Cherry Blossoms!

Morenna’s middle name, Sakura, is Japanese for cherry blossom. Matt and I chose that name for a reason; she was born on the first day of the D.C. cherry blossom festival two years ago. You may remember my friend Rachel and I packed up our newborns and headed down for pictures in the blossoms. Morenna was less than two weeks old.

Well, as is tradition, Rachel and I packed up the kids – four kids now, ages 2 and under – and headed down to the D.C. chaos to snap a few pictures. The kids have certainly changed... but the blossoms hadn’t. :-)

It was a beautiful day to go, sunny and in the low 70s. We packed a picnic lunch and sat under the trees next to the tidal basin (not too brilliant of an idea when you have two little ones interested in water and ducks, with nothing between them and the enticing waves lapping the sides of the basin).

But we all survived. Yes, much to our surprise Rachel and I survived... and we’ll probably do it all again next year. Maybe. :-)

And of course we snagged some fun pictures:

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A Wohlschlegelian Easter

He is Risen! He is risen Indeed!

Holidays for us almost always mean travel of some sort. Travels to Ohio. Travels to California.

And family. Always family.

But Easter was a bit different this time around. We snubbed our typically travelled states and headed North, instead. To Pennsylvania.

But though the holiday wasn’t spent with immediate family, it was spent with some good friends whom Matt and I consider our “second family.” And we had a wonderful time!

Both Matt and I became independently acquainted with the Wohlschlegels during our college days. Their large, welcoming family provided some meaningful comforts to us during those years. And we’ve loved feeling like a part of their family for, well.... almost 10 years (ok, 9.5 for Matt and 8.5 for me).

The weekend provided us a chance to kick back and have some fun... while our kids were otherwise engaged with some other family member for our entire visit. Yes! Did I just say that out loud?

Here are the shots from our weekend in the Keystone State:

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Turning Two

My baby isn’t my baby anymore. She’s my oldest.

Mommy: “How old are you, Morenna?”
Morenna: “Good.”

That’s close enough. :-)

She’s two. And this momma has already witnessed so many new changes in her. Like overnight. Yes, there was the arrival of a new attitude as sassy as the little high heeled dress-up shoes she parades around in. But there was more, lots more. Her curiosity in the world around her has blossomed, too.

Morenna: “Mommy, what’s that?”
Me: “Those are the cow’s horns.”
Morenna: “Ooh. Beep, beep!”

In light of this burst of curiosity, it was only fitting that we had a Curious George birthday party. She loves the “monk”, as she’s termed him, and perhaps he’s the one responsible for her newfound adventurous spirit.

We had just a few of our friends over for the celebration, along with my parents. Of course there has to be another little one present for it to be a real party, so her buddy Kavan was there, too. :-)

Here’s some captured moments:

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Legal Shoplifting

Pardon my play-on-words. :-) But it’s true that sometimes using coupons and scoring good deals makes one feel rather like a shoplifter... but in a good way.

Can I say that?

Anyhow, you all know I love a sweet deal as much as the next person, but when the items you purchase are paid to take end up being family favorites – expensive favorites – it just makes the feeling that much greater.

Hence my happy night last night. And with any luck and some coupons, perhaps you could get the same!

Giant Food Stores are currently (through Friday) running a promotion: buy $15 of select Kashi products and receive $5 off your next shopping order.

They also are offering their dollar doubler days.

Being the Kashi junky I am, I had printed multiple Kashi coupons here and here, in addition to having several that had been mailed to me and some found in previously purchased items.

Note: If you only print coupons online, and you have access to two home computers, you can print each coupon above twice and do a pretty sweet deal.

I rolled my deal, meaning I split all I bought into two transactions and used the money from the first to help pay for the second.

First Transaction
2 boxes of Kashi cereal ($3.29 each)
1 Barenaked Granola ($3.99)
1 box of TLC bars ($2.99)
2 Kashi to-go cups ($1 each)
6 Pillsbury Grands Jrs ($1 each) [*These currently have a catalina deal running... buy 6 get $4 back]

- Used 4 ($1) coupons that doubled = (-$8)
- Used 2 ($0.75) coupons on the biscuits = (-$1.50)
- Used a $10 Giant coupon from a deal I did last week (I also threw in a dozen eggs to the deal)

Paid $5.46 ... and got $9 back ($5 for the Kashi, $4 for the Grands)

Second Transaction
3 boxes of Kashi cereal ($3.29 each)
1 Barenaked Granola ($3.99)
1 box of TLC bars ($2.99)

- Used 4 ($1) coupons that doubled = (-$8)
- Used 1 ($1) coupon that didn’t double = (-$1)
- Used $5 dollars from the previous perchase

Paid $4.17 ... and got back $5

So for the Kashi deal and the Grands deal I technically paid $6.74 and got $9 back. So cool.

And that, my friends, made for a really great night. :-)

Ravioli Party

I love when old friends introduce you to new friends. And your new friends are friends with others who are your friends. A network of friends makes the world just a wee bit friendlier smaller.

