Summertime!

We are having such a fun summer.  Last summer was a little challenging with a newborn and a two-year old, but we have found our groove as a four person family and are having the best time together.  Ysmaille's work schedule is a little different this year.  Since he works 1-9:30 we spend our morning together and then it's just the kids and I for the afternoon/evening.  I thought I would really dislike this schedule, but it hasn't been too bad.  Like everything in life there are pros and cons.  I'm not a huge fan of the bedtime routine being all on me, but I love having Ysmaille at home in the mornings.  Here's how we've been spending our days...

 Amirah loves this activity.  I freeze small animals in a block of ice and then she digs them out.  It occupies her for a long time and keeps her cool as well.

 Snuggling with my girl.  She is in a new phase where everytime we try to take her picture she makes a funny face. 

 Happy Independence Day from the Eliacin family!

 Finding a way to keep cool.

 One of the things on our "Summer List" was to make S'Mores.  Delicious!

 Of course S'Mores would be impossible without the ultimate fire builder and marshmallow toaster- my dad!

 Most days I do something with Amirah's hair, but on days that I let it go wild I like it the best.  It totally matches her personality.

 My baby is getting so big.  I love this exploration stage.  Everything is new and exciting to him. 

Doesn't lake water looks so gross in pictures?  We had so much fun at Laurel Lake the other weekend.  It's definitely a must-do again on our summer list.

Inadequacy and worship

Ysmaille's schedule makes it really hard to go to church.  He usually ends up leaving half-way through the service.  Today he just stayed home to have his own time with God.  I took the two kiddos.  I spent the first part of worship just feeling sorry for myself as I chased my two precious children around the church.  I was mad at Ysmaille for not coming (even though I knew his reasons were legitimate).  I was feeling frustrated with my children.  At one point I seriously considered just leaving.  Then I looked at my beautiful friend on stage who has recently started writing these amazing worship songs.  I just felt so inadequate.  I talked to God about it, giving him my cares and burdens and He asked me what I did to worship Him.  What made me fulfilled and happy?  I thought about all the fun I've had this summer making crafts with the kids and getting new ideas for my classroom.  "But, God, that isn't worship," I said.  "There is nothing spiritual about it."  He reminded me that those things bring joy to myself and the children in my life.  When I use the talents he gave me that is my worship to Him.
Minutes later, a friend came by to chat.  After a few minutes he said simply, "You are a good mom."  I burst into tears.  His words breathed new life into my soul.  Being a mom is my highest calling right now and when Ysmaille isn't around I am outnumbered and often feel overwhelmed.  I left church with a totally new outlook on life. In the midst of my inadequacies I met Jesus today.  I worship the King who takes my human flaws and redeems them!

Back At It

It's been two months since I last posted.  Life is busy.  And messy.  And wonderful.  Here's what you need to know about me in no apparent order...

1.  Yesterday was my anniversary.  Eight years.  Our marriage has been blessed, but Ysmaille is not the man of my dreams.  I am guessing many of you aren't married to the man of your dreams either.  Let me explain.  When I pictured my future-husband I pictured a tall, dark, handsome man.  I married a short, dark, sexy man.  I imagine my future-husband would be outgoing.  Ysmaille is contemplative and quiet (at least around others).  This man I married is such a treasure!  He works so hard for our family.  He loves us passtionately.  He is just what I needed.  His steadfastness has seen us through many crisis'.  So, no, he isn't the man I dreamed I would marry one day, but he can still make me weak in the knees.  And as I'm writing this I'm crying a little bit because I just feel so blessed that he picked me!

2.  The kids are at the  babysitter this morning.  What?  I thought you had off this summer?  Yes.  I do.  So why arent' you with your kiddos?  Let me explain.  A teacher cannot possibly get a classroom in order if you wait until the 4.5 hours the school district pays you to work in your classroom.  I spent the morning rearranging furniture and decorating my classroom for the upcoming year.  Now I am taking a little "me" time to spend blogging, talking to Jesus, reading, and some errands.  I will not apologize for taking caring of myself.   Let me know if you need a break and I'll watch your kids for a couple of hours.  Put your feet and up and relax!

3.  I didn't plant a garden this summer.  I had every intention of doing so.  Dad even come over with the roter tiller and made a nice plot.  It's still a nice plot, but there are no plants.  The past several years I've planed tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini, and I loved it.  I loved picking fresh veggies from my very own garden.  I just didn't get around to it.  And that's okay. 

4.  I secretly obsess over people I don't even know.  There.  The secret is out.  I love following blogs of inspiring people.  Two of my favorites are www.younghouselove.com and www.lifeasathrifter.com .  Can I tell you something about myself?  I find very little joy in the mundane tasks of keeping a home.  I like crafting and decorating, but those nicks on the wall that need touched up?  Well let's just say the paint cans have been sitting in the corner of my kitchen for over two weeks.  If you like DIY projects you will love these blogs.  I keep reading them in hopes that I will get inspired and I won't have to look at those cans of paint for an entire month!

