Happy Star-Spangled Sabbath!

Today is Independence Day, my very favorite holiday! I was a tiny bit bummed out that we didn't get to go to Oregon to celebrate with my family, as was originally planned (but after spending 10 days there and missed work, we couldn't do another trip)...but then I decided to just enjoy it! So that's what we're doing!

I love that Sawyer got this festive lei from his nursery teachers...and that he didn't mind that Aspen and I have been taking turns wearing it since we got home.

I also love that a sister from our church asked me to translate so she could share her testimony with the women's group of our church (aka The Relief Society). She has been in this country for 8 years. We have quite a few immigrants in our congregation, many of which speak Spanish. It is a blessing to me to converse with them, even though my Spanish might be a little rusty from time to time. They truly understand and appreciate the liberties we often take for granted as citizens of this country.

I am proud of my brother-in-law, Taylor, who is serving our country at this moment. And for the patience and faith of my sister, his wife, for supporting him at a time that surely isn't easy to have to fly solo so often (they have a 2.5 year old and another baby girl due next month). South Korea will be lucky to have you...for a short time. And I promise, Kaitlin, you'll grow to love your family and your country in a way you never thought possible as you live among and learn to love a country and it's people who are foreign to you.

And here is my little firecracker...resting up for the festivities to follow this afternoon and evening. I think I may just go grab a little nap myself...and then enjoy the good friends, good food, good times, and AMAZING fireworks that follow!

Happy Independence Day!

Easter

I hope everyone had a great Easter! We sure did! I'm sort of late in posting about it because we were so busy having a good time - especially since my twin sister, Tia, was here visiting to make it that much more memorable.

We went to Greenlake Park for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. Sawyer was a little confused as to what was going on, but when he saw all the kids start running around and grabbing things off the ground - he got the idea quickly. Later, when we let him taste one of the mini-chocolate eggs that he had collected, he got even more excited. It was pretty cold out, so after the hunt we walked over to Starbucks and warmed up with some hot drinks. It was relaxing after the hoopla of the hunt!

Of course, we colored and dyed some eggs as well. Jacob's eggs are always fun - this year there was even one with an eyeball. Just a single eyeball staring at us. I told him it was weird. (It was!) But it was still fun. Sawyer really had a good time coloring, drawing, putting stickers on, and dying his two eggs before bedtime. The Easter Bunny even paid us a little visit. We got lots of fresh strawberries and some Godiva Chocolates. Pretty awesome combination, don'tcha think?

It was Aspen's First Easter. She's now 9 weeks old! Next week, she will receive her special baby blessing at church. We went to our church building Sunday morning to listen to the General Conference Addresses that are given by church leaders twice a year to our world-wide congregation. The messages at church were wonderfully uplifting and enlightening. It was a wonderful Easter Sunday.

I dressed Aspen in her Easter Dress and the little headband she found in her Easter Basket (yes, I'm still slightly obsessed with making headbands!) I will have to say that the white was beautiful - until literally 30 seconds after I set her down to photograph her in her dress and she had her first MAJOR blow-out! Poor thing, I made her sit there another minute while I took her picture and then finally changed her diaper.

Later, at home, we hung out and prepared our Easter Feast. We were super happy to have the company of Tia this Easter weekend. We even got her for an extra day because she missed her flight back to Boston! Sawyer LOVED playing with Aunt Tia. And Aspen gave her tons of smiles. I've started calling Aspen "Happy" because she is just such a happy, smiley baby.

Aunt Tia brought the kiddies some treats. "Make Way for Ducklings" is quickly becoming a favorite bedtime story. And Tia hand-picked this awesome Jimi Hendrix onesie for Aspen. I didn't get them in the photo, but she has on RAINBOW baby legs. The furry kind. So rock n' roll, ya know? Kinda '70s too. Kinda Rainbow Bright-ish, too.

Ohhhh. We love you Aunt Tia. We can't thank you enough for coming to spend the past several days with us. We wish you would've missed your flight again and that they couldn't rebook you for another week or so. But we know you have to get back to work. Come visit us any time!

happy "heart" day...

*i was snapping a few so we could make a card for daddy...and i just had to share, these kiddos are just too cute!*

oh...remember that itty bitty baby dress i made?

...i think she'll wear it to her first day of church next sunday!

from our little sweethearts to all of you: may you have a wonderful day celebrating those you love!

ps-my valentine's gift this year is that Jacob will finally be released from his service in the university ward bishopric of our church, a service he's been giving whole-heartedly for two-and-a-half years. our family has been greatly blessed by his sacrifice and service...but it will sure be nice to be able to go to church and sit together again! job well done, Jacob!

