tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22587940376938689082024-03-06T01:08:05.125-08:00Domestic Katebecoming domestic and creative one blog post at a timeKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-23999739457126734642013-07-30T12:07:00.000-07:002013-07-30T12:07:00.626-07:00Oh Hey There!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi friends! Mommy says she misses writing down our adventures and (as long as we take a good rest time) she's getting back into it! </div>
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Exciting, right?!</div>
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-65455126041147231552012-10-04T13:41:00.001-07:002012-10-04T13:44:09.051-07:00Rub a dub dubOh and remember Project Pinterest. Yeah, I totally failed. I've made some recipes but I have two projects that remain unfinished. Instead, I thought I'd share how we took advantage of one of the last warm days of fall....<br />
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perfect day for a <a href="http://www.domestic-kate.blogspot.com/2010/12/rub-dub-tub.html">bath tub</a> photo session with my little girl!<br />
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-25133398825333037922012-08-21T18:03:00.002-07:002012-08-21T18:03:54.482-07:00so close!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll be back with a Pinterest Project post soon. I know, I missed last week. I've been working on one though so it'll hopefully be finished so I can post on that next week!</div>
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I thought I'd share my <i>ALMOST</i> favorite picture. Seriously, I love it and it's just <i>so close</i> to being my most favoritist (yes, that's a word) of all if it weren't for the fact that Caroline's precious smile is being covered up. That was the extent of our cooperation today for pictures too, so there was no recreating that set up. </div>
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Oh well. We'll try on a different day.</div>
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-42961443324044916282012-08-11T06:54:00.004-07:002012-08-11T06:55:18.043-07:00Frozen Hot Chocolate ::: Project Pinterest<div style="text-align: center;">
Things are moving slowly over here folks. Which is not a good thing. Although I have been pseudo-following the rules of project pinterest for a couple of months, it has only been about a week since I began posting on Project Pinterest so I kind of need this motivation even more--to keep me going on my list of "fun things to try". I have to keep in mind that project pinterest shouldn't be a daunting task. Projects and Recipes are really fun to try and PP will do the job at keeping me accountable for trying new things consistently.</div>
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<i></i>This week I'll highlight the <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/drinks/frozen-hot-chocolate-2/">Frozen Hot Chocolate</a> treat. </div>
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I've always wanted to go NYC's Serendipity where they serve up the nations most famous frozen hot chocolate so when I saw these on Pinterest I thought I'd give it a try! </div>
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We put the kids to bed early and I quickly made a batch so Tom and I could enjoy them outside on our patio with a game of cards.</div>
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The recipe calls for a can of evaporated milk and I thought, "I have that!". But it turns out I had <i>sweetened condensed milk</i> at home. I still gave it a try despite that and it turned out <i>okay.</i> It was entirely too sweet for us. I had a hard time drinking a fourth of the glass.</div>
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I know it was probably from milk switcheroo that it turned out too sweet but I'm sort of turned off by the concept now and don't think that I'll try it again. I think I'll just wait until I take that long awaited trip to Serendipity to try Frozen Hot Chocolate again! ;)</div>
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<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-59834878425463820152012-08-02T12:09:00.000-07:002012-08-02T12:29:05.961-07:00"Project Pinterest"I'm a total daydreamer. I could just sit all day long and <i>think</i> about fun things to do, creative things to make, beautiful things to decorate, (dishes to wash, beds to make, laundry to fold, etc) and I'd be good to go. The problem with all of this is that not a single thing gets done. Tom is my exact opposite in this area so our relationship works out well together in that he motivates me to <i>do</i> things and get them <i>done</i> and I help Tom...<i>relax</i> and <i>enjoy</i> situations. <br />
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Enter... <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> . It's like the world's biggest magazine and it can be...time consuming. Some days it's a distraction for me and I do it just to relax or other days I will have a specific recipe or project I want to look up (like furniture painting tutorials or room decorating styles, etc). I started to notice a trend- I kept pinning things and wasn't following through with <i>doing</i> the projects. <br />
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Then I thought of something that motivated me in this area. I call it "Project Pinterest". Project Pinterest is simple- Pick ONE project to do a week and <i>do it!</i> Of course, it would be fun to document so I also think it's fun to take pictures of the project but that's not a requirement for me. If it's a simple recipe or small project I won't be pulling my camera out, but regardless, I'll be completing something creative. After I complete the project, I've been going back to my pinterest boards and commenting on whether or not it turned out or I liked it, etc. My goal is to also update on my blog to sort of keep me accountable for getting it done. <br />
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I've been doing this for a couple of months now but definitely haven't been on track with my "once a week" goal. I'll try and do better once I post this ;).<br />
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This is a serving tray that I painted from a cheapo ikea serving tray that I bought earlier this summer. I was inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/164029611399007541/">this</a> serving tray on pinterest. I didn't follow the tutorial because the inspiration tray was porcelain and the tray that I used was kind of wood-cardboard-laminate surface. I spray painted the edges and handles with a cream colored spray paint and then used chalkboard paint on the tray's surface.<br />
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Right now, we're using is as a centerpiece. I asked Hans for things that he was thankful for and happy about and wrote down his answers while he colored on the other side. He actually came up with every answer unprompted by me! That explains the random answer of "turtle" thrown in there!</div>
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Anyway, I'm happy with our new tray-repo! </div>
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So, who wants to join me for "Project Pinterest"? Even if you aren't on pinterest, pick one project or recipe a week and....<i>let's do it!</i></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-53307213463738915042012-07-30T08:02:00.002-07:002012-07-30T08:02:49.247-07:00Not-so-perfect but perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's the only way I can describe this picture. It's one of my favorites right now.</div>
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Daddy was working late, my little's just finished splashing together in the bath and both were jammied for bed. I rarely (if ever?) have gotten a picture where my two kids are sitting close together, looking, and smiling! Although it's not the worlds most perfect picture, it's one of mine. I can just look at this picture and smell my kids. I can smell that fresh-from-the-bath-and-in-my-jammies smell. I wish they could bottle up that smell so I can gift it to myself 20 years from now. I can hear their giggles and squeals and I can feel their cuddles.</div>
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I love that you can relive a memory from a photo and I love the memory from this picture!!</div>
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<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-81642676633263862602012-07-27T14:40:00.002-07:002012-07-27T14:42:04.054-07:00two and a halfWe have ourselves a 2 1/2 year old. I had been sort of holding off in saying that, but since last week was his "half birthday" I figure it's about time I accept it.<br />
