The Eckerts

It Never Rains in Southern California

2012-01-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's a rare thing when it rains here.
It's a rare thing when the Eckerts have a morning with n.o.t.h.i.n.g planned.
We celebrated the rainy day with everything cozy: makeshift movie theater, hot cocoa, ~~picnic~~ sleeping bag lunch and soup for supper.

Delightful.

Message From Ron

2012-01-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:1

The early church father St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” This Advent Season I came home to the following picture(s); which shortly after would be preached (delivered) to those in our community where our incarnate Lord can often be found.

Three beautiful girls, a counter of activity, 12 bags, thoughtful food, food for thought and a Toyota.

What a gift! My favorite gift of the season.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas was, well, wonderful. We hosted Mimi and Papa this year and woke up in our own beds on Christmas morning, which was incredible. The girls embraced the morning with an abundance of screams and giggles. We all enjoyed watching them take it all in. Post Christmas, the temperature soared to summer-ish degrees and we took full advantage. There were walks, jogs, bike rides and even some paddle boarding to be had by all. We celebrated birthdays, Skyped with family far away, ate, talked, hung out with friends, went out to eat, and even saw a movie! Ron and I rang in the new year with friends and actually ~~stayed up~~ hung in there until 12:00! We decided that it was over rated (the staying up, not the friends), although we do love Ryan Seacrest.

We wrapped it all up with the Rose Parade with the Hunts on the 2nd.

Starting Tuesday, all were back to work and back to school and I must admit that it kind of sucked.

I like being together and playing all day long! I guess that's why they call it vacation!!
We are certainly grateful for this season and this year. We are grateful everyday for family, friends, our girls, health, jobs, the list goes on and on. Most of all we are blessed to be loved by a gracious God who sent his son for us.

Santa Baby Train

2011-12-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

I have lots of events to post, starting with Sadie's birthday. Sweet little nugget rang in the 2's with a supper out with family and a ride on Irvine Park's Santa Train.

There is certainly great joy in watching this little one celebrate life.

Happy Birthday, Tuna

2011-12-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

Sadie William, you're 2!

How can these 2 years have flown so quickly?

You have us all by the heart strings, wrapped around your little fingers.

all.of.us

At 2, you are The Snuggler. On early mornings when we bring you into bed with us, trying to squeeze in just a few last moments of sleep before starting the day, you're not content unless you are laying on top of one of us, snuggled in close, and we love every second.

You are small, but mighty. You are brave and adventurous, you can hold your own with your sister, have definite opinions about things, are easy going, listen well and are sometimes shy. You like being near mom and dad best.

You're done with riding in the stroller/jogger or being carried. You'd much rather walk or run. Although you sometimes have to be carried, none of us can resist setting your free when you look up at us and say, "densh?" (dance)

You love to move and groove regardless of the environment. We can be at home rocking out to the music, Trader Joe's, the airport, or even Costco. You love to "densh."

You love to play with Rosie, read, color, and yes, eat. You have the same hearty appetite that you had as a tiny baby. You'll often start the day with a banana or 2 and a bowl of cereal with a side of oatmeal. After you're finished you'll make your way around the bar in the kitchen and finish off everyone else's breakfast remnants. I love this about you.

This fall we tried to get you off of the "bink," that beloved green pacifier that was given to you in the hospital. We've tried.... and to show for it, now you need 2 pacifiers to fall asleep. You have "bink" and "other one."

Great job, Mom.

You are so so loved, Sadie. You are surrounded by family and friends that are crazy about you.

I pray that as you grow we can foster your strong sense of self, your accurate read on people, your humor and your sense of wonder. You are a gift to us, Sadie. We are so grateful for you and your place in our lives. May you grow to understand just how much God loves you. May you have eyes to see all of the love and beauty that surrounds you.

We love you to the moon and back, little Tuna.

Happy Birthday to you.

Missed Us?

2011-12-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

Missed Us?

Wondered where we have been?

Me too.

Here is a recap of the last month. Well, a recap of the fun stuff. There has been A LOT of other stuff thrown in there too. I won't show you pictures of that.

We spent Thanksgiving together with all of the Eckerts. Can I just say that it was perfect? There were 23 of us together at the peak of the weekend. The only person missing was sweet Sierra, who is away at school at Swarthmore in Pennsylvania. We certainly missed her.

We have been doing our fair share of "Christmas-ing." It is the most wonderful time of the year.

Here we are at the San Clemente Christmas Tree lighting.

Yes, that's Rosie sledding down a snow covered hill... In San Clemente.

Oh, Orange County.

Sadie has taken an interest in the Christmas tree this year.
As a result, the ornaments start about 1/3 of the way up the tree, and I keep finding ornaments in the oddest places.... like in Sadie's crib.

Rosie had her Christmas chapel performance at school. I could not, for the life of me, get a good picture of her singing. Perhaps it's because I calmly put the camera down when she started picking her nose on stage before her song started.
Parenting can be so humbling!