The Origin of Baubles

Last night, for our Family Home Evening, we did some searching to discover any significance behind some of what are todays common Christmas Traditions or symbols. Most of the "traditions" have pagan origins, but not all. Many people have found a way to create significance that ties into Christ, but most did not begin with that intention. One symbol of Christmas we were quite fascinated with are trees and ornaments. We certainly love our dear old Tannenbaum, but you must admit it seems a little silly that people grow a tree for 10 years to cut it down and display it in their living room 2-4weeks out of the year. Or spend hundreds of dollars to have an artificial one on hand for the occasion. It's a little weird, don't you think? While I won't share everything we learned (try it out - it's very interesting and fun and Wikipedia has a lot of information)...I do want to share a bit about ornaments...or bulbs...or BAUBLES.

Baubles have been in production since 1847. They were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner who according to legend, began hand blowing glass into Christmas decorations because he couldn't afford the usual ornaments (which at that time, trees were adorned with nuts, apples, fruits and candy). You can see above an idea of what they might have been like...who would've thought? Nuts and fruit? Maybe that's where the string of cranberries fits in...hmm...

Anyway, the inside of his hand blown glass decorations were made to look silvery, at first with mercury or lead, then later using a special compound of silver nitrate and sugar water.

As demand for the new decorations grew, Greiner began making new shapes, including the sphere. After Queen Victoria's tree was pictured in a London newspaper decorated with the baubles from her husband's (Prince Albert - he was also her cousin) native Germany, Lauscha began exporting its products throughout Europe.

In the 1880s, American F.W. Woolworth discovered Lauscha's baubles during a visit to Germany. He made a fortune by importing the German glass ornaments to the United States. Today there are still about 20 small glass-blowing firms active in Lauscha that produce baubles. One of the producers is Krebs Glas Lauscha, which I found on-line and grabbed some of my favorite ornaments from their website to display here for all of you.

I think I may have found something new to collect. The only things I collect are vinyl records and magnets of places I've traveled. Perhaps I can save my pennies and collect an ornament each year so by the time we take the plastic ornaments off of our tree in about a decade, we'll have some very cool - perhaps I should say BEAUTIFUL - and authentic baubles to decorate with, shipped straight from Lauscha, Germany. I am, afterall, half German. :)

Okay, one more bauble of interest. Have any of you ever heard or done the tradition of the Christmas pickle? We had not heard of it before, even though it is supposedly a favorite game in most American households (a game, yet again, of German origin - we found that many Christmas traditions seem to stem from Germany). Apparently, it is a pickle-shaped ornament hidden in the tree. The child who finds it on Christmas morning receives an extra present. Anyone looking for a new family tradition might consider the pickle.

If you want to take a look at more of the beautiful baubles from Krebs Glas Lauscha, you can take a look here: http://www.krebslauscha.de/
Be sure to click on the English option and remember to calculate the exchange rate for dollars to Euros. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Advent

Today is December 1st, thus the countdown to Christmas begins! A few years back I accidentallly got all of my Christmas shopping done before December 1st and I found that having that done gave me less stress and more freedom to just sit back and enjoy the season. Since then, I've made it a point to get my shopping done early. It works for me! Also, as a child, the month of December seemed to be the longest month of the year for me. I have greatly been looking forward to having little ones of my own at this very special and festive time of the year. Establishing family rituals and traditions is something I feel strengthens families and bonds them more deeply together. That said, this year we are starting a tradition in our little family. It is a tradition inspired by 3 things or people: 1) I have done an advent candle for several years, which is a small time in the evening when I will burn a candle and read scriptures about Jesus Christ's life (a young women's leader gave me the idea years ago). There are so many wonderful secular activities to enjoy at this time of the year, but the advent candle helps me each day to remember the real reason for this special season. 2) My great friend (sister, really!) from Norway, Karoline, celebrated Christmas with out family a few years back and taught us about the importance of the advent and light in Norwegian culture. It is SO dark and SO cold there during this time of the year, they do everything they can to "light up" things inside, and to create a little something each day to look forward to. 3) Last year, I had a wonderful time following along as my friend Minna did the "Days Before Christmas" activities with her family and invited others to join in the fun. Thus, with these three things in mind, I have created our Christmas Advent. You are all invited to join in! If you live close by and want to join us downtown to hear the carolers or you want to come stroll through Candy Cane Lane with us - let us know, we'd love to have you! If you live far away, feel free to join in any of the ideas or activities we have - or create some of your own! I'll try to report back at least once a week on the experiences we enjoy as we count the days down to Christmas. I purchased the wonderful Advent calender above (oh-s0-much-better than anything I could've made, and it's wood so it'll last!). Each box, or each day, until Christmas will contain 1) a scripture to read in the evening by candlelight 2) the activity for the day, and 3) a little surprise (probably chocolate :). Here is our plan:

