There were so many pictures, but I won't bore you all with them. It's amazing that God created so much beauty and that God created people with such creative abilities!!
For more about Chihuly click here
For more about the Salk Institute click here
Friday, April 30, 2010
Chihuly
The Salk Institute, where Jeff works, just celebrated their 50th anniversary by displaying glass sculptures created by an artist Dale Chihuly and his team. It was breathing taking!! The Salk itself is a wonderful architectural building designed by Louis I. Kahn and the glass sculptures just heightened the beauty. Unfortunately we missed the guided tour on Sunday night in lieu of a visit to the doctor's office, so we took the self guided tour (abbreviated by kiddos) a few days later. It was well worth the wait.
There were so many pictures, but I won't bore you all with them. It's amazing that God created so much beauty and that God created people with such creative abilities!!
For more about Chihuly click here
For more about the Salk Institute click here
There were so many pictures, but I won't bore you all with them. It's amazing that God created so much beauty and that God created people with such creative abilities!!
For more about Chihuly click here
For more about the Salk Institute click here
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Low Level Rejoicing
Kate's fever is down. Praise God!! We rejoiced together, Hannah very enthusiastically...
...Kate very calmly.
It reminds me of what my pastor used to talk about, "low level rejoicing," although he was referring to joy in the midst of suffering which can only come through Jesus.
Although we are excited for Kate to be feverless, she is not herself yet. She is still very needy and touchy, and hopefully soon will experience some relief from her cough.
And while I gave Kate a little extra TLC this morning Hannah decided to do her own hair. Here is the front view:
And the back view:
The little girl cracks me up!!!
...Kate very calmly.
It reminds me of what my pastor used to talk about, "low level rejoicing," although he was referring to joy in the midst of suffering which can only come through Jesus.Although we are excited for Kate to be feverless, she is not herself yet. She is still very needy and touchy, and hopefully soon will experience some relief from her cough.
And while I gave Kate a little extra TLC this morning Hannah decided to do her own hair. Here is the front view:
And the back view:
The little girl cracks me up!!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Taking Care of Business
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
For children grow up we've learned to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
-Author Unknown
Kate, Hannah and I went back to the doctor today because Kate's cough was getting worse. She would cough so hard that her eyes teared up and when the coughing was done she would cry and whimper "Mama" in her hoarse little voice and start to cry, which brought on more coughing. It was a cycle that broke my heart. The doctor said she has pneumonia. He increased her current antibiotic which she is already taking for her ear infection, and if she doesn't seem better in two days he wants to see her again.
So, if you come to my house you will see dirty clothes, dirty dishes, carpets in need of a vacuum, floors in need of mopping, toys everywhere, tissues overflowing in the trash and two well loved little girls. One day I will have a clean house, but that day is not today. Today I rock my baby who is sick and wants her mama to hold her while playing doctor and doll with my little girl who seems to have boundless energy despite the fact that her sister kept her up again last night. Today I take comfort in knowing that I have made the right decision for my family to ignore everything else and love my girls.
For children grow up we've learned to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
-Author Unknown
Kate, Hannah and I went back to the doctor today because Kate's cough was getting worse. She would cough so hard that her eyes teared up and when the coughing was done she would cry and whimper "Mama" in her hoarse little voice and start to cry, which brought on more coughing. It was a cycle that broke my heart. The doctor said she has pneumonia. He increased her current antibiotic which she is already taking for her ear infection, and if she doesn't seem better in two days he wants to see her again.
So, if you come to my house you will see dirty clothes, dirty dishes, carpets in need of a vacuum, floors in need of mopping, toys everywhere, tissues overflowing in the trash and two well loved little girls. One day I will have a clean house, but that day is not today. Today I rock my baby who is sick and wants her mama to hold her while playing doctor and doll with my little girl who seems to have boundless energy despite the fact that her sister kept her up again last night. Today I take comfort in knowing that I have made the right decision for my family to ignore everything else and love my girls.
Taking Care of Business
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
-Aunthor Unknown
Monday, April 26, 2010
Love, the Best Medicine
I noticed that Kate felt warm Friday night as we were getting the girls ready for bed. Sure enough, she had a temp, a low temp of 101.7, but enough to justify Tylenol. Saturday she just laid around, clearly sick, and by Sunday her temperature was high, 104, and not responding to Tylenol. She had taken a 6 hour nap, fussed whenever we put her down, and was starting to wheeze. Jeff called the after hours nurse hotline and made an appointment with Urgent Care.