Rosie also had her end of dance recital. We started out strong, but her love for ballet and tap definitely tapered off as the weeks went by. I think her face pretty much sums it all up. Now it's over and she's relieved. I'm proud of her because she was cooperative and followed directions even though she wasn't into it at all.

Ron and I snuck away for a long weekend in Napa with the Paschalls. It was practically perfect in every way. It gave me a chance to head into the magic and the chaos of Christmas with a little reserve to draw from. I'm so thankful for good friends.

It was so fun to come home to the girls, who had been under the incredible care of our niece, Allison. I think the girls had just as much fun as we did. All of the Eckert girls cried when Allison's plane took off on Monday.

We visited Santa last night. Rosie was thrilled. Sadie was not.
No full blown tears, but we had some definite Santa anxiety.

Enjoy Every Bite

2011-11-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

We are so thankful.

Enjoy every bite.

Amen.

Star Rock Ministries

2011-11-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

One of the many pieces of Ron's job includes being the Executive Director of Star Rock Ministries, a non- profit organization founded to help "give the gift of camp."

Want to see something amazing? Check out their latest promotional video:

http://vimeo.com/31400016

Halloween

2011-11-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

We continued our annual tradition of trick or treating with the Paschalls and company in Tustin. Rosie chose to be a cat and Sadie, well, cooperated in being a butterfly. Needless to say, our mob made out like bandits. The highlight of the night for Ron and I was watching the girls walk up to the door in preparation to get their candy. "Come on, Sades, let's go get some candy,"

Rosie would say as she sometimes held Sadie's hand but mostly pulled her by the collar up to the door, Sadie staggering in a way that somehow reminded me of ET. Once the door opened, Rosie would say a robust, "Trick or Treat," to which Sadie would reply, "Happy 'ween," and walk inside the stranger's house. Ron and I had to fish her out of people's living rooms on more than one occasion.

Another highlight was walking along with Sadie and suddenly hearing the crinkle of a chip bag. I looked down and realized that she was eating a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos. I choose to believe that someone ran out of candy and started getting creative, rather than that she picked up the bag off of the ground :)

Note: I realize that both of "highlights" make me sound a little like a negligent mother. I really was present. I promise.

Back of the Bus

2011-10-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Rosie brought home this adorable

school bus picture last week.

She said, "That's YOU driving the bus, Mama!

And, that's DAD riding in the back!"

Do you hear that, world?

Finally.

Am I the only one that thinks "Ron" bears a striking resemblance to David Hasselhoff?

Tanaka Farms

2011-10-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

We ventured back, once again, to Tanaka Farms for CSA Day.

We fed some goats, took a hay ride, played some games, and picked some pumpkins. Never mind the fact that it was a nippy 89 degrees outside.

My dear husband with months of collected CSA boxes.

The perfect pumpkins are found!

A Caleb Eckert in the making :)

Here we are at the loveliest organic farm, with amazing fresh produce, and my daughter is eating.... a Dorito. Sigh.

Home Help

2011-10-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in our last post that we are rearranging the furniture in our living room. We have the blessing and curse of living in a bungalow in which the living room is basically also the family room, kitchen, dining room, laundry room, den, racetrack, and art room. Yes, a lot goes on in this space. We have lived here for 5 years and we've never been able to get this space to "work" for us. It's a journey in progress, to say the least. We took a big step in the right direction and said goodbye to our "beast" entertainment center and "baby beast" coffee table, but not before the girls put the empty space to good use.

Can I just mention how grateful I am for the brawn of young men? I was so glad that Ron recruited some camp guys and I did not have to help move this thing.

To quote my dad, "This thing is so heavy it makes me want to scream!"

So now we are slowly rearranging. I made all of these bold statements about not buying anything new... using things that we can salvage or reuse. The next day I went out and bought a loveseat from Ikea.

I digress.

I do need your help with something. I found this little antique cart. I think this might have inspired my salvage decorating kick that lasted for a minute second. I had visions of blankets or games like I've seen on some of the blogs that I look at... but as of now, it looks like a homeless person dropped their belongings off here. That's not entirely bad! It's just not the look I was going for :)

So, what do I do? Erin mentioned keeping the contents monochromatic... Brieann mentioned painting it.. what do you think?

Insta-Fun

2011-09-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

I jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded the instagram app on my phone. So the goal is these grainy, sort of blurry polaroid pictures? Yes? Alright then, here we go.

Here was our weekend (minus the Saturday morning bike ride. I left the phone at home where it belongs on Saturday mornings).

The Carousel on the Balboa Peninsula is closing after 75 years. We thought it would be fun for the girls to ride the horses one last time.

We also visited the candy shop...

..... rode the ferry and the ferris wheel

... and rode the carousel... at last.

This guy waited patiently for his girls to get off of the horses.

Sunday, we Skyped with Allison, our niece.

We are in the process of rearranging the furniture in our family room. The furniture there is temporary for now... Ron arranged his chair like a man with optimal Sunday afternoon nap and Vikings game in mind.

I made some pesto with some left over Basil from my farm box. Yes, I made it in a plastic bowl from Sea World. It's how I roll.

