Thanks Rachael Ray!

Most of you know that I'm more of one to eat, not cook. In fact, Nate cooked almost every meal for the first three years of our marriage. I err on the side of perfectionist. That doesn't mean I do everything perfectly, not even close. That just means that I get mad if I can't do something well. Cooking is one of those things that always seemed to end up a disaster, even when I tried. Especially since I tried, and failed (repeatedly) I didn't enjoy doing it. It taunted me and I cursed at its burnt edges. However, now I'm starting to get back! Thanks to Rachael Ray and a determination to triumph in the kitchen I have made more than one good meal lately. So thanks Rachael Ray, put a fork in it! There is a future for food on my dinner table at last! 

Mama, the Multitasker!

Mutlitasking, so it is said, is a skill that has been passed down and mastered by moms through generations. I was hit with this reality anew earlier this week when I found myself straddling my kitchen from counter to counter. With one hand over the stove I was attempting to make spaghetti squash bolognese ala Rachael Ray style. Stretching across the counter with the other I was pumping breast milk for the 18lb legwarmer who was using my shin as her newest chew toy. The funniest part of that moment was my realization that although slightly ridiculous, multitasking just comes naturally. 

Winter in San Diego

If you can believe it, it has actually been chilly to downright cold this winter in San Diego. And by winter I mean for two weeks. Today we were wearing shorts again. Thank you Santa Ana winds. We did find a little bit of autumn at the park in the form of deciduous trees with golden leaves and had to take a picture to prove that there are seasons here!

Who's liking her solids now?

Introvert/Extrovert

Here's one of the most steadfast introverts (Daddy) with one of the world's newest extroverts (baby)! Nate and I are continually amazed that little babies are already very much their own little people. If we had to pin a title on her right now, we'd definitely go with extrovert. The dictionary defines extrovert as an outgoing, overtly expressive person. That is our little Selah Grace! Her love of people sure is helpful when we go drop her off in the church nursery. She LOVES it! She's so excited to play with other babies and her friendly caretakers that she doesn't even realize we're not there. Even though she can't talk, she has decided opinions and communicates them clearly. We hope that she always feels free to share her mind with us. 

As always, the most excitement was found in the wrapping and not what was actually inside. 

Getting Into Things!

Merry Christmas Flu You!

It's a good thing we were given a pull-out couch for our new living room, because we sure did need it over Christmas! All three of us got the flu. We spent Christmas day huddled Daddy, Mama, and Baby wallowing on the sleeper-sofa, taking turns sleeping and feeling icky. Although physically it wasn't very fun, I think it was good mentally for us to ease back into Christmas in the States. Staying home on Christmas with no presents to open and no mass media jingles jingling in our ears and eyes allowed us to focus on what Christmas is truly about and praise God for that.