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I can't believe how much growth can happen in a 1/2 year! </div>
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What a delight this little boy brings to us! Of course we have those typical moments that can occur in the life of a 2 year old but man, the "GREAT" moments quickly out weigh those times that really try your patience. </div>
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Hans,</div>
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You have a love for laughter and everyday, we see an increase in your understanding with humor and....you're down right hilarious! You have a love for life and it's contagious!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You put on Daddy's socks and came out and, in a deep voice, said, "Hi, I'm Daddy!" </td></tr>
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You absolutely love your sister. There are times when I see you (although you don't know it) go over to "Kiki" and give her a huge hug and kiss and whisper, "I love you Kiki". It melts our hearts when we can witness those moments! </div>
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There are times when you forget to be kind to her or don't want to share, but the love for your sister is always present!<br />
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You don't particularly love the camera, but every once in awhile you decide to flash it your best "cheese!".<br />
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You love toys and have an imagination that won't quit. You love to make vehicles into characters and love when mommy and daddy play with you and your cars. We often hear, "Mommy be this one!" "Mommy be the ferrari" or "Daddy be Mater", etc. </div>
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The thing that we're enjoying most about your wonderful 2 1/2 years of life is your absolute love and interest in all things with Jesus. We usually have the local christian radio playing in car (if not a children's CD) and the other day, when <a href="http://www.tobymac.com/">TobyMac</a> came on, you declared, "Oh I like this song mommy! It's about Jesus!" </div>
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You love to read your Bible and request favorite stories like, "the desert one" or the "Jesus is alive again one". In your Devotional Bible there are stories of modern kids and the struggles they might go through and then there is a Bible story relevant to that situation following the story. Hans' favorites are the stories about the boy who takes a "time out" and the boy who "colors on the wall". So, we are sure to read those a couple of times a day! ;)</div>
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Hans, you're silly, goofy, kind, strong, independent, and loving. We love you sooooooo... applesauce! (don't ask) ;) ;) ;)</div>
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</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-10423431576342420552012-07-26T13:04:00.004-07:002012-07-26T13:09:46.392-07:00Molly::: (almost) 3 YearsMolly is my beautiful niece. We are so fortunate to have five nieces that are not only adorable on the outside, but extremely sweet and kind on the inside too. (we also have two nephews that fit that description to a "T"). My sister is a flight attendant and visits often from her home in Ohio. I love this perk of hers because we not only get to see her and my brother in law every so often, but their precious kids as well!<br />
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My sister and I decided to take Molly out on a special morning with "just us big girls". We went to Northwestern College where my sister went to school and snapped some photo's of Molly to capture her last moments as a 2 year old before they usher in her 3rd birthday! I cannot believe it's been 3 years!!<br />
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Molly gave us about 5 seconds of smiles to work with and then she was ready for her promised "treat". Despite her lack of enthusiasm and my amateur photography skills, one thing is for sure....this girl is photogenic! <br />
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Here are a few of my favorites,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubZYdD-1QUGvwhYcm4m9CabkAlPTvPY0y_eyIbju47M3wFazUOPcLJmPMBXKQt1xvotgZb22U4OoQspxyyG9X_J-F2Erlmu3ehTJSdmuGtvhc5dRndl_14Yukl-nHrKDeIAFI5HjHv1E/s1600/IMG_6116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubZYdD-1QUGvwhYcm4m9CabkAlPTvPY0y_eyIbju47M3wFazUOPcLJmPMBXKQt1xvotgZb22U4OoQspxyyG9X_J-F2Erlmu3ehTJSdmuGtvhc5dRndl_14Yukl-nHrKDeIAFI5HjHv1E/s640/IMG_6116.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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It was a fun afternoon with you Molly (and Kim)! </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-83236463629832326892012-07-21T07:14:00.001-07:002012-07-21T07:15:32.267-07:00"How To"<div style="text-align: center;">
How to teach your child to walk early:</div>
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Take your child to the pool. The cloudier and colder the weather, the better. And, if there is a thunderstorm rolling in...bonus!</div>
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Next, place your baby in a pool of <i>cold</i> water.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Note: Caroline isn't walking...yet. But, she most definitely </i>wanted<i> to yesterday!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Another note: forecasters aren't always correct. Hot and sunny day? Nope! We had to leave the pool after 20 minutes due to thunder/lightning and rain! Boo. Caroline didn't seem to mind the early escape though!</i></span></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-61142476256783860122012-07-18T14:49:00.000-07:002012-07-18T14:49:02.093-07:00We had a visitor...<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a visitor today! Well, actually, a <i>couple</i> of visitors you could say...</div>
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It was a rainy day today and we called off plans to get outside and decided to stay close to home. With all of the hot and muggy days we've had lately, we've also had our fair share of mornings spent at home, inside. With that said, I felt like I had to switch things up a bit. </div>
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So, my old Cricket doll came to say hello! Hans was very welcoming...and Caroline was too....in her own way.</div>
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We learned early on that Caroline's love language is "hair pulling" (or pinching, or scratching...). Poor little Cricket got a lot of <i>love</i> from Caroline. She decided she better go <s>back into her storage box</s> <i>home </i>and come out to play when Caroline is a little older.</div>
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After Cricket left and after an afternoon nap, I decided to bring out my very first baby doll from when I was a baby.</div>
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She was quick to give it a lot of kisses and A LOT of big smiles. I think she may just be a "doll" girl like her mama. </div>
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<i>Why does my old baby doll look like it's my grandmother's old baby doll?? Sheesh, talk about feeling old!</i></div>
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Oh, and before we leave, Caroline wants to show you her <i>new</i> top two teeth!</div>
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She is growing so fast!!</div>
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-73626478548740210222012-06-04T13:33:00.001-07:002012-06-04T13:33:34.554-07:00Instagram peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm having a lot of fun capturing our daily activities with instagram on my phone. Instagram was previously only available for the iphone but when they opened it up for android users as well, I jumped on bored! I have always loved the vintage feel you can add to the pictures. I also love that you can opt to be a private user, so my pictures will be kept private unless I approve someone to follow me. Or, of course, if I post them to my blog ;). </div>
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This is a little glimpse into our week. I was planning on going through each photo and giving you a little update or description but it took entirely too long to figure out how to make this collage and upload it into the blog. Here is a brief overview. I love love to see my kids play and interact with each other, my uncle visited, time spent with the cousins up at the cabin where we also were able to listen to my dad's outdoor concert, and quiet time in the morning before the kids were awake.</div>
