So chill.
August 29, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Crossfit, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Friends, It's What's For Dinner, Judah, Photos | 3 Comments
Sunday was fantastically chill. No drama, no huge tantrums from anyone – parents included. There was church in the morning and we were actually early – wonders never cease! After church everyone piled on mama and daddy’s big bed for loads of tickling and uproarious laughter. Following the tickle-fest of 2010 there was a lunch that everyone finished without the need for threats to life or limb, errands, nap time, dinner, and then our highly anticipated “dessert and drinks” with friends in the park.
Daniel was able to sneak away for a bit during nap time to check out a gorgeous 1966 Chevy truck. He’s in great need of a vehicle to drive to work both here, during the winter, and once we arrive in San Antonio. New Mexico is an ideal place to buy a classic vehicle due to the roads being salt-free in winter and the price being low as a reflection of volume in the market. Time will tell what he decides to do!
“Dessert and drinks” was a blast, as always. Gorgeous perfection in the weather department, zero flies (a terrible problem here), and plenty of amazing friends…
Gingersnaps disappeared in record time…
Gorgeous Abby was showered with love…
The swings were never empty…
What’s life worth without friendships? I never want to find out.
I rounded out the day with a back squat workout. I have a tender spot in my heart for back squats. I love them, I do. But last night… no love. The muscles across my shoulders were angry with me from the previous night’s sumo deadlifts and push jerks. Laying the heavy bar onto those sore muscles was no fun… no fun at all.
I set a personal record – which isn’t much so don’t get too excited – my body isn’t built for strength. I was happy nonetheless. I did get stuck once, thankfully Daniel saved me. The last time I dumped the weight while in a back squat I did it incorrectly and hurt my back, I had much trepidation about dropping the weight again. I’m grateful for my man who lifted the bar off my shoulders like it was a feather.
Before we headed to bed, Daniel and I watched a couple of episodes of “Friends.” I love ending the night in gales of laughter…
And now, a brand new week!
A little cooperation between God and Judah’s Mama.
August 22, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Judah, New Mexico, Photos, The garden | 5 Comments
This year in my garden I planted grape tomatoes for Judah. He was the sole reason I planted them.
My little guy has loved grape tomatoes since he was able to get them from his hot little hand into his mouth. I had to shut him down when he was a wee one because of the horrendous diaper rash he would get the day after. I hated doing that. I promised myself that when he was done with diapers I would never deny him grape tomatoes again. He could eat them by the fist full and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
Last summer he ate as many as I could get into the house. Farmer’s market to table to Judah’s happy mouth.
This summer, we have our own.
I was afraid that this day would never come; the first grape tomato plant that came up from the seeds I planted, died. I guess it couldn’t take my constant attention. Unfortunately I am a hover-er. I know my neighbors think I’m crazy because I am constantly checking on my garden.
The second little tomato plant that decided to give this life thing a whirl… lived! Flourished, even. I watered it, talked to it, cheered it on…
Fruition:
I was so excited for this day to come! I’ll admit to being a little nervous that Judah would mysteriously decide that he didn’t love grape tomatoes anymore, but my fears were put to rest.
I had one very happy boy with a handful of just picked grape tomatoes.
He even shared with his sister, though truthfully it was a bit begrudgingly. He’s got some stiff competition in the “oh-may-yo” lovin’ department from one Miss Eliza Dove.
Maybe next year I should plan for a “Judah” tomato plant and an “Eliza” tomato plant!
I guess we are related after all!
July 15, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah | 26 Comments
Here’s the deal. I carried Eve in my belly for 9 months. I birthed her at home so I know there was no switching of babies. I did all of the hard, hard work and I swear, she looks nothing like me. She looks like Daniel, acts like Daniel, has the same taste buds as Daniel…
Last night I whipped out my camera at dinner. Because what’s better than capturing people mid-chew? Actually it was because Eliza was looking so cute sitting in Daddy’s chair; she loves to sit there whenever Daniel’s not home. Her greatest goal in life is to be just like the big kids, you know.
Anyway, Eve made this face:
Instantly my mind went to this photo of me:
I realize I’m scary looking. I apologize. It was post-Crossfit workout and I was bright red and sweaty, waiting for Daniel to finish rowing a 2k, and acting like a dork.
But look! We made the same face!
