Magic Moments

This is what Aiden and Mama did this weekend: This is what Aiden and Daddy did this weekend: Who got the better end of the deal? I'll let you decide.

I'm not saying I'm thrilled that it snowed, but I am saying I'm not surprised. Spring does NOT come to Minnesota in March. It just doesn't. Spring comes to Iowa in March, but Spring doesn't make an appearance up here until April...at the earliest. So, even though we've had some warm days that have teased us, I wasn't shocked or devastated when I woke up to 7+inches. This is Minnesota, people! What is upsetting is that at 4:30 our plow has not shown up, Tom's car is stuck (and I do mean STUCK) at the end of the driveway, and thus I won't be going to work tonight. Even then, it's not that bad. We're pretty cozy...ham and potatoes and fresh bread are in the oven and we'll snuggle in and watch a movie tonight. So all you Minnesotans, stop counting on Spring in March, hunker down, and be cozy. It's not that bad....we're supposed to thrive on weather like this. :) This is our element, this is why our skin is thicker... we laugh...

A special thanks goes out to Steph for doing this post on a very cute DIY project. I've only tackled a few DIY projects but when I saw Steph's post on personalized letters I tucked it in the back of my mind hoping to pull it out for someone special someday. That time finally arrived! My friend Mandi had her baby last week. As soon as I heard her baby's name I just new that such a pretty name needed to be displayed on the nursery wall. Plus, that sweet little bundle will always hold a special place in my heart (more on that another day). So thanks, Steph, for this easy and fool proof project and thanks to Mandi for having such a sweet baby girl!

I hope that Aiden treasures his memory verses and doesn't rebel against the system, but memory verses are part of our preschool curriculum and so far Aiden has embraced "school." I keep it pretty laid back, we mostly play and insert concepts and subjects here and there. My child is a sponge! He drinks up anything I tell him and wants a new letter everyday instead of a new letter every week. We review his verses every Monday and he usually negotiates a Hershey's Kiss out of the deal. I rarely reward him for anything because I want him to be intrinsically motivated and understand expectations, but in this case I think he earned it. :)

Aiden is desperately trying to figure out what living things are nice and what living things are mean. I think deep down he knows that tigers aren't "nice" but he doesn't want to believe it. At least once a day when he plays with his animals he asks, "Mama, are my tigers (bears, lions, etc) nice? And everyday I answer, "No. Tigers aren't really nice. God made them to be hunters and so they are always looking for food and kill other animals to eat. They don't understand when people are nice and they would hurt you." And Aiden's response always is, "No, Mama. Tigers ARE nice." And I just smile and agree. So today I picked up a bug off the kitchen floor (GROSS!) and Aiden asked, "Mama, are bugs nice?" When he asked me several things ran through my head. Personally, I HATE bugs. I think they are gross and disgusting. I do not feel bad squishing them or stepping on an ant farm. I hate being itchy, I hate that we'v...

Untitled from Jenny on Vimeo .

I love snail mail and today my long awaited package arrived all the way from Lithuania! After weeks of waiting and waiting my Valentine present from Tom finally came in the mail! He bought me the Baltic Amber necklace I've been wanting. (sorry the picture is so small. you'll have to see it in person sometime) Not only do I love the golden and honey colored beads (they match my hair) but I wanted this necklace for it's healing qualities. The healing power of Amber has been used for centuries. It is commonly used for teething babies in Europe because it is a natural pain relief. When you wear this necklace it warms to your skin and releases succinic acid. Here is just a little bit about Baltic Amber: But what is it that amber possesses that has made it a unique contributor to health since the beginning of recorded time? It’s simple, actually. It has a substance – or ingredient – called succinic acid. A powerful anti oxidant that helps fight toxic free radicals and dis...

This is a special edition of My Favorite Things. These Favorite Things are not actually my things...yet. But if I had them I know they would be my favorites. So, if anyone wants to buy me a present, feel free. The first item up is this bag. It's a hemp/cotton bag for sale on Etsy and I think it's just so.so.cute. It sure beats carrying around a diaper bag. This yummy dessert will be mine before the week is over. I'm saving up my sugar ration for the week to indulge in this: Here is the recipe if anyone wants to join me. Ingredients: 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix ...

I don't have any words...just a couple videos of my boys...whom I love so much! Untitled from Jenny on Vimeo . Untitled from Jenny on Vimeo .