What a good break this has been. Thankful to still have 3 days left, although, Josh has to go back to work tomorrow. Not in the mood to do a long post, so here are the highlights from my break so far, in no particular order.
Baking
Brake Christmas
Christmas Eve Service at Crossroads
Starbucks and Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights with my parents
First Christmas morning as a family of 3.
Christmas Eve with my family
Kerkhof Christmas day
Bowman Christmas
Seeing my Bolen family- some of them met Eden for the first time.
Seeing Eden open presents and play with her new toys.
Newport mini-vacation- dinner at Hofbrauhaus, aquarium, lunch at Tom+Chee, Cincinatti Natural History Museum
Being home
Eden giving kisses
Looking forward to spending time with Katie & Eli, lunch with Heather, New Years Eve, and 3 more days spent at home with my little girl.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Best time of the year.
I love this time of the year. Every single little thing about it. I love making memories with my family, snow days (even though I will not enjoy extra school days in the spring), Christmas movies, celebrating with my class, finding out what adventures our class elf, Elvis has gone on each day, Christmas parties with friends, Christmas devotionals, Christmas music on K love on the way to school, Donut Bank Peppermint Mocha coffee, holiday decorations, Christmas lights, and taking the time to give to those less fortunate. I also love picking out the perfect gift for each of my family members, best friends, support staff at school, and students. It is so much fun thinking about what to get each person, and finding cute/creative ideas on Etsy.
On giving--This year, Bethel Manor chose to bless a family of four students at Evans with gifts for Christmas that they otherwise would not have been able to have, through a program that our school counselor started at Evans. It was so much fun seeing all the things that they had bought for the family, buying some things ourselves, and them wrapping all of the gifts to take to school. The mom contacted me and let me know how grateful she was for everything Evans had done for her kids over the year and how excited they would be to receive their gifts on Christmas morning. She has promised to send pictures of the kids opening their gifts. I can't wait to see the excitement on their sweet little faces. I think that the Christmas season is so magical for kids, and I am so thankful that we were able to play a part in blessing some of our sweet Evans' kids.
On snow days-- I was a little stressed/bummed about missing school for three days, just because there is already so much to do and teach and so little time, but I decided to enjoy every minute of the days at home with my sweet little girl. We spent time playing and cuddling, shopping, and baking. Eden saw snow for the first time, and she kept wanting to touch it and put her face in it. It was sweet. We spent two of the days shopping with my mom and we were able to get most of our Christmas shopping done.
On Elvis the Elf- Our class Elf showed up to school last week, and the kiddos named him Elvis. So far, he has climbed into our Christmas tree, hung from the top of the promethean board, tp'd the Christmas tree, dove into the skittles jar, and brought us donut bank airbrushed holiday cookies. The kids get so excited each day looking for Elvis. It is so much fun!
Today, I am trying to be productive--cleaning, finishing up wrapping, and getting things ready for the Christmas party with Erin and Cassie tonight. Sure will miss the other 3, who aren't able to make it this year. Eden is in Santa Claus. My brother picked her up to take her in the Santa Claus parade on the Holiday World trolley, but then it ended up being too cold, so she is at my parents' house spending some time with them, until they bring her back later this evening. Tomorrow Miss E will meet Santa for the first time, we are going to the St. Peter's church Christmas dinner, and we are going to the light show at Lake Rudolph.
Feeling very blessed each day for so many reasons, and trying my best not to take a single second of it for granted.
On giving--This year, Bethel Manor chose to bless a family of four students at Evans with gifts for Christmas that they otherwise would not have been able to have, through a program that our school counselor started at Evans. It was so much fun seeing all the things that they had bought for the family, buying some things ourselves, and them wrapping all of the gifts to take to school. The mom contacted me and let me know how grateful she was for everything Evans had done for her kids over the year and how excited they would be to receive their gifts on Christmas morning. She has promised to send pictures of the kids opening their gifts. I can't wait to see the excitement on their sweet little faces. I think that the Christmas season is so magical for kids, and I am so thankful that we were able to play a part in blessing some of our sweet Evans' kids.