I’m grasping at straws here, but I feel validated. We really are related. And you know what, God bless her, she’s getting my freckles. I could not possibly be more tickled!
I love my people. And Crossfit.
July 11, 2010 | Filed Under Crossfit, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Judah, Love is..., Uncategorized | 6 Comments
(addendum) Looking back on these photos… this is definitely a “We do Crossfit” themed post!
Photoshoot at the laundromat.
July 6, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, New Mexico, Photos | 13 Comments
We drove by. I saw gorgeous natural light. I made Daniel go back. I shot photos. I was happy.
I would totally do a full on photoshoot in that laundromat. It’s funny how the places we often overlook because they are ordinary can be so interesting.
A Happy 4th of July brought to you by the grumpy children.
July 5, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Holiday, Judah | 4 Comments
Happy Fourth of July, dangit.
Hope your day was wonderful and filled with exceptional company and food!
If this photo doesn’t make you…
June 23, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, Love is..., New Mexico, Photos | 7 Comments
laugh…
(post playing in the dirt, hot dog roasting, s’mores eating and pre-bath)
Or smile…
(anyone who has a younger/older sibling totally gets this photo)
Or melt a little…
(they are best buds)
Maybe we should have a ‘lil talk!
I’d love for you to vote for me today if you have an extra half minute. It’s a once a day vote on this photo that I submitted to “My Air Force Life.”
Vote Here for my photo – #673 – (I’m on page 7 today)…. no registering or info involved!
If we were neighbors, I’d bake you copious amounts of cookies for doing this for me! Instead a simple thank you will have to do.
Thank you!
This was my night…
May 11, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Judah, Photos | 14 Comments
Yum.
Major yum.
Major, major yum.
Major, major gross. Though, clearly it was good to the last drop.
Soon I will write a post with actual sentences.
Freedom!
April 21, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, New Mexico | 4 Comments
Sometimes kids just need some space. Space to be free. To breathe. To run until their bodies can’t run anymore and not because they have run out of yard or the sidewalk ends or mama says to watch out for the road.
Sunday we took the kids to a long dirt road. We saw two cars. And a whole bunch of cows.
It was deep down relaxing to get away even if the “getting away” was less than five miles from our house. Daniel joked that it was nice to get some “country air.” It was a joke because we live in the country, friends. But it was nice to just breathe and not smell exhaust or someone’s food cooking or hear dogs barking and kids screaming.
And who’s to say that New Mexico isn’t green, huh?! Ok, it really isn’t. It’s “selectively” green.
I think the kids kind of loved our Sunday dirt road… I know I did.
Judah especially loved it. If we hadn’t needed to head home to relieve someone’s bladder, I’m certain he could have stayed out in this field for hours. I wish he could have. I think it would have done his little four and a half year old heart good.
Miss Eliza was content to stick close to Daniel and me. I’ve always said she’s going to be our buddy. She likes to stay within “pick-up” distance. We don’t mind a bit.
Our ordinary day – in photos.
April 17, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Homeschool, Judah, Life Stuff, New Mexico, Photos | 10 Comments
Now that I am sitting here thinking over the day, there are so many more photos I should have, could have taken.
Like school, for instance. A big part of our day is devoted to learning. Yet, no photo. (slaps head.)
Or the massive amounts of rollerblading that takes place in my house every.single.day. Nobody wants to simply walk. They must rollerblade. Everywhere.
Or the french bread that I wanted to give you the recipe for.
Or the tantrums. None caught on “film.” You can thank me for that.
Regardless of all that I forgot, I relish this ordinary day’s moments. I know that I’ll really enjoy looking back on these photos someday.
Our pseudo-snow. We have (had) a gorgeous pink flowered tree in our front yard. The tree’s beautiful blooms have made me smile everyday, watching as they toss their gorgeous heads around in the sun. But the wind has been so cruel. And now we have a blanket of petals. Which, in reality, is beautiful in it’s own mournful way.
A combination of: flowers from Daniel, Gerbera Daisies, and free-flowered queenly Irises. There is something so spectacular about pairing red and purple. Looking at these flowers together made me think about my wedding. But that’s a topic for another day.
Dinner prep starts early around here. It must, otherwise my day is gone and dinner is non-existent. And quite frankly, there are five tummies who will loudly protest that ever happening.