Jeff said she did really well at the doctors office. She opened when the doctor asked her to, provided a urine sample without problems, and when the doctor tried to look in her ears she said there was wax and she needed to flush it out. That's when the screaming began. They flushed out the first ear three times, and then the second ear twice, and Jeff said they probably only stopped because she was screaming so much. And, she was probably screaming so much because she had a severe ear infection. Her infection is so bad that it is the source of fluid build up in her nose, eyes and throat, resulting in her wheezing. Poor baby.
So, we started another round of antibiotics. She went to bed last night at 9:30pm, an hour and half past her normal bedtime, and didn't wake until 10:00am. Although she has only been up for 2 and a half hours, she seemed so tired that I just put her down for her nap. I hope that all this extra rest will help her get well soon.
Because of Kate's coughing and crying at night she woke up Hannah many times. Hannah therefore woke up grumpy at 8:30am, explaining that Kate cried all night and woke her up, and she was not happy. Hannah did have a point, I got up 4 times last night to soothe Kate and Jeff got up once. She asked to lay with daddy in bed and sleep some more only to be told that today is Monday and daddy was already at work. Humph! She then asked if daddy left her mail in her mailbox, which he didn't. HUMPH! I asked her if she wanted cereal and strawberries, and she got very excited and said, "I know, let's get strawberries from our garden!" We put on our shoes took an empty bowl and scissors to the garden only to discover that whatever has been eating our strawberries had struck again, and to my grumpy girls dismay, there were no fresh strawberries. Double HUMPH!
When we called Jeff to tell him "good morning" Hannah clearly communicated that there was nothing good about this morning:
"Why you leave without a kiss?" (which Jeff reassured her he gave her)
"Why you not leave me mail?" (Oops, I forgot)
"Did you eat my strawberries?" (No.)
"When you coming home?" (Later.)
"Can we play hide and seek?" (Yes.)
With the promise of hide and seek she seemed to perk up a little. But poor Jeff! When I talked to him he had gotten the message loud and clear: she was grumpy and he was busted. We both had a good laugh together.
It's amazing to see the ripple effect of one sick kid.
Last night as I was putting Hannah to bed she was so worried about Kate asking, "What if she is really sick and stays at the doctors? What if she doesn't open for the doctors? What if she gets a shot and cries? What id she doesn't listen to the doctors and she doesn't get a sticker?"
Kate was also thinking about Hannah when she was at the doctors. When she chose her sticker she picked a Dora one and said, "Hannah." Jeff said, "Yes, I think Hannah will like your sticker." "No, Hannah," Kate responded. "Do you want to give Hannah your sticker?" "Yeah!"
This morning when Kate got up she went right over to her sticker, picked it up and said, "Here Hannah." It delighted Hannah so much that she thanked her, hugged her and showed me that Kate had given her a sticker from the doctor. It was like the grumpy little girl was transformed into her kind self again.
Since that exchange Hannah has given Kate her favorite balls, asked her which shovel she wanted in the sand box, let her go potty first before naptime, and is now singing her to sleep with the loudest voice ever.
It's amazing to see the ripple effect of one loving kid. I am truly blessed!
Jeff said she did really well at the doctors office. She opened when the doctor asked her to, provided a urine sample without problems, and when the doctor tried to look in her ears she said there was wax and she needed to flush it out. That's when the screaming began. They flushed out the first ear three times, and then the second ear twice, and Jeff said they probably only stopped because she was screaming so much. And, she was probably screaming so much because she had a severe ear infection. Her infection is so bad that it is the source of fluid build up in her nose, eyes and throat, resulting in her wheezing. Poor baby.
So, we started another round of antibiotics. She went to bed last night at 9:30pm, an hour and half past her normal bedtime, and didn't wake until 10:00am. Although she has only been up for 2 and a half hours, she seemed so tired that I just put her down for her nap. I hope that all this extra rest will help her get well soon.
