Author Archive
Why I love Iowa in the summer
Posted on: June 7, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
Every summer, Iowa City hosts Summer of the Arts. Each weekend the city holds different events or festivals. They all prove to be pretty awesome and we’ve really enjoyed them more and more each year. This weekend was Arts Festival – a celebration of local and regional artists. On Sunday they have Children’s Day, with different {free} activities for kids to do. The biggest hit was a 5/6 ft tall cardboard castle set up for painting:
Julia could have stayed at the castle for hours she loved painting so much. The only draw back? The paint wasn’t washable. Seriously. Who gives kids non-washable paint?? Like my friend, Leah, said “Clearly a mom wasn’t in charge.” Never the less, the castle did give us the idea to make our own last night for painting this week while Jon is out of town. But, I can guarantee I’ll be buying washable paint!
The thing is, I’m kinda a brat
Posted on: June 4, 2010
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
I’ll be real honest, I can be a brat. I won’t sugar coat it for ya – some days I’m down right selfish and rude. I like my way on my time at my say. It ain’t pretty and it sure ain’t godly. Part of me wonders if I don’t look a little like this:
Jonathan is leaving Monday for a business trip to Chicago and won’t be back until Thursday night. Over lunch yesterday, I was giving him a hard time about being gone {especially since we’ll miss our normal date night}. Even though I could tell it was annoying him, I kept on going, kept on being bratty. Finally Jon just said “Aren’t you happy that I provide for you?” Say what? This business trip is for me? All your hard work and effort is so I can stay at home? Yes, yes it is.
The thing is, I’m kinda a brat. And while I was pouting about a business trip that my husband is taking, I failed to realize he is taking it for me. He is going to ensure that I can continuing staying at home with our daughters. He is going to ensure that we have a roof over our heads and live comfortable lives. He is going to ensure that he holds true to his words – that he will protect, provide and care for me and our family. He is going because, well, he’s just plain awesome at his job and his boss wants him to go. How can I pout about that? How can I be upset about having such a great man?
By the end of our conversation I was struck with this verse: “It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. {Proverbs 21:19}”. I apologized to Jon and before lunch was finished the air was cleared. I walked away with this one thing in mind: “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.” {Proverbs 18:22}.
I want to be the kind of wife that my husband treasures. One that lifts him up and allows him to do what God has called him to. One that is supportive and kind. One that speaks with love and humility. And I am grateful that I have a man like Jon, who is always understanding, continually pointing me towards truth. Thanks for all you hard work babe. I love you.
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
I love painted toenails. And when it comes to painted toenails on little girls, heart be still. However, getting my 2 yo and almost-1 yo to hold still long enough while the polish dries is impossible. Inevitably, the polish ends up smeared, rubbed off or all over my bathroom counter. Then I found a solution: 60 second quick dry polish.
You gotta love a product that makes these cuties look even cuter!
H's toes
J's toes
Hello Summer and cute baby toes!
For more Things I Love Thursday, check out Jill at Diaper Diaries.
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
If you’ve ever gotten to talk to me for very long {especially after October 1st}, you might know that I am a little obsessed with Christmas. So, when Southern Living sent me an offer for this:
I seriously had to stop from reading it cover to cover and waste spend the entire afternoon planning out my Christmas meals, decorations and parties. Because, after all, it is only June 1st and I still have 207 days till Christmas.
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
12 month photo project is a challenge started by Tara Whitney. Here’s what you do:
- Take a photo of your family once a month.
- Write a few things about that month.
- Make it into a book at the end of the year.
Is May ending already?!? That can’t be. Because if that’s the case, that means 1) Hannah turns 1 in two weeks 2) Jonathan is done with his crazy weekend MBA course 3) Julia had her tonsils removed and 4) I’m just standing here wondering “what just happened??!”.
Whew. Does time ever slow down? May has been a whirlwind of a month. Julia had an amazingly quick recovery from her tonsillectomy. The following weekend was Mother’s Day, so it was an extra bonus to have her feel so well. My Mother’s Day was really, really nice. Very relaxing and I felt extremely loved {the dozen roses Jonathan gave me did the trick}. Plus, the night before Mother’s Day, our dear friends, Matt and Kristen, gotten engaged. While we weren’t there for the proposal, we did get to spend time with them right before and after. It was a sweet time and we’re thrilled for them both!
As of today, Hannah took her first steps! She doesn’t go far {just 3 or so steps} but she’s “walked” several times between Jon and me. It’s a bittersweet moment in this mama’s life.
Jonathan’s career path has really been in flux this last month. He has been deciding whether to finish his PhD or to focus more primarily on his MBA. After getting some strong council, he’s putting his MBA classes on hold until he has finished the PhD program. Our family is now shifting our schedules to allow him more time to work on his research during the evenings. It’s going to be challenging having him gone more, but we’ve decided to do it in 4-6 week groups so that no one gets burned out. Hopefully the end will be here before we know it!