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I'm planning on posting again soon with a little project I have on my mind.</div>
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If you have instagram, find me on there! My name is domestickate</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-90003071441906782902012-06-01T19:16:00.000-07:002012-06-01T19:16:17.429-07:00This little girl7 months....7 months!! No, I'm not referring to the last time that I've updated the blog (I don't think it's been <i>quite</i> that long. I'm referring to my little girl. Remember my little newborn baby girl? Yeah, she is older now and getting more and more adorable by the minute.<br />
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She still loves her big brother and we're still getting tons of smiles from her. She has also been working on <s>screaming at the top of her lungs</s> using her voice. It's frightening and lovely all at the same time.</div>
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Caroline is cruising all over the place. With the combination or rolling, scooting, and army crawling, we definitely need to keep an eye on her! Hans is very good at making sure she only plays with baby toys. I frequently hear him say "No, Kiki" and then it's quickly followed with "Here you go, Kiki" as he quickly finds a baby toy to put in front of her. He really is so sweet with his baby sister. I think he loves the fact that mommy says she is still too little to play with his toy cars. When she is making a bee line for his stuff he frantically sweeps everything into the corner and tries to block her off from his things. It's adorable and hilarious.</div>
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I was able to fit in a little "7 month" photo shoot with her in this adorable vintage high chair we found. It was a warm day so she was just chilling in a diaper cover and a bow I made for her hair (of course, mommy has a matching one too!)</div>
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Smiles all of the time!</div>
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Here she is wearing a dress from my grandma (her namesake, Carol) when <i>she</i> was a little girl.</div>
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We love you <i>sweet</i> Caroline!</div>
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<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-52301071116539876542012-03-02T06:31:00.004-08:002012-03-02T10:43:27.535-08:00Around the House<div>The past couple of weeks have just been what we've needed. Time at home. Time together.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had time to get a little creative with our toys. These pop can boxes served as trains and boats. Hans is so creative. I love getting in his little imagination and playing along with him.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877278703/" title="IMG_3765 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6877278703_7831295f01.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3765" /></a><div><br /><div>Enjoying a snack, bundled up with his new coat on.</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877295055/" title="IMG_3773 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6877295055_4e2f623c66.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3773" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Caroline has discovered the love to grab toys and put it in her mouth. She is getting so big already (4 months!)</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6946416819/" title="IMG_3804 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6946416819_630015b801.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3804" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A trip to the library and bringing home books on tape.</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6946417319/" title="IMG_3869 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6946417319_684977075a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3869" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6946418013/" title="IMG_3867 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6946418013_50fc55312f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3867" /></a></div><div>Hans really enjoyed the books on tape! When I sit with him, I help him turn the pages when the "chimes ring". He still needs to be supervised though otherwise I hear from another room, "new page, new page" and come back to find that he is on page 14 while the reader on tape is only on page 5. ;) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Good times at home! My heart is refueled and refreshed!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-52938817420057889852012-02-19T13:34:00.000-08:002012-02-20T13:51:47.626-08:00PrioritiesThe past few weeks I have been feeling the need to sort out my priorities and my role as wife and mother. <div>I enjoy being involved with various activities through church and with friends but when those activities get in the way of my time spent with God, my family, and general up-keep on my house, I feel the need to scale back a bit. </div><div>A typical day finds me waking up the in the morning and immediately fighting the clock. I have to rush and get Hans breakfast, cleaned up, and dressed for the day, and then I have to wake up Caroline (remember, she sleeps in like a 15 year old...) and get her dressed and in her car seat and we head out to either run errands, attend MOPS, Bible Study, or a play date. We don't arrive anywhere we're going on-time (something that really bothers me as I always strive to be on time). We don't end up coming back to the house until close to lunch time and I usually bring in two crying kids because they are so hungry and tired. After I hurriedly make lunch for Hans and myself, it's off to bed for nap time while I attend to Caroline to coax her into a sleep in her room. I end up feeling exhausted and unproductive. <i>If</i> both kids have a good nap, I can usually put in a load or two of laundry and clean up a bit, but <i>if</i> they <i>don't</i> have a good nap, I find myself greeting Tom at the door ready for a hand-off on child care and the house is definitely not welcoming or hospitable for my husband who has been working so hard for us all day. </div><div>Not. my. ideal. </div><div><div>In my Bible study, we are reading a book, "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Don't let the title fool you, it's a great book and not at all like a soap opera. (Coming up next week on...Lies Women Believe...duh duh duh...). Every chapter we read speaks right to my heart. Last week the chapter we were reading was titled, "Lies Women Believe About....<i>Priorities". </i>See what I mean about speaking <i> right to me?</i> The book talked about lies many women believe about their priorities and then counters it with the Truth from the Bible. For example, many women believe the lie that "<i>I don't have the time to do everything I'm supposed to do"</i> (like, taking care of the kids, laundry, meal planning, keeping up with housework, being there for your husband etc). But the Truth to this lie is that there is time in every day to do every thing that <i>God</i> wants me to do.</div></div><div>Not <i>my</i> agenda. What <i>God</i> wants me to do.</div><div>If you could tell from the first paragraph in this post, most days, I'm left feeling frustrated at what little things I accomplished. I found this quote summed it up completely,</div><div>"The frustration comes when I attempt to take on responsibilities that are not on His agenda for me. When I establish my own agenda or let others determine the priorities for my life, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me to do, I end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never-attempted projects and tasks. I live with guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He intends."</div><div><br /></div><div>So, there it is, I need to keep my time with God (in devotions and prayer) sacred so that I can discern what it is He wants me to do. One thing is for sure, He has created me to be a wife and mother and right now, my priorities are to Him, my husband, and my kids (in that order). </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6912118687/" title="IMG_3816 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6912118687_a1e9fae105.