Honestly, someone should teach that girl how to sweep up the dirt properly! Oh, I guess that would be me. I’m just thankful I have a girl old enough to sweep up after each meal. And that she does it cheerfully!
I’ve never eaten purple (black?) grapes before today. But I’ll be eating them for the rest of my life. Crispy and sweet. A perfect change from my typical red grape in the Barbecue Chicken salad.
Girlfriend asked for the beater before anyone else. So, she got it. And she relished it. I can’t really believe that I am the one handing out the beaters. Seems like it was just the other day I was licking the beater. (Well, what my stingy mom left on there. It’s the truth, isn’t it, Mom?!)
My friend Sarah texted me the other day and said she was making a Strawberry Cream Pie and thanked me for posting the recipe. From then on, I couldn’t stop thinking about the creamy deliciousness. So, I made one today. (p.s. Use a deep pie dish and double the cream filling. It gives you more than you need but it will fill up your pie better than a single batch. And, it’s awesome.)
I tried teaching Eliza to use the potty on her own without me having to ask her if she had to go. Failed. She’s not ready for that step. Or tall enough to reach the toilet, even with a stool. And since she started to straight up refuse to go pee at.all. I resorted to bribery. It’s working beautifully.
Our crazy weather has given us rain on and off for the last couple of days. Subsequently, there has been a hint of humidity in the air which gives my girl some soft curls. I can’t stop touching her hair when it’s like that. It feels like silk.
I love the way Judah looks when he has just woken up from his afternoon nap. April has been a tough month for my boy. And in turn, me. But, things are beginning to come around. He started school this week and he loves it. Math-U-See primer, Explode the Code for learning to read, a neat language arts program, Handwriting without Tears for learning to write, a very interesting science book… and you know, life, which is truly the best teacher.
Almost seven. And asking me to take her photo. Where does the time go? Wasn’t I just giving life to this child? She is a dream daughter. And I am exceptionally thankful for her.
That is my day. Or at least a few glimpses of it. I rather love ordinary life.
Sometimes he gets sick of me.
March 10, 2010 | Filed Under ABQ, Judah | 7 Comments
Unfortunately for him, I was bored and he was in a five point harness. And I’m not easily dissuaded. Especially when I could tell he wasn’t really too irritated. Just mildly.
It’s Friday! Amazon Delivered!
February 27, 2010 | Filed Under Daniel, Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, Love is..., Photos, Sewing | 17 Comments
I present to you….
My new sewing machine:
I’m excited. I think. More scared, to be truthful. I waited like five hours to open the box. It frightened me.
When I bought my first dslr camera, I opened the box and was able to start taking photos. Not good photos, but photos nontheless. With the sewing machine, I opened the box (it was a struggle, man. I think I broke out in a sweat trying to pry the freakin’ machine out of the box!), took the machine out and stared at it. And then I took a photo of it. Because that’s what I do. I think I heard it laugh at me, actually.
I’m not sure what my next step is. Perhaps buying some of the accessories I need? Reading the manual, for sure. Fabric?
Yikes. I’m intimidated. But excited too!
But I was (and the kids too!) more excited to see Daniel come walking through the door. Best part of the day (any day), hands down.
And he brought me flowers. Because he loves me.
Happy weekend to you!!
The Weekend.
February 22, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Daniel, Eve, It's What's For Dinner, Judah, New Mexico, Photos, Texas | 16 Comments
It was fun.
It was busy.
It was supremely tasty.
Friday night we ran lots of errands and then Daniel took our family to a local Mexican restaurant. So fun! We ate our dinner while listening to live music. Loved that.
The food was mouth-watering delicious and authentically New Mexican.
We had a wonderful time until Judah melted down in the parking lot. Such is life.
Saturday we headed out to the Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo. Amazing. Seriously breathtaking. It’s a wild sensation to be driving across the plains, surrounded by enormous fields and stinky cows, and then BOOM. A huge canyon. Red walls, massive rocks… a refreshing change of scenery.
The kids had a fantastic time “trailing.” Daniel and I realized that I don’t do so well with “off-trailing.” I’m not so adventurous, apparently. Along the trail we saw some interesting animal tracks; some that struck large amounts of fear into my heart. Like, the fresh ones that looked like them belonged to a large cat. I got the chills looking at those! Yikes! Good thing Judah brought his “trusty ‘ol gun,” as he fondly calls it.
