I know I say it all the time

I know I say all the time how wonderful my life is, how content I am, how happy. And on and on. But tonight Jim and I went through several houses on our cities tour of homes. It is where builders let you go through there new homes. And I came home and just went, wow. I love my home. We liked some of the lay outs. Some were outraggous and what not. But, they all had really dark colors and furniture in them and they were a little to big for me. My house is wonderful. Yes there is still a to do list. Like repaint the bedroom, ours and Braydens. But other than minor things our home is perfect. And it is home. Where the people I love most in the world live.
I will try and get a picture of it tomorrow, now that I have my camera up and running again.

Thoughts

So, I have been thinking the last few days about life. I have a wonderful life. I stay home with my 2 healthy and wonderful kids. I have a husband who loves us and works very hard to provide for us. I have my family close by to offer support and friendship. As well as great friends.
But, I have been thinking and I guess comparing myself and my family with others. I don't feel in a bad way and not thinking myself better by any means. When I look at life and look at the lives of some of my friends I feel sad for them. From what I know and I don't have all the facts. They are working because they choose to. And they have said this to me. I don't know how you can stay home with your kids all the time. I would go crazy.
I just feel sad for them. They are missing out on so much. Life is very short and I think you realize that even more after you have children. But the time I get to spend reading, playing and cuddling with my kids is so precious to me. We don't have much by any means and I am so fine with that. I don't need things. I am not one that would spend lots of money on stuff even if we had lots of it. I like to be home with my family.
I am not knocking woman that work. I understand that some women love there kids but just aren't cut out for being with them all the time and some women have to work. Another things why are people always in a hurry. and why do they want there kids to grow up so fast? I am trying to slow down and just enjoy life.
I just realized this week what I have heard,read and seen a million times. Life is short. And money and things won't bring happiness. I think people need to step away and decide what kind of heritage and legacy they want to leave there kids. I know I want my kids to remember a loving, kind, special mom who did fun things with them and taught them all kinds of things and especially taught them how to love the Lord God with there whole hearts and was never to busy to stop for a hug and kiss nd would not put laundry and dishes before just being there for them.
I will keep you posted on more of my thoughts.

Summertime

There are so many great things about summer. First is the weather. I am a person who gets so excited about each season. They are all my favorites. Some of the things I love are:


A great big bowl of fruit. Summer is a great time for watermelon, strawberries and of course you can't forget ice cream, BBQ's, popsickles, swimming, running through the sprinklers, swinging on our new swing set. The sun is big here in Oregon. The smell of fresh air in the house. Windows open. Potatoe salad, baked beans. Sweet tea. Frappachinos, Iced lattes. Camping, smores. Wow. This list could go on and on. Summer is great.

Oh and don't forget fishing.

It's so hard

I am not a materialistic person by any means. Things don't make me happy. They actually stress me more. I like simple clean lines. I decorate that way and most of our decorations are pictures of special people in our lives. I am also that way in how I dress, makeup and hair.
So, why then as I was getting the boys clothes out of the attic and into the van to take to a consignment store was I feeling sad and depressed? Well, the only thing I could come up with was that my baby isn't a baby anymore. It was sad looking at those tiny little things that were so big on him when he was born. Seeing those blankets that were so soft and that kept him warm. I had to remind myself that I didn't need to save them. There were families out there that needed them and that it was better to share than to store them away and just let them go to waste.
I find it is easier to get rid of his stuff now. I think it is because he is bigger and wears it longer than the baby clothes. I do get teary eyed once again as I pack up Riley's already to small stuff. I just can't believe how fast it goes. Thank you Lord that I am blessed to be able to be with my children instead of having them in daycare. I can't imagine missing a minute.

More Pics

This is of Brayden showing off our pinecone bird feeders we made. Even though they were stolen the next day by some squirrels. They didn't just eat the food, they took all 4 of our pinecones too. We have to figure something new out.

This is my little man winking. He can do it with both eyes and he is just so sweet when he does it.

And of course I couldn't post with out including my far to fast groing baby girl. I can't believe she will be 8 weeks Saturday.
Oh and you know your a mom when you wake up for a feeding and are singing a song from Mickey mouse clubhouse from the day before.

