Thursday, June 30, 2011

A Cable-less Family

It has been almost 2 months since we got rid of our cable. We were watching way too much tv. Like, sitting in front of the tube every night while eating dinner. I was also letting Cohen watch way too much tv. I hated that I was doing that. But at times I just needed the space. So one day a couple of months ago, Jason and I looked at each other and said let's get rid of the cable. And we did. That week.

To be honest it hasn't been as hard as I thought it may be. That's not to say it's been easy and that I don't miss it. I do miss it. It's not the same watching tv on a 17" computer monitor. But because of that we watch a total of 2 shows a week and that's not really every week. I do miss sitting on a comfy couch, watching tv and sometimes having a snack. Especially on those nights when Jason is gone. But it's been good. It's allowed me to be more productive - keeping up on the cleaning, editing photos, playing more with the kids.

But really, I don't miss it as much as I thought I would. And I believe it's all because of the Lord. He knows how much I love tv. Love. It wouldn't have been an option or even put on my heart if he hadn't put it there. It was his way of telling me that I needed to cut the tv out of my life, out of our lives. And I am thankful for that. The best part of not having cable is that my relationship with Him has gotten so much better. I am reading my bible every day, talking to him more and maybe even praying more, and I was good at praying before.

I think not having cable it also going to allow for more opportunities for me and for my family in the future. I am looking forward to what God has in store for us. And pray that I will continue to listen to him and let him guide me every step of the way.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Art Show

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On Sunday our Church hosted its first ever Art Show. It showcased art in various forms from members of the congregation. Above is what I put into the art show. A scripture I recently did for our home, a charcoal portrait I did in college, and some photography.

Below on the top left I wanted really badly for our home. One of the guys is a wood turner and made the most beautiful pieces. The bottom left is some pottery by a friend of ours. And the bottom right is a painting by a friends as well. I wanted to get pictures of more pieces, but it wasn't all out right when I got to church and I had a baby in my arms later on. Oh well.
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All the artwork will be showcased through August which I thought was pretty neat too.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

A work in Progress

This past weekend we spent a lot of time in the backyard. Our (My) Goal was to start and finish one area of the backyard, one planter bed that would house two raised garden beds and a bunch of potted plants.


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We were able to pretty much get done what I was going for. It's a bit hot right now to plant anything, so I think I'll have to wait, which means I need to cover the soil so that it doesn't dry out. But I am really pleased with the progress so far. The larger bed still needs lots of soil, but that will come at a later time.

Summer Time

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Summer is in full swing here. And I think it will continue to get busier. I have some ideas streaming through my head. Now to just get going.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Avery in her Monthly Chair

Warning: There are quite a few pics. I couldn't pic my fave. I love this girl.

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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Avery - 10 Months

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Today Avery is 10 months old! As I am typing this she is not having a very good day. So this will be quick.


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Baby girl is crawling all over the place. I put her down and before I know it she is off. She has gotten very fast with her awkward crawl.

Avery has also gotten better at playing by herself. Hopefully she is realizing she doesn't need mommy by her side all of the time. It's cute to watch her play though. She loves to pull herself up to standing and I think is very proud of herself. She plays with just about everything, but I think the play kitchen may be her favorite. Clearly, she doesn't know what it's all about, but she likes it.


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She is also waving all the time. Most of the time she shies away from strangers, but lately she has been waving at a few. And every time she sees daddy she waves. It is so cute!


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Avery has also become very opinionated. She is determined more than ever before. And she is very persistent. We are already on our toes.


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I haven't taken her usual monthly picture in the chair yet. I'm hoping to get to that tomorrow. But these were taken the other day and they were too cute not to share. I tried to get Cohen to join in, but he's at this stage where he would rather not have his picture taken. I didn't fight it.

Cohen's First Painting

About a month or so ago I bought Cohen a small canvas to do his own painting on, which would then go on our newly forming collage wall in the living room. It took me a while to get around to it, but this past Saturday I sat down with him to show him how to paint.