That's our weekend! How sweet it is!

First Day Fun

2011-09-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's official. We are back to school. Rosie jumped feet first into her "Ladybug" class with Mrs. Langley and Mrs. Riley. We are also doing something fun this year and having her stay all day on Thursdays at preschool to attend the Owls class and do art, science and music with Mrs. Apin, her teacher from last year. I picked her up from the Owls class and as we were walking home she told me that they read a book about making chocolate and ketchup.

Rosie: Mom, did you know that chocolate comes from Cocoa beans and that ketchup comes from tomatoes and that they are both grown in gardens?

Me: I didn't know that. Tell me about it!

Rosie: Well, you mash up the cocoa beans and that makes chocolate and then you mix the tomatoes with milk and sugar and that makes ketchup.

Hmmmm... she may have the processes mixed up, but that's a lot for the first day, huh?

Rosie showed that she is a true Welch by requesting French Toast for her 1st day of school breakfast.

Rosie also started a little dance class at the community center. She LOVES it and asks me everyday if it's Wednesday and time for ballet and tap class!

Sadie and I are having fun hanging out just the two of us. I forget that she and I haven't spent much alone time together, so it's fun to have her all to myself. She's getting so big and her vocabulary is expanding by the minute!

Her first event for our day together involved one of her favorite pastimes.... dumping all of the crayons out of the crayon tub and then putting then back. Then, repeat.

We also did a little art project and then cleaned up in the sink. It's so fun to be fully present with this little one! She cracks me up!

Minnie- sooooo-ta

2011-09-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry. I just haaaad to do it. I've spent the better part of 7 years trying to perfect my Midwest accent. My best material involves calling my husband by his official Minnesotan name, "Rhaaaaaaaan."

Have I mentioned that I adore the Eckerts? I think I have. I was adopted into this amazing family, by marriage. Each has their own unique family and the truth is, I love them all. I wish we were close enough to see each other on a regular basis, but we do what we can with phone calls, texts and Skype. We soak up the times that we can be together face to face. Rumor has it that it might be a 5 brothers Eckerts Thanksgiving.... in California.... I'm already counting the days.... and also starting to collect blow up mattresses :)
Anyway, we got to spend 4 days with Steve and Lori and the kids and also had a fun visit with Dan and Barb and kids!

All of the cousins are so great when it comes to playing with Rosie and Sadie. They are so patient and willing to play! I think Rosie may have been putting chapstick in Kari's hair in the picture below.

Word on the street is that all Bethel gals think Marcus Eckert is an absolute catch. We Eckert women would have to agree.

Rosie persuaded Logan to try a piece of asparagus. Well, she tried anyway.

I got to meet my blog friend, Jenny, in real life. If you haven't checked her blog out... you should. You can find it in my blog list. She's equal parts expert wife/mom, friend, baker, artist, decorator and barnbasher. Yes, that's a real word. Barnbasher. In her latest post she salvaged wood from a barn... that was still standing. She's awesome, and it was fun to meet her in person!

Allison is a family favorite. We all love her. Enough said.

Uncle Dan makes the best smores....I don't think they realize that the marshmallow is on fire.

My husband puts up with a lot when it comes to pink girl "stuff." Here is is with Barbie's lace petticoat over his eyes.

Visiting one of Ron's favorite childhood places, the Como Park Zoo. It was awesome.

Bye, Uncle Steve. I love you. See you in November.

We smooshed 4 pairs of buns into 3 seats on the way home for optimal Elmo viewing on the DVD player.

Second Star to the Right and Straight On 'Till Morning

2011-09-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the last week up in the north woods. Eagle River, Wisconsin. My Neverland, where I don't have to grow up and taking a trip into the little town in the pouring rain for a licorice rope is just as magic at 31 as it was at 4. I first started coming up here when I was 6 weeks old... they say I slept in a drawer that vacation, at the "Doctor's Cabin" at Honey Rock Camp. I've missed a few years, here and there, but this place feels like home. Things don't change too much.

One of the greatest joys is experiencing this place through the eyes of my children. God has gifted me with a family that loves the outdoors just as much as I do. I'm blessed.

Are you curious about our Neverland? It's steeped in wonderful grandparents and great grandparents and includes early morning "coffee talks," walks and runs, bike rides, smore campfires, picnics, kayaking, boating, skiing, cruising the lake, hunting (as in admiring... not killing) wildlife, eating, creating, reading, snuggling, poking around the little shops, and lots more chit chatting and eating :)
(I apologize for the massive amounts of pictures... I'm a little nostalgic and this is my first time editing photos with Picnik)

Little Rosie is fearless. We had been talking a lot about going out on the inner tube behind the boat before we got to the cabin. We decided that either Ron or I would accompany her. While we were standing out on the dock Rosie said, "I think I will try this by myself."

Well, ok then! We cheered big time from the boat.

Me? Well, I had not yet skied since having babies. I remember having some post-skiing soreness as a spring chicken. Holy cow... since becoming a mother hen, the muscles are just not the same. I think I went through an entire bottle of Advil and still struggled to pick Sadie up for about 48 hours. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, though. S.O .F.U.N!

