sorta tired

Being the mom of an almost-5-month old goes hand in hand with just being tired. But, these last two weeks, I've been a little more tired than usual.

Maybe it's because I went back to work last week. I have an awesome class, but getting up early and devoting time and energy to my classroom is taking a bit of a toll.

Maybe it's because my sister and I drove to South Dakota last weekend for a whirlwind trip to visit my dad. He's in the hospital and it seems to be one thing after another.

Maybe it's because I've spent many hours thinking about and praying for my dad. Maybe it's because crying makes your eyes tired.

But, even in the middle of all the tired-ness I feel a peace and comfort that only God can provide. I am so thankful that Mason got to go meet his Papaw. In that short time, lots of memories were made. I'm thankful for a job that I love. And I'm thankful for a sweet sister. God is good.

And, on a lighter note...at least one of us is sleeping:)

His new favorite thing is to sleep with his arms up by his head. I love it:)

wordless wednesday

confessions of a knitter

Well, maybe 'knitter' isn't quite the right word. It's more like 'girl-learning-to-knit.' The only experience I have is making a few dishcloths. And I am definitely not qualified to teach someone else how to knit as demonstrated by the many hours spent with my friend, Hillary, this week just explaining (and re-learning) how to cast on. Who knew I was doing it wrong all this time? I'm not sure how many times we practiced knitting 10 stitches, unraveled everything, did 10 more, etc. Not to mention that she purled about 92 stitches before I casually mentioned to her that she should be bringing the yarn in front (I think). I take all the blame for the knotted mess. I'm surprised she's still speaking to me:)

But, I have big dreams of being a knitter. For now I'll just have to settle for the girl who likes looking for fun patterns, the girl who loves picking out different kinds of yarn, the girl who likes talking about knitting, and the girl who just keeps starting different projects but doesn't really know how to finish any of them. Yet.

It's time to start wrapping up some of these loose ends.

giggles....

Lots of laughs from the little guy (with one dorky mama in the background:) I was hanging up clothes in the closet, and Mason was helping by keeping me entertained! There's nothing like his little laugh.

4 months

Already? It's hard to believe. Sometimes it seems like you've been a part of our lives forever...and it's hard to remember what life was like without you. Other times I notice just how small you are and that you've only been here with us for a short time, with so much yet to learn.

You still continue to amaze us with your array of cute faces! And you've become a constant "talker." For most of the day now you can be heard from any room. We love it!

You've had your fair share of volleyball games (watching your cousins) and football games this month. For the most part you are a pretty good sport. Giving lots of smiles to those around you. And you put up with being passed around from family member to family member and friends.



But every once in awhile, you've just had enough:)
We are so blessed that you are such a good sleeper. You've slept through the night many times. You will often talk yourself to sleep after we lay you in your crib. It's fun to listen to you during that time in the evenings. Ryan and I get a little time to ourselves... with your cheerful chatting in the background and a few minutes later when we check on you there's your soft breathing. Of course we've had those days where you won't take a nap at all, and you can be one big fuss! But they are few and far between.

At four months, you:

~will hold and play with some of your toys

~are drooling like crazy (you can drench a onesie in no time!)

~are a pro at rolling over from your stomach to your back

~sleep through the night (most of the time)

~laughed for the first time (at daddy:)

~still fall asleep in the car

~get scared when someone sneezes (especially if they're holding you)

~had your first major cold/sickness

~make new noises all day long

~love to stare at and play with your hands

~will fight naptime if we have family visiting (you don't want to miss a thing)

~will tolerate your swing, but prefer to be held

~are liking your baths

~are interacting so much with those around you

~smile at me when I say your name

I know I say this every month, but you are such a blessing. I never want to take you for granted. Every day with you is full of moments to cherish.

xoxo,

mommy

walnut pear coffee cake

This is a delicious coffee cake with some fun layers in the middle. It makes a great start to any day, preferably paired with a cup of coffee:)

Ingredients
2 medium ripe pears, peeled and chopped
1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour

3/4 c. wheat flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. sour cream

Topping

1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts, divided

1/3 c. packed brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/3 c. flour

1/4 c. butter


In a bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix in sour cream.

In another bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add 1 cup chopped walnuts.

In a greased 9 inch round cake pan, pour 2/3 of the batter. Chop pears (toss with a little lemon juice if you chop them before you need them) and sprinkle over the batter. Put half of the crumb topping on the pears. Pour the remaining 1/3 of the batter over top. Sprinkle the rest of the crumb topping and the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes (I baked mine in a convection oven, it will probably take a while longer in a regular oven). Enjoy!