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3816" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In Luke 10:38-42 when Jesus visits with Mary and Martha, it says that Martha "was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made" while Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to all He had to say. Jesus told Martha, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."</div><div>I can benefit from being a lot more like Mary and a little less like Martha!</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-31970341392501675882012-02-14T12:07:00.000-08:002012-02-14T15:08:12.015-08:00"Happy Day Hans"Hans got to name the title of this post today. I said "Happy Valentine's Day!" to him today and he responded with, "Happy Day Hans!". Coincidentally, that is also how he repeats "Happy Birthday" too. We had balloons around the house days after his birthday and he would walk around with them exclaiming, "Happy Day Hans!". We're a <i>very</i> happy household ;) .<div><br /></div><div>Growing up we always had a Valentine's breakfast prepared in the morning. It was a great way to start my day before heading off to school. My mom would decorate the table with her Valentine's china dishes, red goblets, and a table cloth. Whatever we ate was dyed red and we also got to eat a little candy too! I so looked forward to that breakfast. And, although I really appreciated all of the details that went into it, I don't think you have to go too overboard in order to make it memorable or exciting for your kids. I was reading a blog the other day (i can't remember which one it was, otherwise I would link to it), and the blogger talked about how her mom would just put red food coloring in her milk for her cereal and she just thought that was the best thing ever. Just putting extra touches here and there makes it feel less like an everyday breakfast and more <i>special</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I painted hearts on a burlap banner I had made a couple of years ago.</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877293853/" title="IMG_3633 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6877293853_686fbe7435.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3633" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877500427/" title="IMG_3788 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6877500427_aae4d06128.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3788" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br />I don't have valentine's plates or nice china to use so i just bought valentine's paper plates and had them on our everyday white plates. We're using them throughout this week so it's a good deal for $1.50. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877279601/" title="IMG_3776 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6877279601_fa62a66b82.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3776" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br />We had pink pancakes with pink whipped cream and sprinkles. Scrambled eggs, sausage, and strawberries. Hans was most excited about the pink heart pancakes. He called them "cookie pancakes" which confirms the theory that it's the little things that your kids remember and think are special.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hans had a special valentine at his table spot, Finn McMissle!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877292799/" title="IMG_3775 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6877292799_40c35f8ab9.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3775" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tasty!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877280239/" title="IMG_3780 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6877280239_fc84083068.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3780" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877280925/" title="IMG_3781 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6877280925_a8f9a87379.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3781" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877281627/" title="IMG_3783 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6877281627_f308c2be1e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3783" /></a></div><div>If you're wondering where Caroline was during the breakfast. Well, she is 3 months going on 15 years and asked to sleep in until 10am so we obliged!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy Valentine's Day!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6877282273/" title="IMG_3789 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6877282273_263cfdb940.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3789" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are able to enjoy a fantastic Valentine's Day with your loved ones! I've always loved Valentine's Day, even when I wasn't married. I've never been a fan of the "Hallmark" idea of valentine's day where the guy is supposed to buy an expensive card for you, bring home flowers, and make reservations for a fancy dinner. I just love the simplicity of hanging out with the people that you love. Whether that be your parents, your friends, or your kids and your husband. It's just fun to celebrate caring and loving one another but also remembering that no matter what you've been through, we are God's children and loved by Him. He <i>is</i> Love, after all!</div><div><br /></div><div>*Random addition to this post. After writing the title and hearing Hans saying "Happy Day" again, I can't get the song "Oh Happy Day" from Sister Act 2 out of my head! Really brings me back to 7th grade where we sang many Sister act songs in choir. More specifically it reminds me of going on a ski trip to Lutsen with my friends Julia and Liz (and Liz's family) and we listened to this sound track over and over and over again. We said it was because of practicing for choir, but we were obsessed. I've included the link to the video for your listening (and reminiscing) pleasure. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg-x5HkOMJs">"Oh Happy Day" Video</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-42009171260781880142012-02-09T12:49:00.001-08:002012-02-09T13:23:36.827-08:00Daughters, Love, and other stuffI recently <a href="http://pinterest.com/domestickate/">pinned</a> a pin on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com">pinterest</a> (say <i>that</i> three times fast). It was a quote, "The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother". I love it. And, it's got me thinking about the daughter we have in our home. <div>One precious little girl we've been given. I'm so excited to have this little girl in our lives. Not just because she is already my little companion. Or that we all think she is the sweetest thing around town. </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6848212915/" title="IMG_3585 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6848212915_e0d7373858.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3585" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm most excited to see how the boys in her life already cherish her so much.... </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6848212573/" title="IMG_3625 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6848212573_365381eeec.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3625" /></a></div><div>Now, I'm not naive enough to think that siblings won't be siblings. Oh, I know we'll have our fair share of "I had this first" or "Stop copying me"...but I can see how this little girl is wrapping her Daddy and her brother around her little finger.</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6848207501/" title="IMG_3095 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6848207501_5d27ef40ce.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3095" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6848206767/" title="IMG_3094 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6848206767_091cf38f1e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3094" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Hans picked out a sticker for her after she had her 2 month appt. and shots last month. When we got home, he ran over so he could put her sticker on</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>And I'm excited to witness her relationship with her Daddy.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6848208457/" title="IMG_3085 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6848208457_65110dac35.