Check out my hubby in the lower left. He's a great skiier, went 3 times as long as I did... and he didn't complain about the soreness nearly as much as I did :)

It's always fun to have a little project when up at the cabin. Ron and my dad decided to make a Corn Hole set for the back lawn.

The girls and I kept track of the wildlife that we spotted. The kayaks provided a quiet sneak attack. We saw: a loon family with baby, Bald Eagles, deer, chipmunks, raccoons, squirrels and frogs!

This was Ron's first fish fry. I'm not sure how he escaped a fish fry, growing up in Minnesota, but he did. And, yes, he thoroughly enjoyed his fried Haddock.

Thanks, Nana and Papa Bordeaux. We had such a wonderful time with you- time at the cabin feeds our souls. We love you.

Yosemite

2011-08-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.

John Muir

Wouldn't it have been lovely if our ENTIRE day had looked like the above montage of pictures? Well, most of it did... but some of it looked like this:

Birthday Festivities

2011-08-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

I think I was just as excited for Rosie's birthday as she was. I couldn't sleep the night before either! We partied hard for 2 days and I think we are finally recovered! Rosie awoke Wednesday morning to the traditional Donut Cake (thank you Jenny Poladian) and was then whisked away to a celebratory breakfast with Papa and Mimi. After breakfast, Ron had arranged for Rosie to take a pony ride with the head trainer from the Shea Center that provides the horseback riding adventure for Emerald Cove Day Camp (this might have been more MY dream more than Rosie's). At any rate, it was more of a princess pony party as Rosie placed ribbons in her pony Rushmore's hair and a hat on his head before helping to place her pink saddle and ride away. Wow, what a morning.

After a horse induced snooze, Rosie and I met Mrs. Edie for some manicure/pedicure fun.

Rosie requested, "spaghetti and meatballs and a purple cake with sprinkles, please" for her birthday supper. I did my best with the little squeeze bottles of food coloring to get the frosting just right. After we sang Happy Birthday Ron said, "Rosie, look what color mommy made your cake!"

Rosie clasped her hands together and said with enthusiasm, "Yes! Grey!"

Well, ya win some, ya lose some, right?

Thursday afternoon we had a little party for Rosie and company. We did the unthinkable and ordered a Tinker Bell bounce house for our daughter.

Never thought I'd do that, but hey, ya win some, ya lose some, right?

Ron brought back his days working at the Minnesota State Fair and did an awesome ping pong ball/water game with the kids!

Rosie and Lucy took a little break in the puppy sleeping bag from Papa and Mimi.

.... and the girls even bounced in their jammies after everyone had gone home.

Oh, little one, you are loved and you are blessed. Happy 4th Birthday to you.

... and we are 4

2011-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Rosie,

Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

As I write you are sleeping in your bed. Visions of horses and ballet classes dance in your head. You have a little spaghetti sauce dried in your hair and your fingernails are painted purple with white butterflies. Oh, Rosie, and now we are 4. What a year you have had. Like most of your childhood, you've learned, grown and experienced so much. Preschool is one of the big ones that stands out to me. You confidently marched into that classroom in September and you never looked back. You adored your teachers, made lots of new friends, learned to share, came home with plenty of finger paintings, expressed your feelings in new ways, and collapsed at naps most school days with sand in your hair. Boy, it was a good year.

You've learned lots of other amazing things while you were 3. You've learned to swim this year, and it's a joy to watch you. If I could approach new challenges with as much grace and gusto as you have with swimming, I'd be a much better person. I admire your determination. Recently, I've seen you approach the monkey bars with that same spark in your eye, and something tells me you'll be flying across them, hand over hand, in no time.

You still love books, which is fun, because I do too. You love to play hard, find adventures, sing and dance (improve is your favorite), you love talking and, yes, being the center of attention. YOU are a star, Rosie.
You're a great big sister. Sometimes sharing life with a sibling is hard, but you are (mostly) kind and gentle with Sadie. You like to dress her up as your fairy assistant, or assign her small parts in your "peeformances" such as Toto or Michael (from Peter Pan).
When we go places, you love to hold Sadie's hand.
You're an amazing helper. You love to help me in the kitchen or in the garden, you help Daddy make the morning coffee, you've taken on new chores like feeding Wrigley and getting the paper, you help clean up when playtime is over, and you'd love to help me drive, if I'd let you.
We adore you, Rosie. 3 has been a good year. My prayer is that you'll learn to know how much God loves you and how much he has in store for you. You have so much to give to the world, and I know God is going to use you in amazing ways. You have a keen eye to the beauty around you and I know that you'll recognize God's good gifts in your life. You have so many that surround you that think you're practically perfect in every way.... mainly your misty eyed mama typing you this letter :)

Anne Voskamp wrote a prayer for her daughter. I pray this for you, Rosie.

God, clothe this girl in a gown of grace
Grace, the only dress that makes beautiful,
the style of Your spirit.