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He was really excited to get started. And I was excited to see what he would produce. I let him pick out all the colors that he wanted to use, which ended up being every color of the rainbow plus black and brown.

At first I just let him do what he wanted, plus I was trying to take a few pictures. I then noticed I needed to show him how to clean off his brush in between every paint color and how to not blend the colors together. Looking back I should have sat down with him before letting him start and explain everything thoroughly. Because once he got a hold of the black, he wanted everything to be black. I may have been a not so nice mommy for a couple of seconds there. It wasn't my best moment. But we got past it and he continued to paint until he was all done and was ready for the pool. I do know that he enjoyed it though because he has been asking about every other day now if he can paint.

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Our Father's Day

This year we celebrated Father's Day over a span of 2 days.

Saturday evening we went out with my parents to a newer restaurant that my dad learned about while vacation in Puerto Rico. It was a Puerto Rican Restaurant and it was sooo good. It's a little far for frequent visits, not that we even eat out much, but I definitely think it will be one that we do visit more.

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Then Sunday after church we headed out to Jason's parents house. We played a lot with the kids. Going to the park and swimming in the pool (a very small blow up pool). And ate some more delicious Puerto Rican cuisine, only this time, homecooked.


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We also got Jay a gift for his desk at work. A picture frame with the four of us and the lyrics to the song Lead Me by Sanctus Real. I think the only other picture Jason has of me on his desk is me pre-engagement. It was about time for an update. I'll leave you with the song lyrics to Lead Me...

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...
"Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone"
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...
"Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone"
So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up
I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone
Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Start of some New Cooking

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Today I received some new cookbooks in the mail. It was like Christmas opening up the box. I couldn't wait to have them in my hands.

I am really excited to thumb through them and pick out which ones I want to start with. One is Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and the second is Tal Ronnen's the Conscious Cook. Most people are familiar with Jamie Oliver but Tal Ronnen is a Vegan Chef.

I've been debating for a while now about trying out going Vegan. I don't think I have the desire to go completely vegan. I love a juicy burger every once in a while and of course love me some pizza. Plus I know Jay wouldn't be on board with it. But I am looking to add more Vegan recipes to our diet, besides the traditional beans and rice. And I believe it will be more healthy and help our wallets too. And who doesn't want to save money?

Friday, June 3, 2011

Bowling

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A couple weekend ago, our Engaged and Young Marrieds Group went bowling. We hadn't been bowling in so long. I couldn't remember when we went last. So, already I knew it would be interesting. But I was more excited for Cohen. We hadn't yet taken him bowling and we were looking forward to see how it would be for him.

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I taught him how to roll Granny Style and then he just took over from there. Of course the bumpers were up. But he did pretty well. He finished his game with a 60. Which to me is pretty darn good.

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Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Party

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We planned a last minute Birthday Party for Cohen. Well, I had known for a while what I wanted to do, but taking the next step just kept getting pushed back. I think I lost best Mom ever award points for that. But hopefully I made up for it in the end.

Cohen has really been into race cars lately. Along with planes, trains, boats, etc. But I decided to go with the race car theme and an Americana theme, since his birthday fell in Memorial Day this year.

We ventured out to Lil 500 for some Go Kart Racing.

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Cohen was really excited. I was hyping him up all morning. And hoping I wasn't overdoing it.

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The kids took about 3 turns around the track. They are able to drive the steering wheel and you can also take over control with you own. So you don't crash. It was pretty cool.

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My brother and I grew up going to Lil 500 and I also introduced Jason to the place for his 30th Birthday. And now I'm even more excited to show my kids.

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After the kids had their fair share of the go karts. The Big Kids (the guys) wanted to have their turn at the Fast Track.

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And this is what happens when you are too focused on making silly facial expressions...

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...you spin out. And he did this twice. Goofy Dad.

We then headed back to the house for lunch which was pulled chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, baked beans, and salad.

And followed that up with some cake!

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and ended the afternoon with a few photobooth shots.

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