Day 1: (today!) Family Home Evening: Decorate Christmas Tree/Start Advent Candle
Scripture: Luke 8:41-56 (Jesus Christ was compassionate)

Day 2: Write Christmas Cards/Newsletter
Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (Jesus Christ was forgiving)

Day 3: Bake goodies to share with others
Scripture: John 4:46-53 (Jesus Christ has the power to heal)

Day 4: Go to a Christmas Party! (We are going to our ward Christmas Dinner Party)
Scripture: John 2:13-17 (Jesus Christ was reverent; opposed evil)

Day 5: Go downtown to enjoy the Annual Figgy Pudding Caroling Contest
Scripture: Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus Christ has power over the elements)

Day 6: Listen to some live Christmas Music (We'll be going to the bonfire at the Seattle Center to listen to the Choirs Perform)
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus Christ loves little children)

Day 7: Watch or Listen to 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 (Jesus Christ made people happy)

Day 8: Family Home Evening: Read about the symbolism of Christmas favorites (ie the Candy Cane, Christmas Tree etc.) Find some symbols or traditions from other cultures/countries that are interesting (ie do people who live on islands build "snowmen" out of Sand? Hmm...) Find symbols related to Christ. For a treat, make some sugar cookies in the shapes of the symbols.
Scripture: Luke 22:41-45 (Jesus Christ sacrificed for others)

Day 9: Pick a name off the "giving tree" and shop for a child who is less fortunate than we are.
Scripture: John 13:3-17 (Jesus Christ was humble)

Day 10: Go see the Winterfest Train and Village at the Seattle Center.
Scripture: Luke 6:12-13 (Jesus Christ as prayerful)

Day 11: Have a hot chocolate party before bed.
Scripture: Luke 2:51-52 (Jesus Christ obeyed his parents)

Day 12: Go see the Christmas ship and choir at Carkeek Park (8pm at the Beach - they will also have a Bonfire going)
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus Christ was obedient to God's law)

Day 13: Walk around Greenlake in the Path of Lights (bring food to donate to foodbank)
extra activity: Mint Design Holiday Dinner (Jacob's work)
Scripture: Matthew 5:2-16 (Jesus Christ gave wise counsel)

Day 14: Invite friends over to make Gingerbread Houses
Scripture: Luke 2:42-49 (Jesus Christ, even when 12, was a great Teacher)

Day 15: Family Home Evening: Invite friends over to watch Charlie Brown Christmas movie. Treats might include some egg nog or other seasonal favorites.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 (Jesus Christ taught how to pray)

Day 16: Wrap and drop off our gifts to the Giving Tree
Scripture: Luke 8:5-16 (Jesus Christ taught wit stories)

Day 17: Read favorite Christmas Stories (The Gift of the Magi, The Polar Express, T'was the Night Before Christmas, etc.)
Scripture: Luke 15:4-7 (Jesus Christ helped sinners)

Day 18: Go see some Christmas lights (We'll start at U-Village where we'll introduce Sawyer to Santa for the first time, and then we'll go take a walk through Candy Cane Lane in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle...)
Scripture: Luke 10:29-36 (Jesus Christ was kind)

Day 19: Watch a classic Christmas Movie (White Christmas, anyone?)
Scripture: John 14:26-27 (Jesus Christ promised the Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Day 20: Take a ride on the Christmas Carousel and watch the fire dancers at the Winter Solstice Festival (@Seattle Center)
Scripture: Matthew 14:15-21 (Jesus Christ made miracles)

Day 21: Have a Twinkle Party. Turn off all lights except for Christmas lights and tree lights and enjoy looking at the lights and listening to favorite Christmas music.
Scripture: John 11:40-44 (Jesus Christ raised the dead)

Day 22: Family Home Evening: Watch Mr. Krueger's Christmas and take time to reflect about our Savior and our personal relationship with Him. Sing some favorite Christmas hymns together.
Scripture: Luke 1:26-33 (Jesus Christ is the son of God)

Day 23: Fly to Salt Lake City (we're spending Christmas in Utah this year with Jacob's family) and see the lights at Temple Square
Scripture: Luke 2:1-11 (Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecy)

Day 24: Live Nativity and Sing Christmas Carols with family
Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12, Luke 2:12-16 (Jesus Christ was worshipped)

Day 25: Merry, Merry Christmas to all!