Nourish her on the comfort food of the Word,
Word, that makes her crave more of christ,
have hunger pangs for Him.

Enclose her in communion with You
You, Love who makes her love, who fold her heart into a roof
that absorbs storms for souls,
that makes her tongue speak the words that make souls stronger.

May her vocation in this world simply be translation

Translating every enemy into esteemed guest
Translating every countenance into the face of Christ
Translating every burden into blessing

When it's hard to be patient, make her willing to suffer.
When it’s ridiculous to be thankful … make her see all is grace
When it's radical to forgive … make her live the foundations of our faith
And when it’s time to work… make her a holy wonder.

May she be bread and feed many with her life and her laughter
May she be thread and mend brokeness and knit hearts

We love you to the moon and back, Mommy and Daddy and little Sadie, too

Mr. Steve Songs

2011-08-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

Last week we tried our hand at public transportation and took the train to see one of our kids' favorite singers, Mr. Steve. My sister Erin made a picnic and we sat out on the lawn and enjoyed the evening. Remember me screaming at the U2 concert? Well, Rosie reacted the same way when Mr. Steve sang her old favorite, Opposite Day :)

Wii Dance

2011-07-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sweet as "Hunny"

2011-07-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Rosie and I went to see the Winnie the Pooh movie with our Beloved Mrs. Edie on Thursday. It was so sweet... with recurring themes of courage and friendship. The short story about Nessie the Loch Ness monster at the beginning of the movie sent Rosie straight into my lap where she stayed, perched, the whole movie... munching her kettle corn that Mrs. Edie brought her.

I didn't mind a bit...

Did I mention that she's going to be 4 in 2 weeks?

Gulp. Sniff.

Beach Fun

2011-07-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

We joined the ECDC crew for a fun day at the beach.

We are serious about sun protection in this family.

"Never miss a joy in this world of trouble- that's my theory!

Happiness, like mercy, is twice blessed. It blesses those most intimately associated with it and it blesses those who see it, hear it, touch it or breathe the same atmosphere."

Kate Douglas Wiggins

Eckerts Galore

2011-07-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

The Eckerts were here for a long weekend. They left Monday and I must admit that we are all a little blue. We had so much fun catching up and playing. We enjoyed the beach and the backyard, took a bike ride, BBQ'd a few times and just enjoyed time together. We played hearts one night and I am, indeed, the biggest loser. Still fun.

I used to recognize this in Ron after we'd visit his brothers, but now I can say it for myself and my girls as well. Time together with the Eckerts fills us up and makes us better people. I adore them.

My camera is not working. "Someone" pushed the lense in and now it won't work. I have my phone, but why bother when you're in the presence of a photographer? Ask him to be a friend and then check out his photos. A.m.a.z.i.n.g.

Life on the Farm

2011-07-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

The girls and I ventured to Zoomar's this morning. We had an adventure there once before. You can read about it here. We purchased the usual goodies for the bunnies and guinea pigs. I bought 2 baskets this time, as to give Sadie a shot at feeding the animals. Rosie chose a variety of fruits and veggies and Sadie chose a basket of carrots. Rosie confidently showed Sadie how to disburse the goods and handle the guinea pigs so that they wouldn't get "a little nervous." Although, come to think of it.. I don't think I have seen a guinea pig that isn't nervous. Every time I turned around, Sadie was munching on the carrots, but I still think she got the general idea. I walked away thinking that these little animals eat better than most of the world.

Next, we headed to visit the goats and sheep. If you remember our last trip to Zoomar's, you'll recall that the goats are a little aggressive and team up to try to escape. The farm has built a holding pen just outside the actual pen to prevent the goats from getting loose on the farm each time someone leaves. Today, 2 goats had managed to finagle their way through the first gate and were busy in the "holding pen" trying to get through the last gate and out into freedom. Rosie, not realizing what the purpose of the gates were for, kindly opened the "holding pen" gate open for the goat and he happily trotted through into the open. A goat was loose on my watch. Similar wussy OC folks were visiting Zoomar's as last time, and people began to scream and scatter. I don't know what came over me, but my Boondock's Oakhurst roots kicked in and I proceeded to run after the goat, wrap my arms around him and wrestle him back into the big pen. He complied, but not without a little fight. The Zoomar's keepers patted me on the back and thanked me and asked me about my gentle, yet thorough, goat handling techniques ; ) I looked over at my girls and they were both pressed up against a fence with wide eyes.

Rosie said, "Woah, Mom! That was crazy! Good job!"

And then we rode the train.

The End.

You don't need a license to drive on the farm.

Baby, you're a firework!

2011-07-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

Our weekend started with a camp out in the backyard (for daddy and Rosie) the small fry and I

had our own camp out... in the house... in our own beds :)

The 4th of July came to our house and brought the Hunts, Mimi and Papa, plenty of good food, a lemonade stand, glow in the dark bracelets, apple pie, and a smokin' firework show.

This one decided that the Jello salad and corn worked well both on the head and in the tummy. She also was the only one to get a 4th -of -July- pre-firework-show-bath.

