One Year

One year ago this past weekend we moved to Indy, leaving behind our 8 year comfort-zone of Columbus. WOW. What a (hard) year it has been. Jason and I were both reflective about this "anniversary" of sorts this weekend.

We left a house we had poured our heart and soul into (not to mention money), we left a phenomenal church family, and, most of all, we left friends. Lots and lots of very dear and very authentic friends. I don't often stop to think about all I left (because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was God's will for us to move). But oh, how I still miss parts of it. Yes, we have new friends (a few). Yes, God has given us a wonderful place to call home, which is far better in many ways than our old house. True, I now get the wonderful privilege of staying home with two children. Yep, we're much closer to our extended families. And, recently we even found a great church to be part of.

But the fact still remains that with this step of faith came many sacrifices. I don't have a core group of friends (life group) to look forward to seeing at church each weekend. I have no one to scrapbook with me, or hang out at Starbucks with. I never get invited to Tastefully Simple parties or other home parties, where the main agenda is just being with girl friends. I don't get to chat daily with a "babysitter" who was like a second sister to me. I don't have a group of colleagues who make up an extended family of sorts. I don't have neighborhood friends who walk (or run) by my house and stop to chat and pray with me about life, or neighbors who love my children as if they were their own. And, perhaps what I miss most of all is, the lack of nights out with just the girls.

It's so true that you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. To my dear friends whom I eluded to in this post, please know you're loved and missed more than words can ever say.

2 in Bed

Help me out here, how does that old song go? "There were 2 in the bed and the little one said, 'roll over, roll over' so they all rolled over and one fell out." Well, this wasn't quite that bad. In fact, I'd guess all parties involved would say it was pretty darn good. Bonding first thing in the morning. Doesn't get much better!

Jim Gill

Earlier this week we went to see Jim Gill at our local library. I'm a long time fan of Jim's because I used his music a lot in my class room to get the kids moving. My students LOVED to do the "List of Dances" and "Stick to the Glue" and even "The Silly Dance Contest".

Kaden first saw Jim Gill when he was 16 months old and we happened upon him doing a "concert" at a library in Columbus. I bought a CD after the show and Jim even autographed it.

Well, that CD has become a favorite at our house. Kaden loves "Drumming the House" song and laughs along with many others. When we saw he was coming to our library as part of the summer reading program, we were both THRILLED. Kaden began the count down and would often ask each day if it was "Jim Gill Day yet?"



We were NOT disappointed with his performance on Tuesday. He is great with children and makes everyone feel welcome, like they're at a sing-a-long, not a concert. He has a very professional set up, so everyone could hear clearly (Kaden said it was too loud, but, his ears are VERY sensitive). We thoroughly enjoyed the 45 minute show and even got a picture with him after.

Kaden told Jim his favorite song, and Jim said he couldn't do that song without his drummer, but gave Kaden a high-five for "knowing it".

All week Kaden continues to talk about Jim Gill, what he looked like, how much he loves his music, what a good singer he is, and so forth. It's so fun to see him enjoy music and get to meet one of his favorite musicians. I asked if he liked the Wiggles or Jim Gill better and his response was "Jim Gill!"

8 months

Another month has quickly passed for sweet Marin. Please tell me she doesn't look a day older than, say, 4 months old???

She is ACTING older. She sits up without falling, she babbles "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma" ALL the TIME, she's almost out grown her infant car seat, she smiles at all of us every day, and she's sleeping well (lately 12 hours straight, even though she's getting over another ear infection)! What a fun age!

Thanks Miss Sara for the cute outfit!

Gifts from Gramie

This is Kaden's new toy from Gramie. He. loves.it. She knew he would because he played with the one she has at her house. Currently Isabelle is riding in it, but, sometimes "Bear" does too (as in the photo). He'd like to take it outside so he can push them on a walk, but I'm not sure I want it getting dirty. It's a really cute and nice stroller and I'd like it to last for Marin to use too. (and yes, we tried putting her in it [while Kaden wasn't looking], but, the stroller reclined on it's own, so that idea was quickly nixed!)

Gramie sent Marin a high chair. Marin likes it and often stays in it longer than just to eat as she can watch us bake, make dinner, or do dishes. You may recal she was eating it this chair most recently. Well, Gramie thought it was unsafe and had visions of her falling off the counter, so now we're all resting a tad bit easier (I obviously wasn't loosing any sleep over it, but, you know how grandmas can be).

Thanks Gramie!

Grass.

First experience sitting in the grass.

Just a Swing'n

One of the downsides of our neighborhood is that we don't have any trees large enough to support an infant swing. Well, a few weekends ago, that was remedied. Our neighbors hang their swing from their garage door frame. So, with the purchase of one (we already had one) new screw (99 cents), Marin has a new place to hang out. She can face outside in the morning while backyard is shaded, and into the garage in the afternoon. Quite handy. She loves it!

(This picture was taken last week, when the mornings were cool, hence the reason she's wearing long pants and long sleeves)