Ian is 9 (days)

Ian is sleeping a little better now--the last few nights he's hasn't been awake. Hopefully he is settling into a day/night routine and we can all start recovering from what feels like jet lag.

This morning we are all alone for the first time since Ian was born---Daddy is back at work. We are so thankful that he has work to do, but it is a challenge to try to get back into a routine after weeks of having him at home.

I am brainstorming for practical daily rountines to start adding in for the "big boys". This past week has been challenging with them, mostly due in part to lack of routine, lack of patience, and an lots of company ( which we have enjoyed, but tends to make the boys "wired".) I would like to find creative ways to teach them new things, fun ways to get chores done, and rewarding outings like picnics and swim night. Keeping them busy seems to do much towards the peacefullness of our home.

Day 3---Still lovin'

Announcing the happy birth of baby Ian David! Everyone is healthy and home now, and praising God for his faithful help!

Baby Room Update

Minty Fresh

While reading up on aromatherapy for my upcoming birth (yes, I know, I am turning into such a earth muffin---or is it a fruitcake???) I read that peppermint essential oil is great for making a countertop cleaning spray to keep ants away. Who knew that minty fresh is not just for your teeth?

So after a quick trip to the local health food store, I returned with a little brown bottle of heavenly mint that is surprisingly nice in the kitchen!

Summertime?

N and Grandpa enjoying a break from working on baby's room---feels like summer today!!

Transforming our 'saltbox' into a 'bungalow'

Our dear little house is getting a facelift! It was built in 1949---post war era and a very practical style and layout. There are absolutely no eaves and the siding is wide lap cedar. On the east side, we are putting on an addition that will be baby's room soon and later be a closet for our room. Mr. MK has been researching our favorite style of house---the craftsman/bungalow. We've decided to add those little details to the rest of the house, as well as a future addition on the front for a living room. I am so surprised at his attention to detail---he really is good at this! I LOVE the roof brace---isn't he a genius???

This side view won't be very visible once we put up our privacy fence, so this is a great place to practice and figure out how to get the look we are after.

I am more than thrilled at my hubby's talents and dedication. Who knew that I would end of spending a spring evening last week driving around Weiser taking pictures of houses!! ACK!!! De ja vu, big time!! Too bad I'm loving it!!

No news on the baby front! Today is a beautiful St. Patricks day---a good day to have a birthday, right??

Repeat with me "we are being patient, we are being patient........"

This is an idea I ran across today on another blog---a family history wall. It includes baby pictures, grandparents, and historic moments, as well as favorite candids. I love the idea of surrounding yourself with memories of people you love---so be watching for a family history wall of my own up soon! (I am back to nesting, in case anyone wanted to know!! :-)

My Newest Blog Heroine!

If you haven't visited "Pleasant View Schoolhouse"----get thee over there right now!!! Anna is my favorite stop in the blogosphere---just this week her posts include a kitchen cleaning rountine, completed in 15 minutes with the help of her well-trained teens (boys ages 15, 13, and girls ages 13 and 11), a new vintage homemade dress for herself, an embroidery gift project for twin babies, and a recipe for making homemade yogurt.

I love looking at the beautiful photos! Anna has a way of appreciating the beauty of everyday, simple things and has passed that on to her children whose hobbies include photography and bird watching. She also has a knack for decorating and crafting, and her style is minimalist yet homey!

Enjoy---

http://pleasantviewschoolhouse.blogspot.com/

Pregnancy Fun

Today I was thinking of all of the amusing things my boys have said to me since beginning this journey to baby #3. It really is a prerequisite to parenting to have a sense of humor in all things, and pregnancy is not an exception! This great picture of N was his impression of Mommy at Christmastime.

N, this morning as I am slowly and stiffly getting out of bed, "Mom, your tummy is really really big. WHY?" BECAUSE there's a really big baby in there!! Oh, well, maybe not as big as it might look from out here!

B, last week, "I am sure glad that I am not going to grow up to be a girl---I don't want to have a baby in MY tummy!"

N, at breakfast "Maybe one more day until baby? God will help him come out, right?" Yes, dear, thankfully God has it all planned---and he will help us get baby out!!

Spring!!! What delights to be had after a few short months of cold weather!! Even the still nippy breezes feel so refreshing and energizing!! I can't wait to start working in the yard---with baby nearby on a quilt, and the boys happily helping dig!

Every spring I declare that spring is the BEST time of year, but then when fall comes around I adore that, too! And B is learning well, he keeps saying (at the oddest times) "I just love this time of year!!

On Better Housekeeping

This last weekend, while out on a date with Mr. MK, he paid me a sweet compliment that I have been musing on ever since.

While I have never been a horrid housekeeper---there have definately been times in our short marriage where it was not my priority, and I didn't really care that much whether or not the garbage stunk or there were three days worth of dishes in the sink. Lately (the last 4-5 months, after recovering from morning sickness) I have made a effort to do better at the domestic routines---the things that just have to be done. This started out partly with energy from my huge "nesting" phase before the holidays, and now that THAT is gone, I have been struggling to keep up again.

He NOTICED!!! He said that he has never realized what a peaceful and comforting feeling it is to walk barefoot into our room, and see a clean floor, neat bedside tables, and a smoothly made bed. Does he really likes seeing me take pride in the home that he has provided for me? Of course he does!! The little things like a clean countertop, clean sheets (don't forget having socks and underwear) and a soft towel---they really matter!! I always thought that guys didn't really care about that stuff (since they rarely take the time to clean up after themselves!! :-)

How often have I thought that being a "good housekeeper" meant being fastidious over the silly details, fussing at the kids when they spill, and scolding the husband when he tracks mud in? No, it means bringing my husband GOOD all the days of his life---in the form of a comfortable, welcoming, and restful home!

Proverbs 31:

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.