Pandamania

2011-07-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Chadder, so we meet again.

In case you missed out on my Chadder-anxiety from last year you can read about it here.

I chose something a little more in my comfort zone this year when the children's ministry director asked, and signed up to teach a preschool class. On the way to VBS on Monday, Rosie asked me if she could be in my "PBS class." Oh yes.. 2 Eckerts turned Red Pandas! We had great fun!

Sadie was the one who took one for the team this week... hanging out in the nursery all day from about 8:30-12. She had fun playing with her friends... but she was exhausted by the time I picked her up each day. Today we went back to the classroom so that I could clean up and pack up our stuff. Rosie and Sadie were playing in the "house" in the classroom. I looked over and Sadie was almost asleep in the doll bed. Rosie had put a blanket over her and was rubbing her back. I snapped a quick picture and them took them home IMMEDIATELY. Thanks for hanging in there, Sadie.

Go, Team, Go!

2011-06-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Shooter Eckert rules the wood floor most Sunday evenings.

His greatest asset is his cheering section.

Come join us... the team manager always has snacks and water to share.

June Gloom and the Sandy Peanut Butter Sandwich

2011-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

If I ever write a children's book, I have my title.

So, June Gloom has set in.

I know, I know... wah, I live by the beach.

Anyway, we played at the beach this week, but it was a wee bit too cold for wading.

So, we settled for a seashell hunt and one fabulous peanut butter sandwich.

As we headed down in the wagon, I gave each girl a 1/2 of a sandwich. Rosie ate hers right away. Sadie ate hers... all morning. Even after she fell in the sand... 3 times. Even after she dunked it in a wave. Even after she dropped it in a pile of seaweed. I tried to pry it out of her mits, but she wouldn't let me... so, she ate her sandy, salty, seaweedy peanut butter sandwich.

And guess what? I let her.

2 cute Eckert feet and one large Welch flipper foot.

Father's Day

2011-06-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

One of the joys in life is to watch Ron be a father. He's loving, playful, thoughtful and wise when it comes to our girls. Sometimes I forget that he grew up with 4 brothers.... then, he tries to put Rosie's hair in a ponytail and breaks about 50 rubberbands in the process, or he puts Sadie's clothes on backwards, and I remember :) One of the reasons I love watching these traits in Ron is because I recognize them in my own dad. He is a great father. He raised girls too.... and he had the same handicap (see, I'm using Father's Day golf lingo) when it came to fixing our hair...

Here are the dads together:

I love it that they are such buddies. My dad calls Ron, "S1" because he's his 1st son, and Ron calls my dad, "D2" because he's Ron's second dad. Love this.

We went for a Father's Day golf cart ride. As you can see, Sadie loved it.

Prior to this, I made the guys take a "mandatory nap" in front of the U.S Open. Easily pleased, those 2!

Baseball Father's Day cake.

I Love You Too!

2011-06-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

I gave Ron U2 tickets for his 40th birthday in December.

We saw them rock out on Saturday night at Angel's Stadium

The concert was a.w.e.s.o.m.e

As in.... sing along to every song, stand up the entire concert, dance and scream your head off awesome.

Here is a clip of Bono singing "Amazing Grace" acapella and then going straight into "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." You might say that I lost my mind, it was so good... and yes, that's me screaming in the background.

Home Again!

2011-06-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

We're HOME!

Wonder what we did while we were away? Well, I will show you with a whole bunch of pictures.

We do a lot of marching around while we're up at Bass Lake. We pick up sticks and rocks and explore and play in the dirt... you know, stuff we can't do in Orange County :)

Rosie made sure that everyone had warpaint.

The girls and I went to the Fresno Zoo.

Rosie liked the Giant Tortoise.

Sadie liked the Orangutang.

I think these were my favorite animals at the zoo:

We visited some friends whose dog had puppies. I was soooo tempted!!

See how well my kids share??

Nothing wrong with a cookie at 10 am, right? It's vacation!

Gone Fishin'

2011-06-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

I've officially wrapped up another school year and I'm turning off the computer. I'm going fishin' with my littles for the next 2 weeks. I will see you all when we return.

XOXO

P.S I adore country music and am loving Trace Atkin's new song, "Just Fishin'"

It reminds me to savor every second with my girls... and makes me think of my own dad, who did this well with me.

Memorial Day

2011-06-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

The sun (and the Paschalls) came out to play on Monday.

Somuchfun.

We even had an impromptu dance party. Man, I love these friends.

Mouth Fulla' Fries

2011-05-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

Want to see what it looks like to smile with your whole body? Take a look at my little honey. She does it well. Don't mind the mouth full of french fries.

Lemons

2011-05-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Little Miss hosted her first lemonade stand this weekend. She's been hosting pretend lemonade stands for months using the footrest of our recliner and plastic cups. Ron and I thought it was about time that she experience the real thing. The best part was her advertising. She'd see someone passing by and she'd call out, "Lummmmmmonade!"

She made $17. It's going in her college fund.

I'd say she has The Woo. I wonder who she gets it from?