*Note: None of these activities cost money except for buying gifts for the child we choose from the Giving Tree, and riding the Carousel, which is $1/per ride. If you have a bigger budget than we do or your kids are older and would appreciate some of these ideas, here are some alternate ideas: cultural plays/musicals/dance such as The Nutcracker, Handel's Messiah, The Black Nativity and other plays or musical traditions. Also, sledding, ice-skating, etc. )

Thanksgiving

We had a marvelous Thanksgiving with our family in Oregon. The 5 days we spent flew by much too quickly (as is always the case!)

We have so much to be grateful for...especially family. We love you all! Thanks for a lovely visit!

Jack-o-lantern

Yesterday afternoon, Momma and Sawyer made some Halloween cookies to spread the Halloween cheer to our neighbors (try decorating cookies to Abba, it's great fun!)...

Later, Daddy came rushing home from work on his bike so we could get down to the real business we'd planned as our family night activity...pumpkin carving! Sawyer got the ultimate sensory experience while playing with the pumpkin "guts"!

While Sawyer played, Momma did, too, as she cleaned out our dear "Jack"...

We even tried putting Sawyer's toes in the mess...but he preferred using his hands to explore...

Daddy did the actual carving. He is a great pumpkin artist, don't cha think? Now we are all set for the big night!

Pumpkin Patch

On Saturday, we went to Carleton Farms with our good friends, the Williams family. I had never been to a pumpkin patch before, and was so excited to go! We were greeted by friendly scarecrows...

And a HUGE field full of happy orange pumpkins, just waiting to be picked!

It was Sawyer's first time to see a pumpkin. Some of them were bigger than he is!

Lucy chose the perfect pumpkin...and tried to carry it to our wheelbarrow. Needless to say, her dad ended up carrying the pumpkin, and Lucy.

We all thought the "pumpkin cannon" was pretty cool. The cannon shot those pumpkins the length of 3 football fields! At the end of their flight, the pumpkins usually burst!

Oh yes, there was a corn maze, of course. We didn't actually do the maze, but we had fun taking some pictures near the cornstalks. (Thanks, Bracan, for the fun family photo!) We also got to go on a hayride in a wagon.

It was also baby Alice's first time at the pumpkin patch. She and Sawyer are a week apart in age. She looked so sweet and cozy all cuddled up to her momma in her pink suit.

There were animals, too (of course, it is a real farm!) When Sawyer gets really excited his eyes get as big as saucers. Come to think of it, they are like that most of the time...

Lucy was being a little camera shy.

Jacob finally caught her in the mini maze...I think her happy and very cute smile sum up how we all felt..it was a perfect autumn day and a great time was had by all!

Independence Day Weekend

We had such a great time celebrating the 4th of July...and a wonderful time spending time together on this 3 day weekend. Sawyer was Mr. Popular - being such a tiny, cute little patriotic guy, people couldn't help but want to cuddle with him. He made many new friends everywhere we went this weekend (including the entire retail staff at J. Crew!)

Family photo. We enjoyed a BBQ with neighbors and friends in our building.

Mmm. Apple pie made by Tysha and Sawyer. A la mode. It was delicious!

Sawyer slept through much of the noise and activity of the day... wearing his cute and festive pjs from Grammy Kemp.

We are lucky to have such a happy little guy! Below please enjoy some video footage of our 4th of July. We are fortunate to live right by Lake Union and have the best seats in the house - on our roof - to watch the fireworks show over the Lake. Enjoy! We hope you all had an equally relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!

I have the best husband EVER. He always remembers, and always surprises me. I never have any expectations - because if I did, he would exceed them every time!

The very cool thing about being married to a graphic designer is that I always get one-of-a-kind, custom-designed cards. (Notice he even swaddled baby Sawyer and gave him a smile! What an eye for detail!)

I opened up the card to find even more surprises. (I don't really like random gifts or lots of "things" - Jacob knows this, so he gives me the kind of gifts I truly enjoy, "useful" gifts). Jacob's sweetness and these little thoughtful gestures remind me of how MADLY I love my husband. He is #1!!!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! My Mom, Grandmothers, Mother-in-Law, Sisters who are now Mommies, and friends. And we can't forget the Future Mom's! Cheers to all and may you all feel special today!