Because of Kate's coughing and crying at night she woke up Hannah many times. Hannah therefore woke up grumpy at 8:30am, explaining that Kate cried all night and woke her up, and she was not happy. Hannah did have a point, I got up 4 times last night to soothe Kate and Jeff got up once. She asked to lay with daddy in bed and sleep some more only to be told that today is Monday and daddy was already at work. Humph! She then asked if daddy left her mail in her mailbox, which he didn't. HUMPH! I asked her if she wanted cereal and strawberries, and she got very excited and said, "I know, let's get strawberries from our garden!" We put on our shoes took an empty bowl and scissors to the garden only to discover that whatever has been eating our strawberries had struck again, and to my grumpy girls dismay, there were no fresh strawberries. Double HUMPH!
When we called Jeff to tell him "good morning" Hannah clearly communicated that there was nothing good about this morning:
"Why you leave without a kiss?" (which Jeff reassured her he gave her)
"Why you not leave me mail?" (Oops, I forgot)
"Did you eat my strawberries?" (No.)
"When you coming home?" (Later.)
"Can we play hide and seek?" (Yes.)
With the promise of hide and seek she seemed to perk up a little. But poor Jeff! When I talked to him he had gotten the message loud and clear: she was grumpy and he was busted. We both had a good laugh together.
It's amazing to see the ripple effect of one sick kid.Last night as I was putting Hannah to bed she was so worried about Kate asking, "What if she is really sick and stays at the doctors? What if she doesn't open for the doctors? What if she gets a shot and cries? What id she doesn't listen to the doctors and she doesn't get a sticker?"
Kate was also thinking about Hannah when she was at the doctors. When she chose her sticker she picked a Dora one and said, "Hannah." Jeff said, "Yes, I think Hannah will like your sticker." "No, Hannah," Kate responded. "Do you want to give Hannah your sticker?" "Yeah!"
This morning when Kate got up she went right over to her sticker, picked it up and said, "Here Hannah." It delighted Hannah so much that she thanked her, hugged her and showed me that Kate had given her a sticker from the doctor. It was like the grumpy little girl was transformed into her kind self again.
Since that exchange Hannah has given Kate her favorite balls, asked her which shovel she wanted in the sand box, let her go potty first before naptime, and is now singing her to sleep with the loudest voice ever.
It's amazing to see the ripple effect of one loving kid. I am truly blessed!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Warming Up
It's finally warm up and the girls are ready for some exciting water play! We had the added bonus of cousin Amy joining in, and Grandma Sue always makes thing interesting with water slide, bubbles, water fountain and toys!!
The water was straight from the hose, and ice cold, but Amy didn't seem to mind one bit!!
Yup, Hannah pushed Kate down the slide.
We finally had to stop the fun time when Kate was shivering, and Hannah and Amy were covered in goose bumps. But, with summer ahead there will be many more days of water play!!
The water was straight from the hose, and ice cold, but Amy didn't seem to mind one bit!!
Yup, Hannah pushed Kate down the slide.
We finally had to stop the fun time when Kate was shivering, and Hannah and Amy were covered in goose bumps. But, with summer ahead there will be many more days of water play!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Polar Bear
This morning when I asked the girls if they wanted to see some Polar Bears the girls erupted with excitement and ran screaming through the house like they only do when it is nakey baby time. We had a great time with the new exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, and not only was there more room for the bears to roam, but there were new hands-on things that the girls loved. We spent almost 2 hours at the Zoo and only saw the Polar Bear Plunge!
On the Skyfari Ride to the other side of the Zoo...Hannah was so giddy with excitement!
A passer-byer took our picture for me!
Hannah was nervous, but held on tight to Kate for stability...not sure that was a good idea!
The size of a baby polar bear...
...a toddler polar bear...
...and a mama polar bear!
The Polar Bear was eating carrots...what? They do get a meat meal once a day.
This is a bear cave that Hannah and Kate sat in, and they would roar at people as they passed by. These two are too funny!
And here is a link to a video of my girls playing together. They were playing horsey, where Kate would ride on Hannah, but then they just got silly. I hope it makes you smile on this gloomy Friday!!
On the Skyfari Ride to the other side of the Zoo...Hannah was so giddy with excitement!
A passer-byer took our picture for me!
Hannah was nervous, but held on tight to Kate for stability...not sure that was a good idea!
The size of a baby polar bear...
...a toddler polar bear...
...and a mama polar bear!