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3085" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A friend on facebook posted an article called, <a href="http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters">"50 Rules for Dads and Daughters"</a>...it is so sweet and touching. I can't wait to watch Tom and Caroline interact like that together. Right now, she is just soaking up the cuddles and kisses from her Daddy, but I know their relationship will continue to grow and blossom and Tom will help shape her character and will help influence the choices she makes as a grown up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I get so excited for Caroline to have this relationship with Tom because of the impact my Dad had on my life and my choices. My parents marriage is one built on faith and their relationship with Christ. Starting off each day with devotions, they pray together for their kids (and grandkids). </div><div>Growing up, when my dad would drop us off at school he would pray with us before we got out of the car. </div><div>And when I was away at college, I received a letter each week with a $2 bill from my dad. </div><div>When a college boyfriend broke up with me a few days before Valentines Day, my dad flew out and brought me flowers with a note saying "I treasure you. I love you. Love, Dad". You think that had an impact on me? Yep! I still have the note, in my night stand drawer. </div><div><br /></div><div>And look who I chose to marry? An amazing man who loves me and treats me like <i>gold</i>. A man that is the best father to his kids. He loves the Lord and you can see it in how he lives his life. He loves us and shows us everyday.</div><div>The quote definitely started me thinking and I could write around in circles all day long so I'll stop now. Check out the article if you have time... Very fitting around valentine's day too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-14401127465360668612012-02-08T11:47:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:17:33.883-08:00"Choo Choo" LunchRemember, in my last post, how I mentioned that cookie cutters work wonders for your kid's lunch? Well, here is a little example...<div><br /></div><div>Hans never particularly liked sandwiches. We've learned a couple of tricks to help him out a little. </div><div><br /></div><div>One, he'll be a little more apt to eating the sandwich if it's warmed up. We were tipped off on this fact when we realized he doesn't like sandwiches, yet looooves grilled cheese sandwiches....so, throw the turkey/cheese sandwich in the microwave for 10 seconds and voila. </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, his imagination has just been running wild lately. He loves pretending with his toys and we've discovered that we can get him to eat (and do) quite a few things he wouldn't normally eat (or do) if we pretend something is a car or truck, or bulldozer, or airplane, or helicopter, etc. You get the picture. For example, the other night, Hans wouldn't touch his baked beans. He brought them up to his lips in the beginning and then decided that is not what he wanted with his pulled pork for dinner. I was thinking, "how in the world could we make this dinner into some sort of truck- thing?". Then, duh, it dawned on me....stay with me here...the fork is a "bull dozer" and it had to get all of the baked beans, or "boulders" into the "cave" or mouth....yep.....totally did the trick! Hans ate up his entire dinner!! That's not the only time this type of trick has worked. We've gotten him to eat a few different vegetables this way. Tom and I were never allowed to play with our food growing up and we're still teaching good table side manners, but allowing the occasional bull dozer over for dinner to get your toddler to eat is okay with us!</div><div><br /></div><div>And, it doesn't end at dinner time. When we can't get him to cooperate to get ready for bed, we just take his cars and talk to him with his cars and he listens to them and says, "ok, night night time."! Oh the vivid imagination of a 2 year old! </div><div><br /></div><div>Keeping the sandwich eating tips in mind, we had a choo-errific lunch today!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6842669653/" title="IMG_3728 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6842669653_92ba60d1bd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3728" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Throw on an engineer's hat and you're set. "All aboard!"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6842670303/" title="IMG_3730 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6842670303_6b3faeaa5e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3730" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6842667191/" title="IMG_3732 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6842667191_08155fd9d5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3732" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently I don't have to try too hard on creating realistic shapes for him to eat. After he finished off the entire train, I gave him the rest of the sandwich that was remaining after cutting out the train. Really, they were just scraps. When I put them on his plate, he exclaims with excitement, "Oh, a helicopter!!!!!". And, after he finished that, he says, "More helicopter please!". Haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, Caroline is getting so big and growing out of her clothes so quickly!! I have been thinking that I was short on her current size and then the other day I uncovered one big bin and HUGE bag of clothes that I had overlooked from my nieces....we're talking serious mountain of clothing- it's awesome!!! I've been having so much fun going through all of the darling clothes. We are so so fortunate!</div><div><br /></div><div>Isn't she cute?!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6842672273/" title="IMG_3737 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6842672273_f9fb91fe03.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3737" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love her expression in this one...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6842671133/" title="IMG_3755 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6842671133_13139534eb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3755" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, when you glance her way, you get a great big grin. She is All smiles All the time!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6842668929/" title="IMG_3709 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6842668929_234d53ddcb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3709" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh I just love being with these kids.</div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-66661752517632387772012-02-07T13:02:00.001-08:002012-02-07T14:44:01.074-08:002nd Birthday<div><div><div><div>We had a blast celebrating Hans' 2nd Birthday! </div><div><br /></div><div>Hans woke up on his birthday with a room full of balloons. With Daddy's help, he promptly filled his crib with the balloons and began a game of hide-and-seek. Needless to say, he woke up pretty happy!</div><div><div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6751136705/" title="bday balloons by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6751136705_078dc5633f.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="bday balloons" /></a></div><div><div>His birthday-balloon-fun was followed by a delicious snowman pancake breakfast before heading off to Bible study with Mommy and Caroline.</div></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6751152103/" title="bfast by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6751152103_81ab984011.jpg" width="500" height="298" alt="bfast" /></a></div><div> </div><div>He loved having his snowman pancakes! If you ever want to spice up your meals with toddlers cookie cutters work wonders! I will sometimes cut out his sandwiches with our cookie cutters and that sure keeps him occupied for awhile. He enjoyed driving around PB&J trains all over his plate the other day.</div><div><br /></div><div>After naps, we took Hans out to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. The animals and thunderstorms really did their trick at keeping him distracted during the (looong) wait for the food. We also let him open up one of his gifts (Lightning Mcqueen) before dinner arrived. He loved playing with Daddy and his new car. "Hook-em Up, Mater!"</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785444961/" title="IMG_3369 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6785444961_9bf96684c6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3369" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Moving forward to his birthday party day that Saturday....