5.  I've made my summer list and I can't wait to complete it.  Here are some of the highlights of the list: Making donuts over a fire, Taking the kids to Fuller Lake for a cookout and a swim, Making S'mores, Going to Benders to feed the animals, and Laying on the deck with Ysmaille and watching the stars.  So far I've checked one thing off our list and that was going to Pittsburgh for our anniversary.  We stayed at the historic William Penn hotel.  It was beautiful, and romantic.  If you are parents of young children you know how rejuvinating it can be to get away and spend "adult" time.  Wink.

Stay tuned.  I plan to blog more frequently this summer as my schedule allows for a little more down time.

Spring is here!

Spring just makes me happy.  I love pretty much everything about it.  It starts when I wake up to the birds chirping outside my window.  Then that yellow-green of new leaves on the trees... it almost makes me weak in the knees.  Rushing home from school so I can take my babies outside to play.  And then there is my birthday.  I love my birthday!  A day to celebrate me?  Bring. It. On.

Here's what we've been up to the past several weeks...

 These two have hit a stage where they get along more than they fight, so I think that's something to celebrate :)

 I just love dying Easter eggs.  Plus I really love making egg salad when the eggs have a little dye on them.  I know... it's weird.

 Since this picture was taken Xander no longer requires a prop to hold himself up.  He is off!  He's getting a little more adventurous each day and can now walk half-way across the floor without falling.

Amirah loves playing the "Go Fish" game Pappy and Grammy got her for her birthday.

 

Loving life.  My house is messy, and my heart is full.  And that just about sums it up :)



 

 

 

It's V-Day!

I just love Valentine's Day!  So. Much. Fun.

 A little art project we made last month.  I plan on keeping it up all year long. 

 Heart-shaped pancakes.  I had to make these last night, because there is no way I'd have time to make them this morning.  Thankfully Amirah was delighted, even though they had to be microwaved.

 I put a book for Amirah and Xander in their lunch box with a note from Mommy and Daddy.  I wanted them to have a little surprise at lunchtime!

 Loving her pancakes!

 My student's love glitter.  So we made drawings with glitter.  I cannot lie.  I love it too.  What's not to love?

 The message on my blackboard today.  I loved seeing so many kids wearing red and pink today.  I bought a new dress for the occasion, but I didn't take a picture of it.  It was a steal of deal at Target for only $2.40!

 More glitter.  I had so much fun at school I had to bring the glitter home!

 My loot!  Is there a better job than being an elementary school teacher?  I think not.

Melissa did it again.  Look at the card she helped the kids make today.  Isn't this the sweetest thing ever?

 

I should also mention that Ysmaille bought me an outfit!  He even bought tights and earrings to match.  He is so good.  I'll have to post pictures later...

What's Happening Right Now

{Reading}: one thousand gifts.  I know people love, love, love this book and I really do love the idea behind the book, but I am having a difficult time finishing it.  Obviously I have no business critiquing a book as I've never written one myself, but I am of the opinion that the book could have been summed up in maybe half the pages.  With that said, you should at least try to read the first three chapters, because giving God honor for all the little things that make our life special is such an awesome idea and really makes you appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

{Cleaning}: the pantry!  Last January (in response to reading The Happiness Project) I spent the month of January organizing every single drawer, cupcoard, nook, and cranny in the house.  Much of it has stayed relatively organized, but our pantry is a catch-all.  For example, right now there is an unused computer and monitor in there.  Shameless plug:  We are selling it on Craigslist for $160 if anyone is interested.... 

 Everything is organized now, and it just makes me feel like I can breathe again.

 My sister, Angela, and I had a successful trip to IKEA yesterday where I purchased 17 of these containers for less than $10! 

 I've been wanting to do this forever.  A shoe organizer now organizes (some) of our craft supplies.  We are pretty serious about arts and crafts in our house.

 A close up.  Doesn't it make you want to organize?

As I am writing this the kitchen awaits in disarray.  All the things that I've cleaned out of the pantry now need sorted into these piles: throw away, send to the basement for the yard sale pile, or find a new home...

 

{Watching}: Private Practice.  A year ago, in an effort to streamline our finances, we got rid of cable.  We spend $16 a month for Netflix and stream it on our TV through our Wii consule.  I love Netlix.  How would I have watched 30 episodes of Switched at Birth without it?  If you haven't seen this yet, please do.  A shout out to my friend, Ashley, for introducing me to the Kennish/Vasquez clan.  Since I've watched all the current episodes Private Practice is my new guilty pleasure. 