Such is the case with my dear friend, Hannah.  We were introduced through a mutual friend. And it turns out we have many other mutual friends. Who knew?!

And who knew I could use the word “friend” so many times in one post?

Anyhow, Hannah is just about the most talented Italian cook I know. When I discovered her spaghetti sauce tasted better than mine (an amazing feat, in my prideful humble opinion), I knew it was time to get down to business. The business of learning all her Italian kitchen secrets. :-)

Hence the ravioli party was planned. Our occasion: Matt’s completion of the bar. And what a celebration it was!

Here’s a recipe for a party of your own:

1 batch of homemade genuine Italian raviolis

1 batch of red sauce (my own little concoction)

1 batch of lemon sauce (Hannah’s own little concoction. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G)

4 glasses of wine

4 friends

1 game of Bang!

For the ravioli, mix 2.5 cups of flour with 1 cup of boiling water. Let dough rest while you make the filling of your choice. Hannah can provide you some awesome suggestions. :-)

Roll out your dough. Add your fillings.

Be sure to crimp your edges!

Drop into a pot of salted boiling water ‘til raviolis rise and then for an additional 2 minutes. 

Remove and enjoy! Yum!

 

I love new friends.

Gettin’ Bigger All the Time

March 2010
Jadyn, 3.5 months

Of Poppins and Priorities

Since the beginning of the year, Morenna’s video of choice has been Mary Poppins.  Such an honor bestowed upon a movie means that it is watched dozens hundreds of times.

It was fun at first, bringing to mind memories of my own childhood pleasures surrounding the popular songs and lighthearted magic.

But I grew bored with the fact I could recite the script by memory. I had dishes to do, a floor to clean... and no one around was going to snap their fingers to complete it for me.

Somewhere around the 27th viewing *yawn*, I woke up and began to catch on to some iconic dimensions of the movie I had missed the 26 times before.

I’m slow, I know.

I sat there, suddenly aware of how greatly I was behaving like those in the movie.

Mrs. Banks was a valiant knight in the world of women’s rights; namely, their right to vote. To have a say. Fighting to have an impact in the world around her.

Yet she overlooked the greatest impact of all: motherhood. And it was slipping away from her.

Mr. Banks was a noteworthy, important man. His job defined him; he was a great investor.

Yet he didn’t invest in the right things. His “life ambitions go, with one fowl blow” and he realizes those ambitions were build on the sands of disillusionment.

What a perfect movie for a discontented, stressed out momma to watch.

It’s not about the daily chores; it’s about the time invested in the lives of my children. Motherhood is what I prayed for during those years through high school and college. The blessing was given to me... now what am I choosing to do with it?

One of the only blogs I take time to read is (In)Courage. Earlier this month a writer posted an article entitled, “In the Season of Rain, Pray for Rain.” It touched a disillusioned part of my heart and has drastically altered how I proceed in my day.

In the words of Zechariah, “Ask for rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain . . . .” (Zechariah 10:1)

Here’s the message, mommas. We’re the caretakers of little souls right now. It’s our season. And like all seasons, we know it only lasts for a short time before passing on. Remind yourself of this the next time a small being attaches themselves to your leg while dinner is burning, the dryer is buzzing and you can’t find a matching pair of shoes because someone smaller than you was reeking havoc in your closet this morning.

You’re in this season, so pray for this season. Pray for grace and peace and joy. And most of all, pray for wisdom to make a worthwhile, solid, investment. Won’t you join me?

And it can’t hurt to pray that someone like Mary Poppins arrives to snap her fingers and clean your house. :-)

What’s for Dinner

It’s good to be getting back to normal in our house. And to prove it’s true... here’s this week’s menu at a glance... already complete on a Monday morning. :-)

15. Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken, Bread, Veggie

16. Sloppy Joes, Fruit

17. Crepes, Fruit

18. Asian Chicken & Orzo Salad, Bread

19. Pizza & Salad

20. Spaghetti, Salad, Bread

21. Fajitas, Fruit—Morenna’s 2nd birthday party foods!

Warming Hearts

Jadyn at 12 weeks.

Innocent Love

I’m jealous of the sweet, innocent, bond between sisters.
At least I can capture the beauty on camera.

This was taken during one of our major February 2010 snowstorms.

It’s All About the Cheeks

I can’t get over Jadyn’s little chipmunk cheeks!

And as usual, her beloved “bink” isn’t far away.

Timesaving Spuds

For the last few months Matt has been studying for the bar. This studying meant I had more responsibility with the girls... which in turn meant little time for anything else. Like dinner.

I grew up in a German “meat ‘n potatoes” family. So naturally when I got married it was to a salad-loving, tofu-accepting Californian. And I was lost. What?! No potatoes at every meal?!

However, every now and then the urge strikes me to place a potato dish in the center of my table. But I dislike loath the effort it takes to create a serving of buttery white goodness and so I always resort to other quicker fixes like roasted or fried potatoes.

No longer.

One day the proverbial light bulb received the last little bit of brain current I had running through my sleep-deprived head (how's that for a dramatic sentence?) and a timesaving mashed spud process was born. Check it out!