The Polar Bear was eating carrots...what? They do get a meat meal once a day.This is a bear cave that Hannah and Kate sat in, and they would roar at people as they passed by. These two are too funny!
And here is a link to a video of my girls playing together. They were playing horsey, where Kate would ride on Hannah, but then they just got silly. I hope it makes you smile on this gloomy Friday!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Easter with a Side of Birthdays
Four schedules free on the same day, at the same time meeting in one place. That's what it takes to get my entire family together.
The Nichols family (my parents, pronounced like the money), the Oetken family (that's a silent O pronounced Etken), the Pine family (pronounced just like the tree, with a sapling on the way) and the Murry family (no "a" in Murry). It's harder than it sounds. But, we all managed to find a time to celebrate so we made it count by packing in Easter and three birthdays: Rachel's: March 28, Hannah's: April 3, and Kara's: April 12.
Joe and Kara hid the eggs for Amy, Hannah and Kate. Everyone had a great time!
Everyone with their favorite color egg!
Rachel is not going to be happy about this picture! She's holding her hair back so it doesn't catch on fire while blowing out her candles.
Hannah followed Aunt Rachel's example, thinking that she needed to put her hands on her face, which made us all laugh! Such an observant and funny kid!
And Kara - 10 years old! I remember how little she was when she was a baby! Sheesh! I am amazed at her sweet and funny personality with such outward beauty. I mean come on, she's gorgeous! She is a great example of an older cousin for my girls! And true to her name, she is deeply cared for!
What a blessing it is to have know such wonderful people! Thanks God for the gift of my family!
The Nichols family (my parents, pronounced like the money), the Oetken family (that's a silent O pronounced Etken), the Pine family (pronounced just like the tree, with a sapling on the way) and the Murry family (no "a" in Murry). It's harder than it sounds. But, we all managed to find a time to celebrate so we made it count by packing in Easter and three birthdays: Rachel's: March 28, Hannah's: April 3, and Kara's: April 12.
Joe and Kara hid the eggs for Amy, Hannah and Kate. Everyone had a great time!
Everyone with their favorite color egg!
Rachel is not going to be happy about this picture! She's holding her hair back so it doesn't catch on fire while blowing out her candles.
Hannah followed Aunt Rachel's example, thinking that she needed to put her hands on her face, which made us all laugh! Such an observant and funny kid!
And Kara - 10 years old! I remember how little she was when she was a baby! Sheesh! I am amazed at her sweet and funny personality with such outward beauty. I mean come on, she's gorgeous! She is a great example of an older cousin for my girls! And true to her name, she is deeply cared for!What a blessing it is to have know such wonderful people! Thanks God for the gift of my family!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Time with Grandma Sue
My mom came to visit last week, and we had a great time!
We painted the girl's room, gardened, went to parks, drank coffee (yes, this is worth mentioning in my family), ran errands and packed about 6 days worth of work and play into 3 days. Seriously, my mom has a TON of energy. One night it was 7:oo and I was winding down when my mom said, "We should go to Target and return those things. Then we could..." I cut her off because there was no way I was leaving the house. I was going to sit on the couch and watch some TV after the kids went to bed.
Before...
After!
We let the girls paint outside while we pulled weeds...the never ending task!!
Thanks mom for coming to spend a few days with us!! You are awesome and we love you!!
We painted the girl's room, gardened, went to parks, drank coffee (yes, this is worth mentioning in my family), ran errands and packed about 6 days worth of work and play into 3 days. Seriously, my mom has a TON of energy. One night it was 7:oo and I was winding down when my mom said, "We should go to Target and return those things. Then we could..." I cut her off because there was no way I was leaving the house. I was going to sit on the couch and watch some TV after the kids went to bed.
Before...
After!
We let the girls paint outside while we pulled weeds...the never ending task!!
Thanks mom for coming to spend a few days with us!! You are awesome and we love you!!Bouncer Pictures
We have so many pictures from Hannah's birthday, that I want to post just a few more, specifically from the bouncer. The kids loved it!!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Three Years
Dear Hannah,
Yesterday you turned three. It still amazes me that you, once a tiny fragile baby, have become a spirited and capable little girl. You have determination and an eagerness to try new things (on your own, of course!) and yet you are so sensitive and compassionate. I am completely in love with the little girl you are, and cherish the times we play and spend together. What a privilege it is to know and love you, my sweet Hannah Lily.