</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a Sledding theme birthday party for this year. Our house has a good size hill and the backyard and so we thought we'd take full advantage. And we didn't let the record setting temps and no-snow winter slow us down ;). </div><div><br /></div><div>Hans woke up that morning excited for "Snowman!" He was very excited because we had told him earlier that he was going to have a snowman birthday cake. </div><div>The table was already set for the bday party when Hans woke up, so he was able to eat breakfast downstairs in the "big chairs" aka bar stools. He was really happy about that but you can't really tell by the picture. </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785365911/" title="IMG_3390 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6785365911_abce2c2750.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3390" /></a></div><div>Is he coping an attitude already at TWO?! Nah.. ;)</div><div>Waiting for his birthday guests to arrive!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6751246363/" title="waiting for guests by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6751246363_f5ee2021d5.jpg" width="500" height="480" alt="waiting for guests" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6751266685/" title="chalk board by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6751266685_b49fc8ccc7.jpg" width="500" height="295" alt="chalk board" /></a></div><div>We invited our family and small group kiddo's over to celebrate Hans with us.</div><div>My mom and dad were the first to arrive. Just in time to give some cuddles and kisses and take some pictures.</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6786248543/" title="IMG_3409 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6786248543_486c65945b.jpg" width="318" height="500" alt="IMG_3409" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785339225/" title="IMG_4890 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6785339225_7829d5ee32.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_4890" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>Downstairs we had a "hot chocolate bar" and some snacks. </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785153399/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6785153399_a03389d99c.jpg" width="500" height="430" alt="Picnik collage" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div>As soon as our guests arrived, we bundled up the kid's and headed out to the backyard for some sledding fun!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785088941/" title="IMG_4995 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6785088941_09bd42eb83.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4995" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785226421/" title="IMG_5053 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6785226421_960d4b25db.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_5053" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">T</span>he birthday boy sledding with Daddy and rolling around in the snow!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785143167/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6785143167_275e58cc1b.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="Picnik collage" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837748253/" title="IMG_5045 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6837748253_395ef73a5d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_5045" /></a></div><div>Mommy had fun taking pictures of it all!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785128263/" title="IMG_4991 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6785128263_1258132a08.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_4991" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Papa pulling the kids...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785122801/" title="IMG_5042 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6785122801_58d23cf1f1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5042" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785114681/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6785114681_aec098c196.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="Picnik collage" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785201747/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6785201747_35b47d7321.jpg" width="500" height="460" alt="Picnik collage" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837784193/" title="IMG_4956 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6837784193_06f7dccbe9.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_4956" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">T</span>he adults managed to have a little fun too...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785082177/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6785082177_9395bea6c7.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Picnik collage" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837743207/" title="IMG_5061 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6837743207_725e3f40f8.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_5061" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837739947/" title="IMG_3424 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6837739947_870a55f315.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3424" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some friends stayed inside to hang out...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785188161/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6785188161_ae4ac4d5e3.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="Picnik collage" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785221503/" title="IMG_4926 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6785221503_e1a0d22252.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_4926" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785064959/" title="IMG_5104 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6785064959_16a03d2e8e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5104" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div>Caroline was never in want for love or cuddles!<div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837769391/" title="IMG_5093 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6837769391_a471e7a5f4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_5093" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Next, we went back upstairs for some lunch! The kids sat at the birthday table and had corn dogs, diced pears (or "icebergs"), and carrots ("snowman noses"). The adults warmed up with white bean chicken chili for lunch.</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837799513/" title="IMG_4845 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6837799513_7259ecfbff.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4845" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6838012715/" title="IMG_4844 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6838012715_f8e62c3ae8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4844" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6837787917/" title="IMG_5088 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6837787917_d3a6a982bc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5088" /></a></div><div>It was noisy and fun although some preferred it a little quieter apparently... he he...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785242695/" title="IMG_5082 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6785242695_73877ea2de.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_5082" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch, Hans opened his birthday gifts downstairs...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785180515/" title="IMG_3457 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6785180515_37caa9ed19.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3457" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6838010429/" title="IMG_3451 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6838010429_12260e08df.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3451" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785349919/" title="IMG_3454 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6785349919_b83c6f025a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3454" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Keeping with the sledding theme, instead of traditional party gift bags, I made some felt mittens and stuffed them with party favors and strung them across our mantel.