Saturday, July 28, 2012

San Francisco, Part 1

As all good things come to an end, it's fun to look back on the adventures we had in July.

We had a wonderful time riding the cable cars in San Francisco, meandering through Fisherman's Wharf, eating some amazing sourdough and clam chowder, sampling some Ghirardelli chocolates, and shopping at Pier 39.






Sunday, July 22, 2012

Warning:

Conversation while camping:

My Dad:
Dayna: Why can't pregnant women drink alcohol?

Me: Because it could hurt the baby.

Dayna: How does the baby get hurt?

Me: It could cause problems and damage the baby's brain.

Dayna: (pensive thinking...long pause) Nana...did you drink alcohol when you were pregnant with Mom?

Thanks, Dayna. Thanks.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

New Song

I stumbled across this verse today and fell in love with it, as I'm learning to find my song again.

Relishing the Mundane

It seems from posting all these pictures that we've been keeping busy. And we have. Kids Bowl Free. Membership to the pool. Swimming lessons. Outdoor concerts. Playdates. Summer library program. Visits with family.

But in the middle of the running, we've settled into a nice routine. Cleaning. Menu planning. Grocery shopping. Organizing. Piano lessons. Snuggling. Reading. Repeat.

I'm sure from Dayna's perspective, all we ever do around here is clean. And I confess: I am the world's worst housekeeper. I really don't like doing housework. But I do love a clean house. And so, I'm entering the world of constant housework. You know...the kind where the laundry is never done. The dishwasher always needs loaded or unloaded. The toys we just picked up are all over the floor again. (And seven-year-old toys are a lot more of a pain to pick up than toddler toys.)

This may seem like a no-brainer, but after months of just trying to keep my head above water, and relying on my amazing husband to keep these day-to-day things going, I find myself enjoying the mundane. My house still isn't clean (but it's getting there.) And with each swipe of the dustrag and each napkin I fold (oy vey, do we go through about a million napkins around here!) I find myself being blessed, and in return, blessing my family (especially that husband, who I believe is enjoying fewer trips to the laundry room.)

This may not be where God has me long-term, but for right now, I really am enjoying being a stay-at-home mom.

Jazz in June

 For the last fifteen years, we have spent at least one Tuesday night in June on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Good food. Good friends. Great music. Here are some pictures of our Jazz in June memories for 2012...in the sweltering heat!










June Zoo Trips

 We got to take a couple of zoo trips in June. Earlier this month, we had a playdate with Dayna's best friend and her sisters. I enjoyed getting to know their mom as well. (Who says playdates are for kids, anyway?)
 Yesterday, we spent the day with Dan's parents, and his brother's family. Ruby and Dayna had a great time!
 Can you tell the giraffe statue is a hit?


 Ruby loved the train.


 Tom is just a big kid!
But we'll let him be as goofy as he wants! It was around 100 degrees, and Tom was pushing the stroller uphill while carrying Dayna...

I Love Lucy



 Dayna's Bitty Baby, Lucy decided to stay a few extra nights at Grandma and Grandpa's house. What adventures she had!

She helped make dinner.
She helped Grandma sew.
She tried on a dress for her cousin's (yet unnamed) Bitty Baby.
 
She helped celebrate Grandpa's birthday.

Even helped blow out the candles.
 
Lucy played a few rounds of Scrabble.

And enjoyed the new patio out back.

She played "Hide and Seek",
 
and had a playdate with the doll who has no name.
But as the week went on, she was getting homesick for her Mama.

And couldn't wait to get in the car and drive home.