She makes deliveries!

Goodbye, Old Friends... Hello; New, Quiet, Efficient Friends.

2011-05-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

I've needed a new dryer for quite some time. Maybe it's the fact that it takes 90 minutes to dry a small load of whites... or the fact that the lint sometimes catches on fire and scares the living daylights out of me, or the fact that turning it on emulates a helicopter taking off.. anyway, we needed a new dryer.

We had some money set aside to find a good set that would meet our dirty needs and, well, be pretty enough to take up residence in our kitchen where our washer and dryer live. We found the perfect couple and they're settling in just fine and getting used to their new digs.

So, goodbye old friends. ... thanks for gently tumbling my kids' clothes. You took such care of all of the stains... back then it was spit up and blow outs... and now it's grass stains and mud. You treated all soiled cloth equally and without reservation. I'm forever grateful for your service.

The Pink Lady

2011-05-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I don't have any pictures to post from last weekend. Well, that's not true. I have 4.. but it's totally unlike me to forget to take pictures. It certainly was a weekend of celebrating. We celebrated new friends, old friends, new babies, another year in the books, and Mother's Day all in one weekend, and I have 4 pictures to show for it... sorry :)

My friend Carrie made my birthday cake this year. It was, perhaps, the b.e.s.t cake I've ever had. It was called the Pink Lady Cake. I like her, that Pink Lady :)

Mama's night out with my mom and sister.

Visit to the Doctor

2011-05-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

We took Sadie in for a well baby check at the doctor's office today. Rosie woke up and discovered that both of her babies had ear infections and needed to be checked out as well. I adore our pediatrician and her nursing staff. They totally played along. Dr. Dwinell let "Dr. Rosie" listen to their hearts and check their ears and throats. Rachel, the nurse, prepared a "pokey pokey tray" identical for the one she prepared for Sadie, and the medical staff in the room snapped on their gloves and gave their babies the vaccines that they needed.

Why is everyone having such a good time? This SUCKS!

My shots are pretend too, right?

Poor Sadie. I hate the vaccine part of the office visit.

What a WEEK!!

2011-04-29T14:54:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a week. I'm glad it's Friday. Last week was my Spring Break followed by a wonderful Easter weekend. Then, I hit the ground running with Sky Mountain Charter School's STAR Testing week. I love seeing all of my students together in one place. It's great. I saw one of my 2nd graders on the playground on the second day. She's one of my favorite students (I know you're not supposed to have favorites, but I do.) I hadn't seen her on the first day because I was proctoring another grade.

Me: "How did yesterday go? I was thinking about you during testing."

My student: "Well, it went great. I made a new friend, I got a lollipop, and I had diarrhea!"

You just have to love the perspective (and honesty) of kids.

With that, I will leave you with a picture trail from the last few weeks :) It's a long one... Enjoy!!

We kicked off Spring Break by taking the kids to Sea World. They offered a free pass to teachers this year, and Erin and I partook.

Easter Eggstravaganza

On Saturday morning Ron and I decided to take the girls on a little bike ride. We started in Dana Point and discovered this great bike trail that goes all the way to San Juan Capistrano where we stopped for bagels and coffee.. and we hit a great park on the way home. It was great fun... and I see a new Saturday tradition unfolding.

Easter week was wonderful. Ron and I attended the Holy Tridumm services starting on Thursday night and concluding with the Holy Saturday service. Easter morning was amazing. After church were headed to Pasadena to be with the Hunts and Welches.

We hunt for easter eggs in formal wear.

I was in charge of dessert. The cupcakes were supposed to look like carrots growing out of the ground. No one could really figure it out. I asked Ron what he thought they were and he's like, "Ummmm. Pineapples?"

Dang it.

The chicks were cute, though.

Rosie had her Teddy Bear Picnic at preschool on Thursday. She and her bear wore matching bows and had a special snack.

I love American Idol.

There.

I said it.

It's hard for me to admit, but I love it. I always get attached to the singers and sometimes... ehhm. I vote.

Ron totally surprised me with tickets to the show on Thursday evening as an early birthday present. We had so much fun. I screamed for Steven Tyler and I think Ron did too. We were seated right behind the contestants' families and my husband, being the wonderful man that he is, totally made friends with Casey's parents. They gave him the inside skinny on the living arrangements, the song selections, and even the romance....If you're wondering, Casey and Haley are not an item. I think Casey's dad used the terms, "...in Casey's wildest dreams..."

By the time the show was over, Ron and Casey's dad were fast friends. As we walked out Ron slapped him on the back and said, "See ya later, Ira!"

and here they are:

We spotted Lauren at the Grove. She's adorable. I hope she wins.

The girls and I brought treats to the office for a little birthday party for Ron Sr (who would have been 77 today!)

Holes

2011-04-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

These are my sweet Hubby's jeans. I say they're ready to be pitched. He says they're, "totally wearable." What do YOU think?

Brownies???

