Friday, August 28, 2015

34/52

 Some action shots from this week...

Carter // 5 - He's been really into baseball this week (it switches quite often).
Peter // 3 - He found a little crocheted frisbee that he loves to throw (despite the look on his face).
John Paul // 2 - He's at the center of whatever game is being played.  This time it was trying to toss balls onto the roof.
Sophie // 1 - This week, this is about what it has been like 24/7 - extra clingy.

33/52: Cousin Kolbe

I can't keep up.  I know it's not really week 33.  And, I'm about to miss week 34, too.  However, life has been happening.  And, it's taken me on a crazy ride.

We took the best family vacation to California last week, celebrating my parents' birthdays - more on that soon.

From that trip, I gathered these cousin-Kolbe-themed photos of the kids.  Although JP was always with him, kissing his little feet, I missed those moments.

Here there are...

Carter // 5 - the oldest boys in each family.

Peter // 3 - He was so excited to get to hold him.



John Paul // 2 - Ummm, he might have liked Kolbe's hat the best.  This is how he would emerge from his room most mornings.
Sophie // 1 - Sophie...she was always just so surprised to see him!

Monday, August 17, 2015

JORD: How I Like My Watches

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely people at JORD to see if I'd like to review one of their watches.  Having recently seen some friends with wooden watches, I jumped at the chance.  It arrived a few days later, and minus a dip in the ocean (yes, we're on vacation), I haven't taken it off.  

I. Love. It.

I chose the Fieldcrest watch in Green Sandlewood.  Having just a subtle hint of color has been a fun change, as I'm usually all about the neutrals.

I think Sophie would like a baby-sized one!
She was getting me to help her walk closer to her brothers while they were doing a little tree-trimming with Dad.

She's not lasting too long before she just wants to be held again, and boy is she a heavy one!  Luckily, one of my favorite things about this watch is that it's so lightweight, I barely notice I'm wearing it.  
The next day, I documented a bit of our day.  We had some corn to shuck...

 ...and put away for Winter.

Then it was naptime, which also means coffee time.  
Finally, sweet Jeremy documented the watch with an outfit that isn't part of just the daily grind on the ranch...
I love the casual look of the watch but also how it easily accompanies a more dressed-up outfit.  Its amazing craftsmanship, light-weight design, and attention to detail has made me a lifetime customer.

If there's one thing I wish this watch did, besides everything else I love about it, it would maybe be to speed up time just a teeny bit as we await the arrival of our newest little babe.  I wish it for a split second, and then I'm kicked (or jabbed) in the rib and reminded to savor the time that I have this tiny one safe inside.
My sister already has this watch on her Christmas list, and I've received so many compliments on it just in the week I've had it.  Thank you, JORD!  We'll be back!

Wooden Watches by JORD

Thursday, August 13, 2015

32/52

We spent some time outside on Monday evening.  From playing frisbee to cleaning up some branches on trees, and even playing in the sandbox, it was simple but fun.  If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen the photo of John Paul.  Sorry :)  

Carter // 5 - He loves to be active, and right now he enjoys throwing the frisbee.  He wanted me to take a thousand photos.

Peter // 3 - He is quite the worker.  He loves helping and was busy picking up all of the little branches we had cut off in order to toss them over the fence.

John Paul // 2 - Well, he's just the comedian.  While it's so much easier to let them dress themselves, you'll often find my kids in something like this.  The nice things in their drawers end up staying there, and these cool outfits are on repeat!

Sophie // 1 - She really just wants to be wherever her brothers are, doing what they're doing.  So, from her perch in the sandbox, she attentively watched them trim the trees.  A tomboy in the making!


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

His Birthday


This guy.  We're celebrated him today as he turned another year older.  Another year, and so much to be thankful for...

I love his faith, and how he so passionately pursued the Catholic faith so that we could share in it together as we raise a family.

I love his love for me and how he teaches our babies exactly what their standards should be if they're given the vocation of marriage.

I love the way he loves Carter, Peter, John Paul, Sophie and this baby to come...each in their own special way but each unconditionally and fully.

I admire his ability to see the best in everything and to seek to bring out the best in others.

I love going to the store and having people come up to me in our small town saying how good of a man my husband is.  Yes, he is.

I love how trials have made him stronger, more forgiving, and grateful for the blessings we've been given.

I am so thankful for the way he helps with everything...showing that we are a team in every area of life.

I am grateful for what he teaches me daily about what is and isn't important in this life.

He is a rock for our family, a leader in the way we should follow after Him and an example of love like no other.

He doesn't like to make a big deal of things...especially his birthday.  But, he is our biggest "deal" and we love this birthday boy so much.


Monday, August 10, 2015

All the Carbs

So, this is what happens every time...I want to not eat like it's my last meal ever (every single meal), I say I'll start anew on Monday, and on Sunday I basically become a glutton.  All. The. Time.  Some times of year, I have great resolve.  Others it's like I pretend my legs aren't getting more cottage-cheese-like specks by the second.  Pretend is the key word.  But a long look in the mirror at the end of the day, and I'm regretting my indulgences, ha!  Oh, the cycle.  Add pregnancy and swelling to the mix...not good.

So, on one of those days of indulgence, I made this bread that is my go-to bread (here).  Then I got a wild hair and decided to make a cinnamon raisin version by just adding a tablespoon of cinnamon and as many raisins as I liked.

Luckily, I gave one loaf away and we didn't eat all of the plain one.  Somewhat of a win?!  Yes.
Then...then, I received a box of the world's best peaches, and they were getting soft faster than we could eat them.  And, believe me, we were eating them fast!  But, I had seen what's called a galette in a few instagram feeds over the months, and I'd always wanted to try baking one.  I am no pie maker (I wish I was).  But, this...well, this was easy.   Good ol' Martha Stewart came to the rescue with a recipe, and I added a few blueberries to the mix.  Delicious, folks.
With the rest of the peaches, my mom taught me to make jelly.  And, it's Jeremy's birthday tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll be figuring out another way to load up on the carbs.  Ohhhh well.  If you're in the baking mood, give these recipes a try!


Friday, August 7, 2015

31/52

Jeremy's been doing a little CrossFit at home.  One of the things he recently added to his exercise "equipment" is a rope.  The boys have loved it and and to go for a swing daily!  Maybe someday they'll learn to climb it.  Maybe I will, too.  Maybe.

Carter // 5
Peter // 3
John Paul // 2 - more of an observer for the time being.


Sophie // 1 - She prefers the safety of a different kid of swing.

Have a great weekend!