31...Really?

I recently celebrated my 31st birthday,

and it was a treat to be spoiled all day long.

 I can't, however, figure out how I jumped into the thirties so quickly.

I still feel like I just graduated from college...

but that was nine years, two children, and a whole different state ago.

 Clare decorated my cake, Isaac helped us eat it, and my sweet husband gave me a new running watch and a special date night.

I think my 31st year is going to be a good one!  :)

Seventh Generation + Lorax

We've had diapers in our house for the last 3.5 years, and I don't see an end to that anytime soon.  We've tried nearly every diaper out there, and that's why I was excited about this offer from Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.com.

These are the Seventh Generation OVERNIGHT DIAPERS, and our little man is wearing these right now...as he slumbers soundly in the other room.  My sister is the "Green Queen," and she always encourages us to be more earth friendly.  She could be a spokeswoman for Seventh Generation, but right now I'll give it a shout out.  A few facts about these diapers:

• The NEW Overnight Diapers are absorbent enough to keep your baby and bedding dry through the night or during prolonged travel.
• Free & Clear diapers have improved more flexible tabs that provide even better fit.
• The training pants feature stretchy, tear away side panels for a better fit and added convenience, as well as inner leak barriers for superior leakage protection.
• Seventh Generation Free & Clear baby care products do not contain chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based lotions or latex, and all Free & Clear products are also hypo-allergenic.

Seventh Generation is also partnering with Lorax, 

and this new book was also part of the gift package.

We love Dr. Seuss, we love reading, and we love new books.  Triple LOVE!

Do you want to try some diapers for FREE?  How about adding a new book to your collection?  Go to this link: seventhgeneration.com and learn more.  In the comment section, respond to this question:


Which of the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diaper products are you most interested in trying with your family in an effort to become more eco-conscious?

Seventh Generation Website http://bit.ly/SevGen 

The Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack, product and information have been provided by 

Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.

Not Always Sunshine and Rainbows

As I sit here and type, I am surrounded by the sounds of crying children.

One of my recent posts was titled, "Best. Job. Ever."

Today's title is assuredly quite different.

While I still feel that I have the best job ever, it's not always easy.

Isaac is literally screaming NON-STOP, but I know that he's tired.

Clare is standing at her door saying, "Mommy, Daddy, Mommy, Daddy."

A dear friend, Lisa, recently commented on how my blog always depicts happy and all-put-together children.  That is by design.  Naturally, I'm not inclined to post about the low points of our days or when my 3-year-old says that she wants to grow a new Mommy.  I will say, however, that every day has its challenges.

Raising children is not easy, it's not always fun, and it's generally a thankless job (although my husband is exceptional when it comes to showing his gratitude and appreciation).

With consistency, perseverance, unconditional love, and lots of prayer...

we make it through every day.

And now (in the eight minutes it took to create this post)...

both children are sleeping, the house is quiet, and I can finally shower.

Hearts, Hearts, Hearts

Although Valentine's Day isn't a huge ordeal around here, 

we still had fun with some little things:

 We call these "Bird Nests"...with a fried egg inside a piece of toast...

extra festive when it's in the shape of a heart.

 My little preschooler donning her heart-shaped sweater...

 ...chowing down her heart-shaped cookie.

My heart is full of joy and love...namely for my amazing husband, two healthy and happy children, my supportive family, and my dear friends.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Best. Job. Ever.

 I am blessed...

 to have...

the BEST...

"Job" Ever!

First Born Daughter of a First Born

If you're familiar with the studies on birth order, 

you'll understand why these pictures make me smile.

Clare, my sweet first born, carefully organized all of her animals...

SEVERAL TIMES!

 Needless to say, her first born mother loved this activity!

Her father grew even more worried about his future in a home with two first borns.  :)

The Best Kind of Art

Our house is full of bright colors, 

and this is one of the newest pieces of art added to our kitchen area.

We've been having a lot of fun with these little canvas frames.

  We made a special hand print flower for Mema's Christmas present, and we made a tree for Daddy.  The kids (more the 3-year-old than the 1-year-old) love getting all covered in paint, and it's a fun way to make bright, personalized, affordable gifts/art!

January 27th, 2012

January 27th was a memorable day for many reasons!

1. It was the 7th anniversary of my Grandpa Hahn's homecoming.  For that reason, January 27th is always a memorable day.  He was one of the most amazing men I knew, and my life was richly blessed by his love and example of how to live.

2. Yesterday, the 27th, was also notable because I officially stopped nursing.  My little man has been weaning for a few weeks, and yesterday was sayonara breast milk.  After 14.5 months, I have mixed feelings about ending that chapter.