1. Wrap washed potatoes (with the peel still on? YES! No peeling!) in waxed paper. Cook in a microwave until the consistency of a baked potato.

2. Meanwhile, place a bowl of butter in a sink filled with shallow hot tap water. Watch the butter melt. Check your email.

3. Set your handy-dandy food processor over said bowl with the medium grater.

4. Place hot potatoes into the mill and give them a quick mash with a spoon, such that the skins split.

5. Twirl your little mill handle - watch out for fogged glasses - color with your child... and viola! I love how the potatoes peel themselves. Oh yes!

6. Add a splash of buttermilk and some salt and pepper. Fluff with a fork. Serve!

7. Oh look... it’s been less than 10 minutes! Are you awesome or what?! Oh yes, you are.

Back in the Saddle Again

Friday my baby arrived back safe and sound after a week-long getaway to the wonderful world of HP. Seeing the FedEx box felt like Christmas all over again! So in honor of that delicious feeling, I bring you "a thousand words" with a bit of a Christmas flair. Can’t quite decide which of these photos is my favorite...

Whoo hoo, it's great to be back in the saddle again!

She's Comin' Home!

Word has it my baby is coming home later this week! I'm so anxious to resume my postings this weekend. :-) Stop by for a visit then...

Some Random Thoughts on Babies

A friend of mine is expecting her first little bundle of joy in just a few short weeks. Her husband scored some major points this last Valentine's Day by surprising her with a "book of wisdom" so-to-speak, chocked full advice from her friends and family who had already embarked on the journey of motherhood.


I don't know how much "wisdom" I contributed, but it was a great exercise to brainstorm and collect my thoughts on caring for newborns and beyond. And for posterity's sake (hehe) I'm reposting my thoughts here.

And what the heck?! Most of you are more seasoned moms than I am. I'd love to hear your wisdom on the matter!


Tips on Young Motherhood

It Would Happen

It would happen once I decide to embark on a new blogging feature, a thousand words.

Death.

Well, not true death... but it might as well be.

Currently my baby - er, laptop - is somewhere between U.S. coasts. It chose now to develop an attitude of independence as to when it would actually TURN ON! Grrr.

So now I'm stuck attempting to blog on our ancient heifer of a computer that won't even read my memory card. And the "thousand words" that are longing to fly out of my mouth had best fall on a deaf audience.

That said, I bring you some photos - some of my favorite, mind you - that are nevertheless unedited. Forgive their unpolished appearence and please enjoy the show.

***

Today I continue my ode to my husband. We're apart this week and next as he and a college friend prepare to take the bar. I miss him lots, respect him even more... and anxiously await the moment we're back together and back to normal.

Normal. This is normal at our house...

True Intimacy

I've never been one to celebrate Valentine's Day. Perhaps this is a result of my childhood. My parents were never big on any market-driven holiday, but we ate our heart-shaped pancakes, told family members we loved them (like we did every day) and moved on.

During my college years the journey of singleness made me much more aware of Valentine's Day. Friends went out with their significant others and I sat alone in my dorm room wearing black in protest. A true model of maturity right there. ::Cough::

Although there was that one year when a friend and I graced our male counterpart's cubicle with bright red streamers and heart confetti - just cuz it bred annoyance. Who knew I was really pranking my future husband. Hehe.

But now I'm married and we still don't really celebrate the big love fest. But in light of yesterday's holiday, I found this post a true encouragement... and a great reminder. Here's an exerp:

Unaware of themselves in the garden, Adam and Eve walked with God,
and they were naked. They were completely exposed, and they were not
work-driven, and they did not have babies hanging on their legs, sitting on
their hips, poking their eyes, squeezing their noses, or drooling down their
backs.

Oh how we want the garden back sometimes after we have babies! Oh how sweet the garden seems when we're looking back from our over-worked positions - whatever they may be! Don't we crave such time and depth with Christ that we become one with Him, know His thoughts, and love how He loves? Don't we survive by keeping intimacy with Him, in prayer?

What is missing for me is the humility and discernment to say NO when needed, so I can say YES when needed, and I keep asking myself if I were to arrange my life so that intimacy with the Lover my soul were my priority, then wouldn't intimacy with my husband become a great byproduct of that - an overflow?

~ Taken from "An Intimacy Experiment" over at (In)Courage.

For You, Babe

To My Best Friend,

On this day celebrating love, it is only fitting that I publically state just how precious you are to me. The Lord has blessed me above and beyond what I deserve. Every good and perfect gift is from Him, and that's how I know He brought me you. Thank you for selflessly, joyously, and lovingly serving me and your children. As you prepare to take the Virginia bar next week, know that we're rooting for you and cheering you on behind the scenes. And when it's all over, we look forward to welcoming you home with lots of love and hugs and kisses (wet ones from the girls :-) ).

Here's our song for you today:

"Family Man" from Trevor Little on Vimeo.

My Family

November 2009

A common after-dinner occurrence.

Wish You Were Here

We’re so glad Jadyn is finally here. Her big sister was very excited to meet her.

November 2009