All is well

Other than being busy all is well. I find that my days fly by and before I know it is nap time or bedtime. Jim has been in and out a lot this month with the military. I have found out that we can survive by ourselves. It is not ideal but we do it. I don't know what I would do if Brayden and Riley weren't good kids. Brayden loves to help so that is great. Riley has started sleeping 5 hour stints at night which is wonderful. I have even figured out how to shower with them both and not have to worry about them. We are able to get to bible study and chuch on time. That is a great feeling. The weather has been nice the last couple of days and that is great for Brayden. We go out and he plays and I get to sit and cuddle Riley and all is well. I do have to say that I am quite fortunate. My parents live a mile and a half away so I have a great support system. I even gave Riley a bottle the other day and she took it no problem. So, I was able to go out to dinner with some friends while my mom watched both kids. It was nice but they weren't far from my mind the entire time.

Update

We are indeed still up and kicking. Life with 2 is still great, just busy. Brayden still loves Riley and has started to now want to hold her. I feel so relieved that he likes her and hasn't shown any signs of resentment. Riley is a good little girl and has started smiling and cooing. It is so fun. I am trying hard to enjoy both kids and that is the hard part. Not the enjoying but feeling like they are both getting attention. Thankfully I breastfeed so I get that time with Riley and I enjoy nap time and evening time with her. It is making sure I stop cleaning or what not to play and just be with Brayden when she is asleep.
But, all is well and we are enjoying this phase in our life.

Life with Two

I love my life. Have I ever said that before? Life is real good on this end. I have a Lord and savior who died for my sins, so that I may have eternal life. I have a great husband who supports me staying at home with our 2 children. I have 2 beautiful and healthy children who are just wonderful. And that isn't even all the other things like a house, car, family, friends and just all that I am blessed with.
The other day while watching my son follow my husband around the yard "helping" him mow I was just overwhelmed at how much I am blessed. It is just great having my husband home right now and our children enjoying there dad. I am so thankful that he is an involved dad. I also have a son who loves his baby sister and wants to share and kiss and use her fingers to pick his nose. It is all so wonderful. Then I have this beautiful daughter who gained 1lb 2 oz in one week. Yep, she is up to 9lbs 7oz already. Which is good but also very sad. She is growing so fast. And it is hard to look at her and know it is going to go so fast and before I know it she will be 2. So, I focus on enjoying our time together in the here and now.

Our sweet little girl

So, on March 10, 2007 we welcomed Riley Leanne into the world. She has been such a blessing and is doing great. She is a great little one and we adore her. Brayden loves her too. It has been so nice. We are tired, okay I am tired. But doing great. So happy she arrived quickly and healthy. Although in her short 2 weeks in the world she has gotten pink eye and has a stuffed up nose. But if all of that is any indication of how she will be then we are blessed. She has been a trooper and happy through it all. Of course she doesn't like the medicine in her eye but other than that is a great little one. I can't say it enough, we are truly blessed.

Discouraged

So, today I went to the doctor and became very discuraged. They said that they won't induce me until 41 weeks. Everything is in postion but that it risks a c-section if done before then. But, since they are midwives and I know lots of people who haven't had that happen and I was induced 17 days early with Brayden and all was fine I think they are just full of it.
I am ready to have her out so I ended up in tears and my poor husband doesn't know what to do and I am just tired of waiting. Having all kinds of pain and yet nothing. I told Jim if we did change our minds and decide on another baby I am finding a doctor next time. I have just been sick of getting the run around from all the different midwives. If I call in one tells me one thing and then I ask one the next time and they say something different. So, my hope is gone. I will be pregnant forever.

Just waiting

So, today is one week from my due date. Nothing yet. I am just waiting. I have had different aches and pains but nothing exciting. It is so cute to watch my husband though. He is so excited. I just love it. Every night when we go to bed he asks if I think tonight is the night. I don't know about any of you but I forget what real contractions feel like. I am constantly guessing. Should I start timing or is that just a braxton-hicks? So, I have turned it over to God. Either my water will break or I will start being in really bad pain so I will know it is real. I am dialated so that is good. It is just exciting to know that anytime we will be meeting our little girl. But, I am praying that she could just hold out till Tuesday.
See, tomorrow is my nieces birthday. I don't have the best relationship with my husbands family (he doesn't either) and I just feel like it would be best if the girls didn't have to share a birthday. But, God knows best so we shall see.