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>This was a party of mostly two year olds so we kept it simple, no games, just sledding. I found these wooden snowman ornaments so that was an activity some of the older kids could do. It was really cute to see big cousins Ellen and David go to town decorating their snowmen!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785172519/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6785172519_ca1e14d269.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="Picnik collage" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, after gifts, we sang "Happy Birthday" to Hans and enjoyed some...birthday cake!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6751193781/" title="cake by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6751193781_bbcd001b7b.jpg" width="500" height="460" alt="cake" /></a></div><div>Tom and I made the snowman cake together. Hans was talking about it for days before his birthday. </div><div>He was so cute when we all sang Happy Birthday to him. His smile was priceless and his face was beaming as he was realizing, "That's why everyone came over to my house, for my birthday!".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6751200981/" title="blowing by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6751200981_3b96903d39.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="blowing" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whew, what a fun time we had celebrating Hans 2nd Birthday! Thanks to all of our family and friends that came over and helped make it special for us! </div><div><br /></div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-65153578908496153022012-02-03T12:54:00.000-08:002012-02-03T13:02:46.925-08:00Growing UpThey say that when you have another child, you look at your first born and can't believe how big they seem. Boy, are "they" so right on. From the minute we brought home our little girl, our "little boy" slipped right into "big brother" mode. He has been an amazing big brother from the minute he laid his precious blue eyes on his baby sister. He started to do more Big Boy things around the house too....<div><br /><div>Shaving with Daddy...<br /><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6785421281/" title="IMG_2236 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6785421281_b4e1c139a4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2236" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6340740028/" title="IMG_2240 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6340740028_f6656825e7.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Helping Mommy do the dishes...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813565207/" title="IMG_3547 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6813565207_047eba7bc9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3547" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cooking...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813549905/" title="IMG_5476 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6813549905_e4ac29e8bc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5476" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Drawing...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813549499/" title="IMG_2564 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6813549499_fa5caf1ec6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2564" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Devotions...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813555667/" title="IMG_3097 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6813555667_27c2f24a2a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3097" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>....hmmm...not sure what I think about <i>this</i> part of growing up....</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813557023/" title="IMG_3127 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6813557023_84764a1683.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_3127" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Learning his letters...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813556295/" title="IMG_3109 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6813556295_93402b955f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3109" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Getting smiles from his little sister...</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813563743/" title="IMG_3529 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6813563743_6bfcf746e7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3529" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and keeping mommy on her toes!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6813564477/" title="IMG_3532 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6813564477_0ae1bf7c18.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3532" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hans, we love you so much and we thank our Lord for you every day. You have a great big heart and such a strong, energetic spirit. You are kind to others and love getting a good laugh out of everyone. You are very outgoing and love to greet people when we're out during the day by flashing your beautiful smile and an enthusiastic, "Hi!". </div><div>We look forward to raising you up to be a man of God. We pray that you will always know how much He loves and cares for you!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you, Hans!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Birthday post is coming next!)</div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-38056599525262193842012-01-24T13:34:00.001-08:002012-01-24T13:34:40.563-08:00Look alikes?<div>What do you think? I've been hearing it more and more lately. I do see that they look alike at times. I couldn't help but put together some side by side pictures and I think this one really shows off their similarities! <div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6756759407/" title="Picnik collage by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6756759407_a16323e0e3.jpg" width="500" height="252" alt="Picnik collage" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>We're having a blast over here. I just can't help but be reminded of how blessed we are with these 2 healthy children. We just love and pray for them every day!</div><div></div><div></div><div>I'll be back shortly with some updates including posting pictures of Hans' 2nd birthday party!!</div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-7205369822885497932011-12-13T13:32:00.000-08:002011-12-13T13:45:44.268-08:00Kid PhotosI've fallen in love again...with taking pictures! Maybe it's the fact that I have a newborn and a newborn remains relatively still. Maybe it's the fact that our big move is over and we're finally settled into our new home. I don't know what it is, but I've gotten the bug again and I like it! I found a cute idea of using chalkboard as a background and put up some chalk-stars for the background. I wanted to use Christmas lights as well but they are all currently in use and it required waaay too much effort to take them down just to use for a photo op. I have a toddler and a newborn, nuff said! ;) <div><br /></div><div>Tom was home for a awhile this afternoon, so before Hans' nap, I begged him to stay awhile and help get the kids dressed so I could take some photos of them. </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507293817/" title="thekiddos by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6507293817_fd1ce07b62.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="thekiddos" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507301661/" title="IMG_2698 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6507301661_b94fc04841.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2698" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507293177/" title="IMG_2702 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6507293177_9a3772fe02.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2702" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507289615/" title="Hanschristmas by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6507289615_5963bf8431.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Hanschristmas" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I like how they turned out! We already have our Christmas cards made up but it'll be nice to get these framed for the Christmas season next year!</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-12772167348905201352011-11-13T07:07:00.000-08:002011-12-13T13:31:50.301-08:00Introducing....