We spent Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. It was a blast! Despite the Windhamettes having such little sleep, they did really well the whole trip {although there might have been one too many suckers consumed to ensure obedience}. We spent a lot of time at festivals and in Millenium Park. It was great being away from normal life for a while, but Jon and I agreed, as much as we love big cities, we really love our little city life.
*Yes, I am totally wearing the same jeans as I did for last month’s family photo. Just realized that…
And the winner is….
Posted on: May 31, 2010
- In: Life
- Leave a Comment
Prickly Pine Cone!
Congratulations!! Check your inbox for an email from me and confirmation on preferred color {yellow}.
And as a little surprise, I decided to give away the other two colors: pink and purple. The 2nd and 3rd place winners are: Leah and Christine {of i Dream of Clean}. I’ll be sending you two an email soon.
I just wanted to “Thank YOU!”. Seriously, y’all rock. Yes, you. And you. And of course, you. My first ever giveaway was a total success and I can’t thank all you enough for the support you showed in participating. It might sound strange, but thanks to blogging I’ve been able to meet some pretty spectacular ladies. People I’d want to know, but wouldn’t have had it not been for blogging. And it has warmed my heart to have friends speak so kindly about me in such a public fashion. Thank you ladies for all your support and participation!
{Be sure to check out my flower hair clip giveaway!}
We’re staying in the more Spanish district of Chicago this weekend. Can I just say, I have a great love of Mexican/Spanish/Latino foods?? I think I could eat it every single day. And when it’s homemade and good, it’s good. And you can’t beat good Mexican. You just can’t. Even better than the food are the desserts. I love a tasty, warm ensaimada {sweet bread} with coffee. Hmm…
Hopefully, as you’re reading this, I’m feasting out to this with my daily joe:
Chicago, Chicago!
Posted on: May 29, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
{Be sure to check out my flower hair clip giveaway!}
I have a love of big cities. Thankfully, so does Jonathan. And from what we can tell, both girls seem to be pretty impressed with them too. So this weekend we are going to Chicago.
Here’s a list of great things to do in Chicago with kids:
1. Lincoln Park Zoo
It’s free and open to the public. It’s in the middle of the city {well, technically it’s not in the middle, but you’d think it was} with several entrances and exits, making it perfect for just popping in and out whenever you need. They do some pretty incredible water shows with their seals and their mammal habitat allows you to get amazing up close views of leopards, tigers, etc.
2. Chicago’s Children Museum
While a little on the pricy side {$10 per person over age 1}, it’s suppose to be one of the best museums to visit. There are 3 stories of fun to be had and it’s located off Navy Pier. The downside? It’s 3 stories of fun, meaning, you’re not going to be able to see it all in one visit. Our family is still debating if the girls are too young to really enjoy themselves this go around.
3. Navy Pier
While our girls are too small for the ferris wheel, it’s perfect for older kids. But, with all the candy shops, fast pace atmosphere and sites to see, it’s bound to be a hit for our people-watching kids!
4. Shedd Aquarium
We took Julia when we came to Chicago in November 2008. However, she was a little on the young side at the time but I think she’s going to love all the “fishies” this time around. The Shedd has thousands of displays of beautiful sea creatures, ranging from otters and whales to octopus and dolphins. It makes for great and fun learning experience.
5. Millenium Park
Millenium Park is more than just a park. They host concerts, festivals, free workouts and beautiful scenery, among other things. You could easily spend half a day musing around exploring the Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. It’s a great place and perhaps the site I’m most excited to visit.
Flower hair clip Giveaway!
Posted on: May 28, 2010
- In: Life
- 28 Comments
I was so happy to see just how excited people were for the flower hair clip to help jazz up ponytails that I thought it would make for an awesome first time ever giveaway!
You have a choice of three colors – purple, pink or yellow.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Leave a comment, telling me which color you prefer.
2. Blog about it, linking back to this post (then leave me a comment letting me know you did).
3. Facebook or Tweet it (then leave me a comment letting me know you did).
4. Refer a friend who leaves a comment.
You have until Monday, May 31, 12 CST time to enter.
You can get up to 4 entries to increase your chances of winning! I’ll be using Random.org to select the winner.
Let’s go on a Picnik
Posted on: May 27, 2010
- In: Life
- 4 Comments
{Be sure to check back tomorrow for my first ever giveaway!}
A few months ago, Jonathan introduced me to Picnik, a photo editing site. It’s completely free and easy to use! It’s owned by Google {which really is trying to take over the world}, so it’s earned lots of cool brownie points in my book. I love it and thought I’d share my love with you!
Here’s just a few fun things you can do:
Take an ordinary photo –
And add something fun. Play with the color, add text, graphics or just about anything!
You might have to click on the image to see that the heart reads “JMW & SEW 4-eva”. Yeah, that’s right, I’m kicking it old school.
Next time you want to add an image to your blog, check out Picnik and add a little spice to your photo!
Go visit Jill at The Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday!
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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