My Challenge

It has been so long since I have posted. SO MUCH has gone on in our lives since we returned from North Carolina, including a trip to North Dakota. I have pictures to post and stories to tell, but that will have to wait until later.

I am challenging myself to find 5 vegetarian recipes over the next month that my meat-loving husband (and meat-loving me for that matter) will deem "keepers" to our monthly menus. Why am I doing this? To be more healthy? Maybe. To perhaps save money? Always a good thing. In reality? I just need a challenge to get out of my menu planning rut and after a girls night out discussion with some friends, this seemed like a good way to go.

So, if you can help, that would be great. Daryl has even agreed to try a tofu recipe and I don't have to tell him it is tofu. If you have a vegetarian recipe that your family just LOVES, send it my way. It would be greatly appreciated.

I'll keep you posted on the status. The month begins... now.

Back from North Carolina

The girls and I just spent a fun week with 2 of my college roommates (and kids) in North Carolina. We had so much fun. I think it is a toss up whether I or my girls enjoyed it more. There were 7 kids among the 3 of us. It felt like a zoo, especially at meal times.

I forgot my camera (grrr), but will post some pictures when I get them from my friend. Until then, words will have to suffice.

• H: Mommy, where is my friend... that girl?
• H: I just need my friends right now.
• Gracie crawling all over Josiah. (Yes, she has learned to crawl. Josiah is 2 months younger, but he can sure keep up with her using his army crawls.)
• Jacob reading to Hannah.
• Princess dresses... need I say more.
• Going to the pool... 2x. I have 2 little water bugs.
• Marbles ~ Raleigh's children's museum. The best thing for Hannah... dressing up and dancing on stage. The best thing for Gracie... crawling.
• Jacob: Aren't you just the cutest little thing (to Gracie). Mommy, I didn't know that girl babies were so much fun. Can we have a girl baby? (How about it, Kim:-)?)
• Girl fights over princess dresses.
• Mommies' night out... yeah! Adult conversation and no diapers or refereeing!
• Having playmates all week (for all of us!)
• Airplane rides with a new crawler
• Airplane delays with a new crawler and a 3 year old! Thank goodness for Kidport and new coloring supplies and Tinkerbell snacks.
• Late nights
• Minivan caravans
• McDonalds and chocolate milk
• And so much more!

Thanks for a wonderful time! Can't wait to do it again... well, maybe after some naps!

Goodbye Granny Hess!

I just received word that my Grandma Hess (Granny to the great grandchildren) passed away just before noon today. We are going to miss her, but are so thankful she no longer has to suffer in the body that was failing her.

Rejoice with Jesus, Grandma! We love you!

Granny with Gracie, October 2009

Granny and Grandpop reading with Hannah and Gracie

Day at Long Hill

Several weeks ago the girls and I met Auntie Bee for a picnic at Long Hill. We had a fabulous day exploring the gardens. It is truly a beautiful place. Hannah enjoyed naming the flowers. Gracie just loved being outdoors. I loved being with my friend and my girls.

Picnic Lunch with Auntie Bee in the "Castle" (pole gazebo surrounded by bushes)

Hannah and Gracie in the Children's Garden's house

Gracie grinning and showing off her two teeth

Bee and Hannah watering

Bee and Hannah searching for tadpoles.

Yes, its real, but we weren't sure at first!

Beautiful Baby

Thank you, Auntie Bee, for the delightful day!

Birthday!

Last Thursday was Hannah's 3rd birthday and I have finally gotten around to posting some pictures of the day. That morning we had a gymnastics room playdate with some of Hannah's friends.

Taryn crawls out of the tunnel after Christopher while Sam and Lydia look on.

Ellie waits her turn.

Hannah sliding down the bouncy slide while Taryn and Lydia wait, perched at the top.

Christopher, Hannah and Taryn help deflate the bouncy slide.

Jim and Amanda join us for a birthday supper followed by birthday cake.

Daddy's labor of love for his little girl.

Jim and Amanda's gift of school supplies for the birthday girl who cannot WAIT to go to school!

Happy Birthday, little Princess!

Three years ago...

tonight... at almost 2:00 am, we were told that we had a 7lb 7oz little girl who we named Hannah Joy Olson. I can remember that time like it was yesterday. Can it really be 3 years already?!?!

Happy Birthday (tomorrow), my little princess!

You are into all things princess and anything the color of "Disney pink."
You are scared of thunderstorms and sirens.
You love making your little sister laugh.

You can't wait to go to church on Sundays both to see your friends and to dress up in your dresses.
You would wear a dress every day if we had that many.
You love "watching something" and throw a fit when mommy or daddy say no.
You "run to the garden and cry" when you don't get your way.
You are developing a love for gardening and have started "naming" flowers... "daisydoo" and "orangegolds."

You scream when mommy tries to comb your hair.
You give the BEST bear hugs.
When you go to bed, you want to wear your "dress pjs" and robe. You want ALL your blankets on your bed (even though you sweat like crazy in the heat). You want your CD player running on the first track of the CD Lullaby and Goodnight. Your closet door must be closed and your precious moments manager scene must be on.
You are SO EXCITED when you "limer" goes off after rest time (alarm + timer).
You want daddy to make up "Three Little Bears" stories. These include (but not limited to) the "Three Little Bears go to the grocery store," the "Three Little Bears Brush Their Teeth," the "Three Little Bears Go to the Zoo" and so on.
You talk to daddy's "Hand." In fact, hand seems to be another member of the family.
You watch "Hello Kitty," "Boo" and "Sesame Street."
You are able to write the letters H, A and sometimes N, but refuse to write your whole name.
You recognize letters when we are out and about. You saw the "M" in Market Basket and told me that it said "mommy."
You like writing letters to people and mailing them in your pretend mailboxes.
You like to make up words to songs, just like daddy.
You get very excited when you are able to go play at a friend's house.
You love to help mommy and daddy clean. Mopping and dusting are some of your favorite chores.

You love to dance!

~ Hannah Bear ~ 

Mommy, Daddy and Gracie love you very much!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

What happened to April?

I know we had the month of April, because I got 1 year older somewhere in the midst of it, but you wouldn't be able to tell from what I've posted. I think it was a busy month. I know my littlest daughter has changed a lot. She is getting so active... without moving an inch. It is so funny. She stretches and stretches, but will not attempt to crawl after anything. I can't say I'm sad about that, because when she moves, she won't stop.

Nana is visiting us this week. It has been so much fun. When Hannah wakes up in the morning, the first thing she asks is... "Is Nana still here?" She gets really giggly when I say "YES!" Daryl and Nana relayed a funny Hannah story tonight.

We were having a thunderstorm. Hannah has just started expressing her fear about the thunder and lightning. I had to leave, but she was clinging to daddy saying "I'm afraid, I'm scared." Apparently during dinner, she wanted Daryl to sit as close to her as possible. He continued trying to reassure her. Finally she said in a whispered voice, "I know what would make me not afraid... ice cream." Oh, Hannah!

Here is a video clip of Gracie playing peek-a-boo!