Daniel explored a cave and took the kids up the side of a cliff. Fun times in the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, because the trail was so low, we lost the sun and warmth fast. Brrr! I couldn’t get back to the truck fast enough. Eliza and I were popsicles! Daniel and I took a second before leaving to take a couple of photos, proof that we were actually at the canyon with our kids. I live with a goof-ball. A mean goof-ball. These photos were right before he stuck his ice-cold hands onto my back!
Since we were so close to Amarillo, and Target (!), we headed into town. Hiking made us very hungry so we stopped at Blue Sky for some burgers. Daniel had heard it was great and indeed, it was! I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of grease.
And the Anaheim chili sticks… awesome!! Wowza. I wanted to lick the bottom of the basket. I refrained. It was touch and go, though.
Sunday, we recuperated.
An awesome weekend! I am so thankful that Daniel is home. Life is so much happier, goofier, tastier, and more adventurous.
P.S. Not so sure about the big photos. I’ve never really cared about them. But, with the (blasted, horrid, I am horrible at making them) blog boards, bigger was better. We’ll see about the bigger photos… I find it annoying to have to scroll down to look at the whole thing.
Daniel and the kids re-unite video…
January 7, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Daniel, Deployment, Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, Military Life, Perspective, Video | 44 Comments
I thought you all might like to share in our joy.
I video-ed on my mighty little Flip video camera when Daniel and the kids first saw each other at my parents house.
Just try not to cry.
Untitled from andrea hub on Vimeo.
This video is after a few minutes had passed and Eliza was in the process of warming up. Thank the Lord for Skype! Daniel and I directly attribute Eliza seeing him and talking to him via Skype to her recognizing and quickly being comfortable with him.
Eliza warms up from andrea hub on Vimeo.
The “reintegration” process has been absolutely seamless. The kids have fallen right back into rhythm with Daddy; the only issue I can see is that they have to learn to trust Daniel again. Trust that’s he’s here to stay… they tend to get a little frantic, asking for him when he leaves the room or to run out to the truck. Especially Eliza.
Right now I am laying on a couch on Columbus AFB in Mississippi watching the Texas/Alabama game with Daniel. We are well on our way back to New Mexico and it has been a wonderful trip thus far. I will write a detailed blog about our trip once it’s over but truly, it has been an amazing time as a family. I am thankful for every minute I sit next to Daniel in our truck. The kids have been complete angels and we have made some great memories.
This is the first time I have been on my computer since Sunday (I KNOW!) so to say blogging has had to take the back seat would be an understatement but this family time minus any distractions has been a blessing. But I am very much looking forward to getting back into a rhythm. I am so much happier and peaceful now… as my brother David said today, I am a “totally different girl!”
And I really am. Daniel does that to me. I’m so thankful for my magnificent husband!
Miss Eliza Dove turns two!
December 24, 2009 | Filed Under Birthday, Birthday Letters, Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, Photos | 15 Comments
This is what happens when I say “smile!”
Apparently Daniel and I jumped the gun on the name “Eve.” But, how were we to know that down the road a few years we were going to have a daughter born on Christmas Eve. And how much would she have hated having her name cleverly be “Eve” because of her birth day.
Her “real” smile.
Regardless of names, Miss Eliza turned two on Christmas Eve. I can’t believe it has been two years.
Seriously, how has it been TWO YEARS? Someone call the police and report time thievery!
I can’t really explain to those of you who have not met Eliza just how much of a delight she is. Words don’t really do her justice. But as a start… she is a wonderfully chubby ball of fire rolled in sweetness.
I absolutely adore the daylights out of her.
Again with the “smile!”
All I can ask of my sweet, sweet girl is this:
Darlin’,
Stay a baby for me, won’t you? My baby. Whether you are a delightful two, sweet sixteen, a wonderful twenty-nine with three babies, seventy-five and old and grey… always, always be my baby.
Please never stop letting me hold you, or kiss your cheeks, or tell you that you are my reward.
You are the very best ending to the second very best thing I have ever done in my life.
You, Eliza Dove, make my heart sing.
What do I say to you all day, every day?
“Mama loves you.” Because I do. I really, really do.
Love,
the crazy red-head who kisses you an average of 87,634,297 times a day