On snow days-- I was a little stressed/bummed about missing school for three days, just because there is already so much to do and teach and so little time, but I decided to enjoy every minute of the days at home with my sweet little girl. We spent time playing and cuddling, shopping, and baking. Eden saw snow for the first time, and she kept wanting to touch it and put her face in it. It was sweet. We spent two of the days shopping with my mom and we were able to get most of our Christmas shopping done.
On Elvis the Elf- Our class Elf showed up to school last week, and the kiddos named him Elvis. So far, he has climbed into our Christmas tree, hung from the top of the promethean board, tp'd the Christmas tree, dove into the skittles jar, and brought us donut bank airbrushed holiday cookies. The kids get so excited each day looking for Elvis. It is so much fun!
Today, I am trying to be productive--cleaning, finishing up wrapping, and getting things ready for the Christmas party with Erin and Cassie tonight. Sure will miss the other 3, who aren't able to make it this year. Eden is in Santa Claus. My brother picked her up to take her in the Santa Claus parade on the Holiday World trolley, but then it ended up being too cold, so she is at my parents' house spending some time with them, until they bring her back later this evening. Tomorrow Miss E will meet Santa for the first time, we are going to the St. Peter's church Christmas dinner, and we are going to the light show at Lake Rudolph.
Feeling very blessed each day for so many reasons, and trying my best not to take a single second of it for granted.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
'Tis the Season
My last post was over 5 months ago. Boy how time has flown. I have been enjoying every little moment with my sweet little girl who is growing and gaining more and more personality each day, it seems. The holidays are quickly upon us, and this year they hold an even more special meaning for me, because I get to experience it all through Eden's eyes. I get to experience the awe as she reaches for the twinkle lights on the Christmas tree in her room, the excitement over shiny paper, boxes, and toys, her intent listening as we read her the Christmas story for the first time, her peaceful snoring after she has fallen asleep to the sound of her new Christmas lullaby cd. I can't wait to make her a part of all of our Christmas traditions.
They also seem even more special this year, because of trials that my family has gone through in the past few months, and will continue to go through over the years, and the tragedy and sadness that seems to be never ending in the world around us. I am realizing now just how precious and special family is, and I treasure every moment that I get to spend with them. This world is a broken world, that will not be restored or renewed until Christ comes back for us, but I believe that that special feeling that only comes around Christmastime is a teeny tiny sliver of what heaven will be like.
'Tis the season to remember all that we have to be thankful for, to focus on the gifts God has given us and to give to others less fortunate than us, and to thank him for his Son Jesus. 'Tis the season for get togethers with family and friends, egg nog, and cheese balls, laughter, and stories. 'Tis the season for decorating the house, drinking hot chocolate, watching Christmas movies. 'Tis the season for peppermint mochas, cookie baking, and Christmas cards. 'Tis the season for elf on the shelf and Santa's first visit to the Bowman house. 'Tis the season that truly is the best time of the year.
They also seem even more special this year, because of trials that my family has gone through in the past few months, and will continue to go through over the years, and the tragedy and sadness that seems to be never ending in the world around us. I am realizing now just how precious and special family is, and I treasure every moment that I get to spend with them. This world is a broken world, that will not be restored or renewed until Christ comes back for us, but I believe that that special feeling that only comes around Christmastime is a teeny tiny sliver of what heaven will be like.