Last night I came into your room while you were sleeping and wanted so desperately to scoop you up, like we play during the day or as daddy does when he gets home from work, only this time because you were sleeping I would hold you and rock you just like I did when you were a baby.
But, you are anything but a baby. You are an independent, smart, funny, energetic, creative, stubborn, honest, caring, outgoing, curious, affectionate, silly little girl. You make me laugh and smile throughout the day. As soon as Daddy gets home you hide in your favorite hiding spot under the bed and when he finds you, your squeals of delight fill our house with joy. I love you so much!
You turned three on April 3rd, your magic birthday, and we celebrated with the birthday of your dreams: friends at your house with blue cupcakes. That was your request. Straightforward, simple and showing so much of who you are: our social butterfly with an intense preference for things that are blue. We made you a special pancake breakfast, which you took a bite or two of and then asked for your standard breakfast of O's (Cherrios) and raisins.
We prepared for the party...
...and had a great time celebrating you!
On the bouncy house
Blowing bubbles
Playing soccer
With family
Opening presents
With friends (missing Ben, Caleb and Seth)
I wasn't fast enough with my camera and missed you blowing out your candles!!
God answered my prayer and blessed me immensely with you. And now I pray that, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. That love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1: 2, 9-11
At the end of the day we were sitting down for dinner and you hit your head really hard and hurt yourself. Although you had many people there who loved you and wanted to comfort you, you chose me. And I held you and cried because you, my sweet little girl were hurt. You let me hold you for a long time and I realized that these days, of tickles, tantrums, chase and holding you, will not last forever. And so I cherish this time, which is passing so quickly. I cherish the laughter, the cries, the stories, the endless questions, the songs, the dancing, the bubble blowing, the biking, the soccer ball kicking: I cherish it all. I cherish you.
And so I will end this letter to you, my Hannah Bear, with how I end each night with you. I love you to the moon and back, Little Nutbrown. Moon and back.
Love,
Your Mama
Yesterday you turned three. It still amazes me that you, once a tiny fragile baby, have become a spirited and capable little girl. You have determination and an eagerness to try new things (on your own, of course!) and yet you are so sensitive and compassionate. I am completely in love with the little girl you are, and cherish the times we play and spend together. What a privilege it is to know and love you, my sweet Hannah Lily.
Last night I came into your room while you were sleeping and wanted so desperately to scoop you up, like we play during the day or as daddy does when he gets home from work, only this time because you were sleeping I would hold you and rock you just like I did when you were a baby.
But, you are anything but a baby. You are an independent, smart, funny, energetic, creative, stubborn, honest, caring, outgoing, curious, affectionate, silly little girl. You make me laugh and smile throughout the day. As soon as Daddy gets home you hide in your favorite hiding spot under the bed and when he finds you, your squeals of delight fill our house with joy. I love you so much!
You turned three on April 3rd, your magic birthday, and we celebrated with the birthday of your dreams: friends at your house with blue cupcakes. That was your request. Straightforward, simple and showing so much of who you are: our social butterfly with an intense preference for things that are blue. We made you a special pancake breakfast, which you took a bite or two of and then asked for your standard breakfast of O's (Cherrios) and raisins.
We prepared for the party...
...and had a great time celebrating you!
On the bouncy house
Blowing bubbles
Playing soccer
With family
Opening presents
With friends (missing Ben, Caleb and Seth)
I wasn't fast enough with my camera and missed you blowing out your candles!!
God answered my prayer and blessed me immensely with you. And now I pray that, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. That love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1: 2, 9-11
At the end of the day we were sitting down for dinner and you hit your head really hard and hurt yourself. Although you had many people there who loved you and wanted to comfort you, you chose me. And I held you and cried because you, my sweet little girl were hurt. You let me hold you for a long time and I realized that these days, of tickles, tantrums, chase and holding you, will not last forever. And so I cherish this time, which is passing so quickly. I cherish the laughter, the cries, the stories, the endless questions, the songs, the dancing, the bubble blowing, the biking, the soccer ball kicking: I cherish it all. I cherish you.And so I will end this letter to you, my Hannah Bear, with how I end each night with you. I love you to the moon and back, Little Nutbrown. Moon and back.
Love,
Your Mama
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