I have so many little matters to tell you of, that I cannot wait any longer before I begin to put them down.
Jul 14th, 2011 by ECM
It’s a tragic day–the kids and I are leaving our lovely little State College home for good. (Derek returns for a couple days next week to oversee the movers.) We had a sweet year here–very dear friends, Elizabeth’s first steps, Tommy’s first foray into homeschooling, and Susanna’s eventful pregnancy and safe arrival. We will miss State College tremendously!
Jul 13th, 2011 by ECM
Last night, we had our last life group gathering–a picnic at Spring Creek Park. It’s funny how God works things out–we didn’t really know the rest of the group that well when we joined, but the Nerd Herd, as Casey called us, turned out to be the perfect group for us–all academics (or academic’s spouses) with young kids.
The kids!
Abigail, Elizabeth, Olivia, Isaac
Joella, Tommy, Peter, Lorelai
(babies Sarah and Susie not pictured!)
The moms! After two incredibly lonely years in Chicago, I was incredibly blessed to have a group of friends who also wanted to meet at the park or the pool during the week (and who could watch my kids in a pinch!). I found so much encouragement in my role as wife, friend, and mother from my talks with these dear friends.
Brea, Dayna, Emily, Heidi, Janell
Oh, how I hate saying goodbye. Putting down roots in a new place is good, but I am so, so tired of the pain that comes when I have to tear them up again…
Jul 12th, 2011 by ECM
We’ve been saying a lot of goodbyes this week.
Sunday night was our last meal with the Hoskins. Sam and Jenny were our first friends in State College, and it’s thanks to Jenny that I got plugged into the women’s Bible study and our church so quickly. Jenny brought us meals as we moved in here, watched the kids during many of my physical therapy and OB visits in the fall and winter, and watched the big kids the day our Susie was born. And I know I’m not the only woman at church she’s blessed with her hospitality and generosity. Jenny’s a true kindred spirit, and we’ve spent hours talking about cooking from scratch, frugal housekeeping, classical homeschooling, Biblical womanhood, kids with food allergies, and the like. Tommy loved playing with Susannah and Ellie, and Elizabeth adores Joy!
Two Susies!
Their new place has a fabulous view of Mount Nittany in the back yard. At least we got to see it once before we moved!
I am so grateful that God saw fit to have us meet–the Hoskins have been such a blessing in our lives, and we will miss them soooo much!
Jul 11th, 2011 by ECM
I didn’t know Tommy was capable of falling asleep in the middle of a book anymore, but apparently I was wrong.
Jul 9th, 2011 by ECM
Tommy is getting so helpful–on the way out the door yesterday, I told him to keep Susanna happy while I went and changed Elizabeth’s diaper, and I came down to find him rocking her in the car seat, happy as a clam.
Jul 8th, 2011 by ECM
This is how I found the kids yesterday morning.
And I do think Susanna is getting some more chub.
Jul 7th, 2011 by ECM
And then sometimes she makes faces like this…
Jul 6th, 2011 by ECM
The kids and I are in serious Laura withdrawal this afternoon after a lovely 5 day visit full of reading, playing, talking (we never run out of things to discuss!), and even a trip to the swimming pool. As soon as we dropped her off at the airport, Tommy turned and said, “Lizzie, don’t you want Laura to come visit us in California REALLY soon?”
(funny how everyone who visits us gets their picture taken sitting on the couch, reading…)
Laura brings out the silly in Tommy!
Come visit us again soon, Laura!
Jul 5th, 2011 by ECM
My friend Alice recently gave me her Phil and Teds cocoon because Izzy had grown out of it. It’s essentially a Moses basket that fits into the stroller while in infant mode. The beauty of it is that I can easily move Susanna in and out of the stroller without waking her up, handy when we want to go to the park mid-way through her nap (just put her down in the cocoon and stick her in the stroller when I’ve finally gotten the kids ready) or when we want to move around the park but leave the stroller in one place. She’s cozy and safe, and I’m not lugging an 11 pound carseat (plus her) around!
Jul 4th, 2011 by ECM
The latest issue of The Horn Book has a great article called “What Makes a Good Baby Shower Book?” You know how I get into this stuff! Think of this as an addendum to my thoughts on books for young children.
Although youngsters may view books as products, the authors and artists never should. There’s a lot of commercialization in board books; watch out for cartoon characters, small print, lackluster illustrations, and little story line or confusing factual information.
In addition to a ton of recommendations, many of which I’m adding to our family wishlist, the authors give some guidance on figuring it out yourself:
Before buying any board book, consider this: “Is this a book that contains illustrations, a story, or information worth examining again and again and again?” Try reading it aloud. Do you stumble on the words? Do you pause to really look at the illustrations? Is there some opportunity for interaction? The answers here should be “No,” “Yes,” and “Yes.”