 

{Cooking}:  This weeks menu plan includes a Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad, Glazed Pork Chops, and Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries. 

 

{Kissing}:  My babies!  Have you seen Xander's cheeks?  I probably kiss them 90 times a day.  And Amirah?  That wild hair and that smile.  Be still my beating heart.  I have enjoyed being home for Christmas break.  Although strangely enough I miss the routine of getting up every morning and going somewhere. 

 

{Pinning}:  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  Pinterest just never gets old for me.  I have found the best ideas there.  The things I want to do this week include an art project with glue, watercolors, and alcohol; a do-it-yourself face cleanser, and possibly making "fancy" jars out of spaghetti jars (which thanks to my organizing I have found I currently own 30+ jars of all shapes and sizes). 

 

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas filled with priceless memories.  I look forward to the New Year where I can make more lists and cross them off!  I just love New Years Resolutions!





Here's the Scoop...

Wowza!  Life's been busy here.  Since going back to school my blog has been sorely neglected.  So, I thought I'd give you an update...  In random order here's what's new in my life...

1.  So, in an effort to spend some time with Amirah I took her to the library to return some overdue books (probably about $5.00 or so worth) and get some new ones for her.  Amirah and I played in the kids section.  I picked out a few books for her.  And she picked out one she wanted to read to Xander.  When I checked out I realized my fine was over $14.00!  I tried to argue that it was a mistake, but the librarian would have none of it.  I had forgotten my wallet so I didn't have the money to pay it and she wouldn't let me check out any new books so we left with empty hands.  I felt like a criminal and left feeling more than a little annoyed at myself and the grumpy librarian.

2.  Baby Xander is getting so big!  He can now sit up by himself, is working on two bottom teeth, and is trying desperately to crawl.  Why do they grow up so quickly?

3.  This is my best year of teaching yet.  Lucky #11.  Can you  believe this is my 11th year of teaching?  I can't!  I have such a great group of kiddos and feel so blessed to have the job I do.  I can't imagine doing anything else.

4.  So... remember that Happiness Project I stared in January?  Well, I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, but I think I have officially run out of steam.  November's goal was to do a random act of kindess each day.  I had ideas of leaving coins at the car wash, and paying for a strangers coffee, etc.  Guess how many random acts of kindess I've done so far?  20? 21?  How 'bout 0.  Zilch. None. Nada.  Now, don't get me wrong I've done lots of nice things for people.  I generally hold doors, great my coworkers in the morning, give compliments, etc, but I just feel short on the "random" part. 

5.  We made a copycat recipe the other night of Auntie Anne's pretzels.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  Were they ever good.  We dipped ours in butter and then cinnamon sugar.  Yummo!  They tasted amazing, but looked pathetic.  I cannot for the life of me make a pretzel shape.  I even got an actual pretzel out of the cupboard to look at it, but I just cannot do it.  The last time I tried to make soft pretzels I got so flustered I ended up melting part of the laptop.  Our were more like lumps and turds.  You get the visual.  And just in case you can't, look below...  We bought more yeast yesterday and Ysmaille is determined they will look better this time.

6.  I would like to declare my love for my husband.  We argue and get on each other's nerves, but no one loves me like he does.  Even when I am ridiculous, and catty, and emotional.  And even when he loses his patience with me I know he loves me and I love him.  And I just appreciate so much all that he does for our family.  Our life may not be perfect, but it's our life and I love it.  And there you have it.

7.  Every season (as many of you already know) I make a list of things to do.  I am a list person.  I have chore lists and grocery lists and to-do lists, and now pinterest lists.  It's just how I roll.  Anyway, this particular list is so fun, because it helps me be accountable to soak in the little moments in time that make memories so sweet.  This has been such a fun fall.  Here are some of the highlights... a corn maze, carving a pumpkin, eating a caramel apple, leaf project, making applesauce, making mountain pies, photoshoot in the leaves, trick-or-treating, Starbucks deliciousness, and a hayride. 

8.  I went Black Friday shopping today.  With two kids.  They did awesome.  I bought two shirts for my niece and a gift for my Secret Santa at work.  That's it.  I would have loved to do more, but did I mention the two kids and the fact they were doing awesome?  I didn't wanted to jinx myself.

9.  I am really trying to spend more time reading my Bible and praying.  I don't want to be religious, just intentional.  I do talk to God and I've got such a great foundation from my parents and attending a Christian school for 13 years, but I find there is so much I don't know.  If you read this blog and see me over the next couple of weeks ask me how it's going.  If there is one thing I know about me it's I have such great starts, but pretty sad finishes.  I'm working on that.  Our pastor, Mark, once said, "It's not how you start that matters.  It's how you finish."  I need to remember that.

I think you are pretty caught up.  Loving life.  In this place, in this moment.