Spring Crafts

Spring is in the air. Why not do a little bit of crafting?

The girls and I got together with our favorite twin sisters to make Sensory Bottles (sometimes called Discovery Bottles) over our Spring Break. This required a little planning for collecting the right items. Much supervision was needed considering the sorting of small objects but this was a really fun project. We attempted to sort by color but that goal got a little lost in toddler translation.

Here's what you need:

• Empty Water Bottles (I used VOSS water because the mouths are a little wider)
• Small objects (Pom-poms, paper clips, beads, tiny toys, etc.)
• Glue (optional but you could glue the lids on for added safety)

Then, under the inspiration of Aunt Anita, we put together some Resurrection Eggs.  Each egg has an item that tells a part of the Easter story.  I searched online for the list of items to find out there were so many variations. I chose the list that I thought I could collect the easiest. I had some sticker numbers in my craft box, therefore this craft cost me zero dollars. (An ironic contract to the cost Jesus paid for my sins.)

Eva loves these special eggs and it really is helping her remember the story Jesus's true sacrifice. As in, "The orange one is EMPTY because Jesus is ALIVE!!" As well as, "The cracker is because Jesus had Supper with his friends!"

We will definitely bring this out for future Easter seasons.

Chocolate Factory Tour

I grew up with VeggieTales. My kids love the theme song. We play it on cassette tape most mornings. (That's right, cassettes.) There is another song on the VeggieTales cassette that is often running through my head. "...we work real hard at the chocolate factory. We start at eight and we don't get lunch 'til three. I drive truck to make buck so I can send it home to my fam-i-leeeeee." 

This song was running through my head so much that I decided to take the girls to Anthony-Thomas Chocolate factory a week ago.

It was a fun little tour. We learned a lot about chocolate and candy. That was enjoyable. What made it more fun was that there was a kindergarten group on the tour with us. But Eva's favorite part was the "buckeye brownie" (a buckeye) she stuffed into her mouth at the end of the tour. We weren't allowed to take photos on the actual tour so these are just us hanging out in the gift shop.

Happy Valentine's Day!
May it include as much love as a 235-pound buckeye
could offer!

Handwritten

In the days of laptops, iPads, text-messaging, and Twitter, it seems like there isn't a lot of handwriting going on. But I know first hand (no pun intended) of two friends who ACTUALLY worked to improve their handwriting in the year 2016. I am certainly impressed by both these ladies.

I also find it impressive when someone sends you a handwritten note. Even better if it is for your birthday!

Not that a Facebook message or text message don't have the same meaning or sentiment. They do. And the 59 Fb messages and 12 texts brought a smile to my face and there was definitely the benefit of responding quickly to someone's well wishes.

But this year those 11 birthday cards that came by mail or given in-person, created a visual reminder to me of someone's thought. For that, I am thankful.

Keith even hid his birthday card for me in my purse so I would find it later in the day. I loved seeing his handwriting on the paper. So endearing. Also his card was of a T-Rex giving a hug... that is ironically hilarious. What a funny guy!

My children, who are perfecting their handwriting daily, were most excited about the delivery of balloons that came for my birthday (though not willing to show it in a photo that Mommy insisted on). 

It is great to be 35 and still able to enjoy a handwritten note. 

Water Babies

Oh, these little children of ours! They surely LOVE the water. 

The water table we bought last year is a HIT, again. But this year it brings hours of fun (versus minutes). Sprinklers are more exciting for Eva this year. And heading down to the beach at the Lake is certainly a new summer highlight. 

Don't these sunny days just make you want to be outside and cool off with a little H2O? 

It is always fun to include friends when we play. We know Lucia is a friend for the swimming pool but she also likes the water table out in our yard. James and Charlie make splashing in the Lake soooo much more memorable. 

I predict a summer full of swimsuits (hand-me-downs welcome) and lots of sunscreen. 

Baptism and Birthday

What a lovely weekend to celebrate our children! 

We welcomed Audrey into God's family through Holy Baptism on Sunday. It was also Eva's birthday weekend. Plenty of reason for cake! 

Sara and Ross were able to be at the baptism as Audrey's godparents. Chip sent his love from San Francisco. We were happy to have family surround these little ladies. What a fantastic reminder of God's love for us! 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14

2015 In Review

I have been trying to get in one more post before the end of the month. Since my last post, we had a baby and ... celebrated the birth of Jesus. Busy times.  I thought a review of the year would be a good way to close out the year. We've had a full year of joy with Eva. We also have enjoyed preparing and welcoming Audrey into our family. Get ready for an overload of photos.

Always cheering on the Buckeyes.
National Championship, Baby! 

Snow day stroll to Marshall's for breakfast. 

Hanging out with Commodore Perry
at the Cleveland boat show.

Valentine's Day date at the Fish Market. 

Winter reprieve at Franklin Park Conservatory.

Opening Day at Progressive Field.
A fun tradition.

Easter Day. He is Risen!

Happy Birthday, Eva! Lots of love and celebration. 

COSI trip with Larkyn and Rhys. 

Opening Day fun at Progressive!

Mother's Day at the Clippers baseball game. 

Our washed away beach.

Carrie, Julie, and all the kiddos. 

Date night at BNL concert. 

Aftermath of our basement flooding due to heavy June rain.

Playing Fascination with the Christensens at the Lake. 

Yay! Keith finishes 50 miles at the Velosano.

Our growing family standing in the same spot
where we were engaged seven years ago.

Labor Day in tie-dye. 

Marching band selfie. Go CCHSMB!

Columbus Oktoberfest is a great tradition.

Pumpkin picking at Pigeon Roost.

A baby is born! Welcome Audrey!

Decorating for Christmas.

Unseasonably warm December weather gives us
a chance to walk the Scioto mile. 

Quiet time with Mom.

Getting ready for family photos. Our first time as a family of four. 

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.