So blessed

This weekend my mom's best friend gave me a baby shower. And last weekend a friend gave me a shower. They were so much fun and I truly am blessed. She went so above and beyond. We are ready for our little one to arrive. We have so many clothes, blankets and even diapers now. I have also been able to get everything washed and put away. Now I just need to sit down and decide what to bring her home in. The doctor told me that walking would help encourage her to move down to I walked to my shower. (my mom brought me and all our goodies home) Then today Brayden had to go to the doctor because he has been sick for far to long and yes we now were able to get something to get him better. He had a double ear infection. Which I know it sounds terrible but I was thankful. Now at least we were given something to help him get better. The last couple of visits were just keep giving him his breathing medicine. (Which just made him cough harder) So, at least now we hopefully will be on the mend. Brayden is such a trouper though. Even with a fever and double ear infection he just keeps smiling and going. Now, mind you that being said, he doesn't like it when I am not right there. My mom came with us and after the appointment we went to Costco to fill the RX and while I was standing in line she started to push the cart away and he did not like that. So, he is getting a little spoiled right now but we can work on that when he feels better.
So, again I can't say it enough. Thank you to friends and family who truly have blessed us by getting our nursery stocked with stuff for our little one.

Life update

Ever since our scare we have been making sure everything is ready to go. I packed our hospital bag and was able to get Brayden and my haircut. (something that didn't happen before Brayden) I have had one shower and am getting another one tomorrow. People are so generous. I have been going to the doctor weekly now and today she said all is well. Her head is down and so now it is pretty much when ever. She said if I walk more that may help. So, I may just try that. We have also been sick. My ribs hurt so much from coughing. We have finally got Brayden doing better. He was so sick last week and I think that is why I got it. When I get overly tired I tend to get sick right away. But we have just stayed home this week and worked on getting better. Other than that I am just doing as many fun things with Brayden as I can. We play a lot and do crafts. We had fun baking cookies for valentine's day and we also made some valentine's for his friends. So, it has been a nice time. I want to enjoy every minute before he isn't my one and only. He is excited about Riley which I am glad about. He says he is going to help put bows in her hair so that is fun. I just hope he finds it all so exciting when she comes out.

Scare

So, last night we wondered if maybe my water had broke. So, of course they have you come in. It scared me. As excited as I am to have my baby here, I would rather she wait until closer to her due date. We are past the really scary point but still just knowing she would have had to go to the NICU scared me. Brayden did that and I don't want to have to do that again. But, all is well. Her and I are doing fine and my water hasn't broken. So, I am off to get more checked off my list to do before she arrives.

Snow

So, like I said, it snowed this week. And it was icy. Since I am pregnant and shouldn't fall that caused a problem with me being able to go outside. So, my wonderful family was great. My dad came and picked Brayden and I up and took us to there house and my dad and sister took Brayden out to play in the snow. He loved it. My dad made a sled and pulled him around and my sister helped him make a snowman. Brayden learned that dogs like the snow too. He would make snowballs and throw them for the dog and he would chase them and Brayden thought that was just great.
It was a fun week, minus the cold that Brayden has. I have decided though that I am a lover of all seasons. I love it when Fall comes, but become ready for winter. Then I love winter, but now am ready for the beauty that spring brings. And after awhile get ready for summer, although not as fast. I don't enjoy really hot weather. So, thank you God for the seasons. You knew what you were doing.

My Boys

So, it has been so great lately because Brayden LOVES his daddy. See when Jim is gone a lot like he has been this year Brayden seems to know that Jim is only home temporarily and he doesn't really connect. I mean he'll hug him and play with him but he doesn't get into a routine with him. He talks more about my dad during those times. But since Jim has been consistantly home the past 4 months Brayden LOVES him. He cries when he leaves for work in the morning and tells Jim "NO GO, STAY" and then all day talks about how after nap we are going to play for a little and then daddy comes home. He loves to go and see Jim at work and one day they had a picnic in Jim's office. Brayden loved that. (we are ready for warmer weather, we had snow this week) Anytime I can't reach something or something looks like it could potentially break instead of asking for Babop (my dad) he asks for dada. Because you know Daddy's can fix anything. These pictures are of the guys playing video games. Brayden decided one day to get the controllers out and he wanted Jim to play with him. So, off they were snowboarding. Brayden only plays for a few minutes, but only daddy will do. He also wanted to play Bob the Builder with Jim the other day so we all ended up in hats. I am just so blessed and feel so much love for these special men in my life. God is so good with taking off one of the stresses with a new one coming. I was so worried about the transition for Brayden, but am feeling better now, knowing Brayden will be able to have some special time with his dad.

Ramblings

We just got back from a night over at some friends house. It is so nice to have good Christian friends to hang out with. I feel so comfortable with them and know that our child is safe playing there. What a blessing. I have found that through the years our friends have changed but we still keep in touch with everyone our circle just changes and we just know so many great people. The picture is of us at Christmas with our Japanese boy Aki. Aki lived with Jim and I when we were married a little over a year and stayed with us for 2 1/2 years. He went to Western Mennonite and is now at Western Oregon. He is such a great kid and through the years has stayed in touch and spends holidays with us. We love him and Brayden calls him Uncle Aki and adores him. It is such a great thing.
I am also so blessed by my bible study. It is such a great time for me to be able to go once a week and just fellowship and study the word with other moms. I just loved that I am able to do that. I am blessed that I have a husband who works hard for me to be able to stay home and raise our kids. I just love him.
Well, enough ramblings for now.