'Tis the season to remember all that we have to be thankful for, to focus on the gifts God has given us and to give to others less fortunate than us, and to thank him for his Son Jesus. 'Tis the season for get togethers with family and friends, egg nog, and cheese balls, laughter, and stories. 'Tis the season for decorating the house, drinking hot chocolate, watching Christmas movies. 'Tis the season for peppermint mochas, cookie baking, and Christmas cards. 'Tis the season for elf on the shelf and Santa's first visit to the Bowman house. 'Tis the season that truly is the best time of the year.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Puppy love
I chose Riley from the Spencer County Humane Society about a week before Josh and I got married. There were four puppies bounding and leaping through the grass. One puppy even followed me around the yard playfully licking at my heels. That is not the puppy that I chose though. I chose the shy little guy, keeping his distance, and hiding behind the others. The one that would have been easy to miss, easy to overlook and leave behind. He walked clumsily, cautiously, taking in everything around him. He is the one that I chose. Riley. Long legs. Chocolate colored fur. White markings on his neck. Skeptical. Slow. He rested his head on my lap on the way home. I knew that I had made the right choice.
I kept that in mind when he chewed up the remote control, dug in the landscaping time and time again, helped himself to my chocolate and my gum, and our leftover rotisserie chicken from dinner. I remembered that when he did his business in the living room on the shaggy brown carpet after eating that chicken. Yuck. I kept that in mind later when he chewed up baby clothes and got sick on the rug that I had spent hours upon hours working on for the nursery. He was still the right choice for us.
When I was pregnant, he was my constant bed rest companion, resting his head on my belly. He never left my side and he loved Eden even before she was born.
When we brought her home from the hospital, he stood like a guard at her pack n play, watching, wondering about the tiny little creature that we had brought home. He was curious and skeptical, but it was love at first sight. When she cried, he looked at us, as if to say, "Help her!"
As she has become more interactive, he has become more interested in her, and she in him. Luckily she enjoys it, smiles and laughs even, when he sneaks in a lick. :)
I kept that in mind when he chewed up the remote control, dug in the landscaping time and time again, helped himself to my chocolate and my gum, and our leftover rotisserie chicken from dinner. I remembered that when he did his business in the living room on the shaggy brown carpet after eating that chicken. Yuck. I kept that in mind later when he chewed up baby clothes and got sick on the rug that I had spent hours upon hours working on for the nursery. He was still the right choice for us.
When I was pregnant, he was my constant bed rest companion, resting his head on my belly. He never left my side and he loved Eden even before she was born.
When we brought her home from the hospital, he stood like a guard at her pack n play, watching, wondering about the tiny little creature that we had brought home. He was curious and skeptical, but it was love at first sight. When she cried, he looked at us, as if to say, "Help her!"
As she has become more interactive, he has become more interested in her, and she in him. Luckily she enjoys it, smiles and laughs even, when he sneaks in a lick. :)
As I was writing this blog today, Riley was laying his head on the edge of her activity mat, watching her play. Eden was reaching for him and trying to get closer to him, and she happened to have her first back to belly roll over, trying to get closer to her puppy, her best friend. How perfect!
Friday, June 28, 2013
June 28th
Today was such a great day. Holly, Robin, and I walked 7 miles at the mall. Then Eden and I went and visited Cassie, Edie, and Tucker. It was good to catch up. After that, Eden ate at home and played a while, and then we went to visit Kelly and Miss Harper in the hospital. She is such a doll! This is definitely the season for babies, and I love it!!
This evening, Josh and I had pizza casserole for dinner, and then went to orange leaf to celebrate me teaching my pre-baby weight/post pregnancy goal weight. . What a treat! We also did our grocery shopping and Eden was a happy girl most of the time.
Today was just a good day.
This evening, Josh and I had pizza casserole for dinner, and then went to orange leaf to celebrate me teaching my pre-baby weight/post pregnancy goal weight. . What a treat! We also did our grocery shopping and Eden was a happy girl most of the time.
Today was just a good day.
Baby Harper and me.
My treat for reaching my pre-pregnancy weight. Peanut butter and brownie batter with brownie pieces, chocolate chips, reese pieces, and hot fudge. DELICIOUS!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Anniversary Date
Josh and I celebrated our three year wedding anniversary yesterday. It was also our first evening leaving Eden for a date night. We had a great time and she was in good hands. We had dinner reservations at Angelo's, one of our favorite little Italian restaurants on Main Street. It's also the place we went to dinner the night that Josh proposed, so there's just something special about going there. I had shrimp scampi and Josh had chicken Alfredo. Both were delicious. Everything is wonderful there, as it is all made from scratch and specially prepared.