3. I got to enjoy my Christmas gift from Phil!

He gave me a gift card for a massage and Barnes and Noble with the instructions to enjoy an ENTIRE day out...relaxing and doing whatever I wanted.  Ooolala!

Notice the front seat of the car: purse, snack bag, book bag...

NO DIAPER BAG!

My first stop was Massage Envy where I enjoyed a one-hour massage.  Ahhh...

My second stop was Pita's Republic...one of my favorite local restaurants.

I enjoyed a tasty lunch, with the use of a great coupon, and NO HIGH CHAIRS.

I had a little dessert in my snack bag...

...which I quickly enjoyed on my way to my third stop.

Babies 'R' Us may sound like a strange place to go on Mommy's Day Out,

but it was WONDERFUL walking through the store without a cart, agenda, time frame, or need to say, "Not right now."

My final stop, where I spent 5.5 hours, was Barnes & Noble!

I tucked myself away and enjoyed the time with journaling, my Bible study, and catching up on the baby books for my little peanuts.

I did NOT step foot in the junior section...

despite a strong urge to "just check it out."

I enjoyed a hot drink with chocolate biscotti,

and later a cold drink with my dinner (forgot to photograph that).

Here's a pile of my accomplishments.  I shamefully admit that I hadn't written a single word in Isaac's baby book, so I spent several hours getting caught up on that.

By 7:30, I was ready to get home!  Phil told me NOT TO RETURN before 8:00, but I wanted to see the kiddos before they went to bed.  Mommy's Day Out was a HUGE SUCCESS, and I told Phil that we may need to make that a tradition.  :)

Favorite One-Liners of the Week

Without really trying, Clare is funny.
It's the job of parents to think that their children are hilarious, witty, charming, and cute.
This post is simply to show that I'm doing my job.

 My favorite one-liners of the week:

Clare: Mama, I swallowed my gum.

Me: How did that happen?

Clare: I was trying to dance with it.

 We were talking about heaven, 
and I tried to make the connection between God and heaven...

Me: Where does God live?

Clare: At church.

Me: Okay, where does Jesus live?

Clare: In the hay.

And for my favorite line of the week...

We were at our favorite sushi restaurant (Asian-fusion), and she loves watching the grill chef create different concoctions.  The chef started talking to her with his thick Chinese accent, and she said (in TOTAL SERIOUSNESS),
"I'm sorry, I don't know how to say Spanish."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

We enjoyed celebrating my dad's, A.K.A. Papa's, birthday on Wednesday!

 He chose a grand-kid friendly agenda for the day:

We had dinner at the mall before riding on the carousel.

 This was Isaac's first carousel ride, and Papa loved being a part of it.

 The little guy had a pretty good time as well.  :)

 Clare and I made a Hope College birthday cake for Papa...

decorated with Busch Gardens' rollercoasters.

 I don't know who was most excited for the cake?!

This was last year's birthday celebration for Papa.

 Here's to MANY MORE happy and healthy birthday celebrations together!

We love you, Papa!

2 Days Ago and 2 Days From Now

2 Days Ago...

Isaac turned 14-months-old.

2 Days From Now...

Clare will be 41-months-old.

- Isaac is affectionately referred to as Izzy-Roo...by everyone except his mother.

- He has sensitive skin, and a mosquito can cause major swelling and scarring.

- He uses the sign for "more" to communicate everything: 

please, give me, want some, more, etc.

- He says ball, book, Papa, Dada (which sounds more like "Dadin"),
and Mama (occasionally)

- I used to think he was a Mama's Boy...until Papa stole him away.

- Isaac LOVES popcorn and eats it by the fist-full.

 - Clare always wants to help...anything, anytime, anyone.

- She still uses both hands to color, eat, and throw.  

We really don't know if she'll be left or right handed.

- She has running conversations with Bob and Larry...who are always in her presence.

- She told us that she doesn't like to play with the boy at school,
and we're hoping that lasts for another 20 years.

- She requests a Popsicle with any injury:
skinned knee, sore throat, tummy ache, hurt feelings, etc.

- She is a great big sister.  She is always concerned about his whereabouts and feelings.

 - A little piece of Clare goes into everything she bakes.  Beware!

As a former English teacher, I have a knack for big words and fun vocabulary, but I was NOT the parent who taught her this:

Flying High!

 Sadly, our sweet Clare is getting a bit too big for "Clare in the Air."

 Our little man, however, is ready for flight!

 "I in the Sky" loves flying HIGH!

 If only you could hear the giggles that go along with the fun!