Christmas

Well, the saying is true. Christmas with kids is so much fun. On Christmas Eve we went to church and Brayden did so well in church. He enjoyed the music and listened so well. Then we went to my parents house and enjoyed our traditional dinner of pancakes and ham. Then we opened presents and Brayden enjoyed handing out the gifts and of course opening his. The next morning we woke and opened our gifts as a family and Brayden was thrilled at his train. It was so great to see him excited about getting the one thing he wanted for Christmas. We enjoyed a fairly relaxed morning of just playing. Then we had Jim's family over for presents at 2 and more family came at 4 for dinner. All in all it was a great day and we are truly blessed.
Today we branched out and did our returns and purchased the rugs and entertainment center we have been waiting on. We used our Christmas money and it will be nice to have our house even more homey. So, now we will slow down and get into our new routine and get the things finished that need to be done for our little girl to arrive.
Merry Christmas!!

Simplicity

So, I am a very simple person. I don't own fancy things, dress fancy or wear lots of makeup or anything like that. I like my simple life. I keep a clean house that the other day I was given a great compliment on. Now to some this compliment would be an insult but to me it made me happy and even more content. My grandparents came over to see our home. They are from Canada and hadn't seen it since we remodeled. My grandpa was talking about how he hates to vacuum there home. My grandma has stuff everywhere he says he can't vacuum well there. I said well we don't have lots of stuff so he was welcome to vacuum my home anytime he wanted and he said, Kristin, your house is beautiful. It has the basics but not a lot of clutter and stuff. That is the best compliment. I love that people can come to our home and feel welcome and comfortable but not overwhelmed by stuff. That kids can come and we don't have to worry about why it is quiet cause there isn't a lot that they can get into that would be hurt.
I am also reading a bood called "The Treasure Principle" that just keeps reminding me that the stuff on the earth isn't ours to keep anyway. So, to remember to store up your treasures in Heaven and not on earth. Isn't that a great release to know that everything her is temporary so focus on the relationships and just being, instead of on how much we can attain.
Thank you Lord for all that you have given me. I am truly blessed.

Home sweet Home

Isn't funny how when you have high expectations of an evening it never goes as planned. Last Friday night was a big Remax (where Jim works) party in Portland. It was a dinner and dancing and was with the theme "It's a wonderful life" Well, Jim insisted I go and buy something nice to wear and he got a new shirt for his suit. My mom came and picked up Brayden for the night and we headed off. We arrived at the party and the decorations were beautiful and the food was good. They had a buffet style meal. Which was fine. Then the company president started speaking and the room echoed and he tried to do something with the movie but we couldn't even hear what it was. Then the band/comedy team got up. They kept saying come and dance and then part way through the song they would stop and try and tell jokes. They were singing cool old songs but they did so terribly. So, we ended up leaving early. It was very disappointing. So, we were going to head off to dessert with some other couples that couldn't handle the music either. (Yep, not enough dessert for everyone at the party) Well, we don't know Portland all that well and it took us awhile to find a place and then couldn't find a place to park, so we all said goodnight and we headed to our hotel. The Benson. Yes, it is a fancy hotel in downtown Portland. The lobby was beautiful and we were so excited. Our last night away before baby. At least as far as we know. Well, the room was nothing grand and the bed was incredible hard. And even being on the 7th floor the noise down below was to much. So, needless to say we didn't sleep well. We had been excited to sleep in. Brayden gets up at 6. But at 6 I asked Jim if he was awake (I could tell he was) and I turned on the T.V. We were showered (which didn't take long cause the tub wouldn't drain) and checked out by 7:30 and off to breakfast. That is were we really started enjoying ourselves. We ate breakfast and did some looking around. Registered at Babies R Us and got Brayden's Christmas outfit and his Christmas eve P.J.'s. Then we were exhausted and it was time to pick up Brayden. Jim took a nap and I went to get him. He was still sleeping and so I got a short nap too. All in all it was fun to get some great uninterrupted conversation time with my husband but we are very glad to be home with our son and our own bed. I guess we are just not big city lots of action kind of people. You could say that we like the simple small town life of Salem and we sure think our life is a wonderful life.