<div>Caroline Marie born on October 29th 8lbs. 15oz. 21.5 inches</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6339978237/" title="IMG_2278 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6339978237_e09e7f7355.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2278" /></a><div>She has been such an amazing addition to our family! She is such a sweet baby and we love her to pieces!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6339999729/" title="IMG_3739 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6339999729_2e95f3c7bd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3739" /></a></div><div>I have written, and re-written this post. I've found myself coming back to it several times and editing it only because so much time has past since I've last updated everyone. As I come on here and edit this post, I'm deleting the phrases like, "Caroline is now 2 weeks old" and "Caroline is now 3 1/2 weeks old" and "Caroline is now 4 weeks old", etc....you get the point. I've decided to post already so...here goes...for the last time..."Caroline is now 6 weeks old!". We've really adjusted to a life of four in our family and couldn't be happier. Caroline has more and more awake moments and we relish her little smiles she throws our way and her sweet "coo's". </div><div><br /></div><div>Hans has really taken to his little sister. </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6340746352/" title="IMG_2090 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6340746352_592f5daf08.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2090" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6340745848/" title="IMG_2091 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6340745848_06f6093480.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2091" /></a></div><div>From the moment he saw her in the hospital it was like he knew this was his special little sister. Even today, 6 weeks later, he is still taken with her. He literally beams when she's around him and loves playing with her hands and feet and giving her kisses. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6339999025/" title="IMG_2176 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6339999025_319e4530cf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2176" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He reaches for her and says "hold her". I love seeing my babies love on each other!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507229273/" title="IMG_2481 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6507229273_bff0d1020f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2481" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507239303/" title="IMG_2606 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6507239303_e88526256d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_2606" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He loves to climb into her crib and relax with her. We're all on to his secret though, because we really know that he just loves his old aquarium and likes showing off on the fact that he knows how to push all of the right buttons, etc. It's ok Caroline, you'll catch on!</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6507238435/" title="IMG_2626 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6507238435_f61dcc8091.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_2626" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-66540304746774300972011-10-26T06:49:00.000-07:002011-10-26T06:55:16.305-07:00ChangesFor those of you that have noticed, I have had a lack in posts lately. We're going through some changes over here. Things like moving and having baby number 2 have gotten our priorities all out of whack. ;) I'll be posting pictures soon, most likely after our precious little girl arrives. She is due this weekend and we're eagerly anticipating her arrival! We have been reading "Big Brother" books to Hans and have been smothering him with snuggles and kisses. <div><br /><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6283263720/" title="IMG_1708 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6283263720_28b0cdf1d3.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1708" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We'll be back and posting soon!!</div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-40636088946039799082011-10-05T07:13:00.001-07:002011-10-05T07:18:36.452-07:00"Cheese"It's funny that Hans has picked up on the fake "cheese" smile. I really don't think we've said it to him that often, but alas, whenever he sees the camera pointed his way, a "cheese" smile quickly follows. <div><br /></div><div>I remember my mom having me sit down before picture day (the days we actually <i>remembered</i> it was picture day...)and practice my smile. She didn't want me to give my uber big and uber fake smile, so we would practice a small, simple, non-scrunchy-face, smile. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I can understand why. Although, these pictures really crack us up, the "Cheese" smile isn't the real "Hans" Smile.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the progression...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208618670/" title="IMG_1827 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6208618670_7d5f6133e5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1827" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208619374/" title="IMG_1828 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6208619374_aaaf0733fb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1828" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208620126/" title="IMG_1830 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/6208620126_83da7d2bf8.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1830" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208107095/" title="IMG_1829 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6208107095_5d3cd3528c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1829" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What a cheese ball, huh?! I love it!</div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258794037693868908.post-70561956218243322212011-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:002011-10-03T12:20:53.033-07:00The difference a year makes...We went to the apple orchard this weekend and took a picture of Hans behind the cardboard tractor "photo op" they have there. When I uploaded the picture, I immediately pulled up the same picture from last year and couldn't believe the comparison. I'm sure you've heard every parent say this at some point or another, but it truly is amazing how fast children grow. And, it was just a year ago...<div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208643748/" title="IMG_7985 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6208643748_f0b7724e31.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7985" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Apple orchard, 2010 (hans, 8 months)</i></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208617942/" title="IMG_1816 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/6208617942_8ecaee4c15.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1816" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Apple orchard, 2011 (hans, 20 months)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="http://www.mgefc.org/Women.ihtml?id=431750">Our church</a> is starting a <a href="http://www.mops.org/">MOPS</a> group this year and I have had so much fun being involved in the developing of our group. In September, Hans and I headed over to church for our first steering team meeting. It was the same time last year that Hans and I went to our first ever MOPS meeting. Of course, pictures were taken both mornings. Another comparison shot...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208641344/" title="IMG_5070 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/6208641344_ce576797d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5070" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>1st day of MOPS, 2010 (hans 7 months)</i></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53860978@N04/6208122315/" title="IMG_5436 by domestic-kate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6208122315_8e2896fa64.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5436" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>1st day of MOPS, 2011 (hans 19 months)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>{*please note, the growth of <i>Hans</i> in the last two pictures, <i>not</i> the growth of me ; -) }</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136350555450926053noreply@blogger.com1