After dinner, we got a bottle of Summer Sangria for home, and then went to see Man of Steel, the new Superman movie. It was pretty good, and I surprisingly stayed awake. :) We had a great date night, and I feel so blessed. Each year with him just keeps getting better. I look forward to our next year together and walking with Josh not only as a married couple, but also as parents to the sweetest little girl. Sweetest little girl, who by the way was sound asleep in her crib when we got home. We are definitely blessed. :) (Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Bowman for watching her!)
After dinner, we got a bottle of Summer Sangria for home, and then went to see Man of Steel, the new Superman movie. It was pretty good, and I surprisingly stayed awake. :) We had a great date night, and I feel so blessed. Each year with him just keeps getting better. I look forward to our next year together and walking with Josh not only as a married couple, but also as parents to the sweetest little girl. Sweetest little girl, who by the way was sound asleep in her crib when we got home. We are definitely blessed. :) (Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Bowman for watching her!)
Josh and I before heading out for our date.
My amazing Shrimp Scampi. YUM!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
June 25th
Today has been a good and productive day so far. Eden was still asleep when it was time to go walk. I woke her up at 7:15 and she woke up happy, but I am thinking that we need to start putting her to bed a little earlier so she can wake up on her own before our walks in the morning. We walked 6.5 miles at the riverfront with Robin and Holly and it was hot, hot, hot! I wore a short-sleeved cotton shirt and the sweat was just pouring off of me. Yuck, but it felt good to know that I had worked hard. We have added an extra leg to our walk, as well as additional inclines, and it is a great walk. Eden has a fan that I hook to her car seat handle, so she seems to stay cool enough, and she usually naps on our walks, at least some of the time.
Speaking of naps, Eden has been so much happier since I started putting her in her crib several times a day for naps. She usually takes a long one in the morning and in the afternoon and a few smaller ones in between. Glad we finally figured out that more sleep was what she needed. I was hesitant at first about putting her down for extra naps, because she sleeps so good at night, and I didn't want to mess that up, however, she has been so much happier since we started the regular naps. She is rarely fussy now. AND, I have tons of time to get things done throughout the day, and a happy girl most of the time. It's a win for both of us!
Today when we got home from our walk, we played on Eden's activity mat for a while. She is so close to rolling over. It is surely going to happen any day now! After we played, I did some cleaning up around the house and laundry. I also gave the dog a bath, and baked a loaf of healthy blueberry zucchini bread. I plan to go on another walk this afternoon, and I am hoping for 5 miles, but I am not so sure that the heat is going to allow that, so we will see. I'm also going to do some grocery shopping. Tonight we are grilling. I am looking forward to that. Love these summer days/evenings.
Speaking of naps, Eden has been so much happier since I started putting her in her crib several times a day for naps. She usually takes a long one in the morning and in the afternoon and a few smaller ones in between. Glad we finally figured out that more sleep was what she needed. I was hesitant at first about putting her down for extra naps, because she sleeps so good at night, and I didn't want to mess that up, however, she has been so much happier since we started the regular naps. She is rarely fussy now. AND, I have tons of time to get things done throughout the day, and a happy girl most of the time. It's a win for both of us!
Today when we got home from our walk, we played on Eden's activity mat for a while. She is so close to rolling over. It is surely going to happen any day now! After we played, I did some cleaning up around the house and laundry. I also gave the dog a bath, and baked a loaf of healthy blueberry zucchini bread. I plan to go on another walk this afternoon, and I am hoping for 5 miles, but I am not so sure that the heat is going to allow that, so we will see. I'm also going to do some grocery shopping. Tonight we are grilling. I am looking forward to that. Love these summer days/evenings.
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