), took them home and followed the steps in the book. Some of the fruits and vegetables I bought were:
bananas, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, a few different varieties of squash, zucchini, apples, pears, asparagus, black beans, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn, green beans, peas and mango.

Here are the steps:

Step 1.) buy an assortment of foods

Step 2.) peel and cut up the foods (I tried apples and pears first)

Step 3.) Steam the foods. You need a strainer that will fit over a boiling pot of water (or a steamer basket, whatever that is. I couldn't find one) and the pot needs to be covered with a lid.

Step 4.) Mash the foods to a babyfood-type texture.

Step 5.) Store the babyfood in icecube trays in your freezer and label with the food and date you made it on. (Foods are good in the freezer up to 2 months.) When you need a meal for your baby, pop it out of the icecube tray (you may need to set the bottom in hot water to defrost a bit), defrost in your microwave and serve. Yummy!

The book also suggests steaming the babyfood in the microwave. It does save time and effort. I chose to try the steaming method this time, but I might try the microwave method next time.

I guess you can even try meats and harder veggies by using a food processor. Ours doesn't work so I can't say that I've tried any of those recipes yet.

Even if your baby is older than 12 months, you could still use this idea to steam fruits and veggies so they're suitable for a toddler to eat (chunky, but steamed so it's not hard to swallow).

The book suggests that "parents who use processed babyfood spend an average of $300.00 or more on babyfood during their infant's first year of life." By making homemade babyfood, the cost goes down to an average of $55.00. (Do take into consideration that there are a few things to buy...food processor, steamer basket, ice cube trays or storage containers for the freezer... they can add up as well so don't forget to add that total to what you don't already have).

This is not to say that Lincoln will never have processed babyfood, but it is fun to make the "real stuff" and there's definately a sense of pride when feeding it to him. If I might add, he LOVES the homemade babyfood so much more than the processed. He kicks, smiles and can't get enough of it. I usually never see that responce with the other food. It's really funny to watch. =)

If anyone else tries this, let me know how it came out! I'd love to share recipes.

Aquarium

Rob, the kids and I had a really fun day at the aquarium yesterday (somehow, Rob didn't wind up in any of the pictures...weird). There were clear skies, a nice breeze and we couldn't have asked for a more fun day. We spent the entire afternoon there so when we got home (3:00ish), the kids went down for LATE naps. They were so exhausted. We knew Avonlea would be staying up extra late last night so we had the first official Bates Family Movie Night. We got the kids ready for bed, ran to Blockbuster (in pjs of coarse, with the exception of Rob and I), popped some popcorn, threw all the blankets and pillows from our bed onto the living room rug and watched Charlotte's Web.

PS- I got a new software program called Scrapbook Factory Deluxe (a lot cheaper than Photoshop) where I can design scrapbook pages and cool graphics for the blog. It's fun, but addicting! =)

Friday Night Bonfire

One thing we have really enjoyed about being at our new house is having a fun backyard to play in. Our old house had such a small backyard that we were very limited to what we could do. Now, we are able to fit a swingset/treehouse, a potting shed for tools/gardening supplies, etc. and a garden. We have a firepit out by our garden so it's fun when it actually gets a little chilly, we can roast marshmellows out by the fire. Somehow, Avonlea wound up with the bag (I know I didn't give it to her...Rob! he he) and she ate WAY MORE than she should have. Let's just say it was a full bag when we started and I know I only had two marshmellows. That leaves Avy eating, like, at least 10 marshmellows. What's a parent to do? =)