2011-04-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

I receive Self magazine in the mail each month. Even the title is disturbing. Self. It was one of those things where I subscribed to a magazine by cashing in some airline miles that were about to go to waste, and then that magazine went belly up so they started sending me Self as an apology of sorts. I generally pick it up and thumb through it, admire the tanned and taught bodies, maybe glance at the recipes before tossing it out or using it for the latest collage project with the girls. I think I even tore out a article on jumping rope once because it looked like fun. This month featured Gwyneth Paltrow. I like her. I think she seems kind of normal and I like her as Holly Holiday on Glee. She shared some recipes that aim to cut sugar and fat, but still taste good. I like this... we try to cut sugar and fat wherever we can... but not at Surfin' Donuts on Sunday mornings. On those days, we like to invite sugar and fat. Anyway, the girls and I decided to try Gwyneth's recipe for "Fudgy Chocolate Brownies."

This one hung in there for a while before finding something more interesting to do.

Looks good, right?

The result? Gross. Yuck. Like brown Playdough with chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Soooo disappointed. I know now to be wary of recipes for brownies that don't call for butter and sugar. So, Gwynie, if I'm in the market for a great acting career or a budding music endeavor or rockin' hard abs, I might come calling again, but let's leave the delicious brownie recipes to Ina.

Even my sous-chef abandoned her treat for something better... like an apple :)

Keepin' it REAL!!

2011-04-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Rosie's getting so, well, capable. It's amazing, as a mama, to watch your children learn and grow and become independent and self motivated. Rosie's getting good at riding her bike. It's incredible to watch. She carefully crosses the street on my cue, steers well, confidently leads the way and even stands up while going uphill to get a bit more power and leverage. She's getting so good that Sadie and I have to jog to keep up. I was a puffed up, proud mama hen on Monday when we took our little bike ride....puffed up and proud on the way there.

I have to tell you about the way home. I tell you because parenting is messy and sometimes ugly and because I'm surrounded by a culture that loves to pretend it's not.

I tell you because I'm keeping it real.

On the way home Rosie decided she'd DO IT HERSELF, she DIDN'T NEED MY HELP and that she WOULDN'T LISTEN. Our "proud of ourselves moment" ended with me pushing Sadie home in the stroller and carrying Rosie's bike while she walked 10 steps behind us in a complete rage. She screamed at the top of her lungs while flinging her little limbs around and would throw herself onto the sidewalk every few steps to pound and cry. Middle aged women with small dogs on leashes stepped off the curb and on to the street and walked around us, avoiding eye contact, pretending not to notice while I wanted to say to them, "Really? You've never been here before? Orange County children don't freak out?"

It's humbling... and healthy for me to say that sometimes....somedays... some weeks... some bike rides: I don't know what to do. I need help. I don't have it together.

And guess what? I'm learning that.... it's alright....it's alright.... it's alright!

I adore Anne Lammott. She says, "It's funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox, full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools- friendship, prayer, conscience, honesty- and said, do the best you can with these, they will have to do. And mostly, against all odds, they're enough."

Kale

2011-04-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that Kale is the popular girl in school these days? The only time I had heard of Kale (up until the last year) was from my mom... who fed it to her Iguana, "Iggy," when she taught 7th grade at Oak Creek Intermediate.

Well, the girls and I jumped on the Kale wagon and gave it a whirl.

Baked Kale Chip

(from Smitten Kitchen)

1 bunch (about 6 ounces) Kale

1 tablespoon olive oil

Sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 300 F. Rinse and dry the Kale, then remove the stems and tough center ribs. Cut into large pieces, toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Arrange leaves in a single layer on a large baking sheet. I also lined mine with parchment for easy clean-up. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crisp.

Note: 20 minutes was too long. We scorched our first batch. Maybe it's the chef... maybe it's the oven:

Ron's nephew was in town last week. He asked me, "Does that oven work, or is it just for decoration?"

She works, Logan! She works!!

Guess who approved? Guess who asked (and also signed) for more?

While the Cat's Away.....

2011-04-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

While Ron is here:

The mice enjoy time with niece Allison Eckert,

girls night at Fashion Island,

(with some spontaneous dancing in Express with Brieann)

and a sunny day on Papa and Mimi's sailboat with Great Papa Welch

We had fun... but we sure are glad that The Cat's coming home tomorrow! Until then... Go Butler!

Guest Blogger, Rosie

2011-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

My Papa and Mimi gave me a camera for my birthday. It's a camera that my mom said was "Rosie proof" (whatever that means). I wanted to show you some of my best works, so far. Take a look at the portfolio that I am compiling.

These are some of my wooden doughnuts. These are the only treats that my mom will let me have in abundance... maybe because they're made of, well, wood!

This is Pastor Todd. He's my neighbor... and my pastor. He was jogging by my house one day.

...and there he goes!

3 useful tools: Sadie's foot, Mom's hand and Wrigley's fur

My friend, Brian

My favorite sitter, Miss Cassidy

My best and favorite subject, Sadie William

My still life, "Mac and Cheese out of a Tupperware"

I'm working on my actions shots.....

...and my close-ups!

I hope that you enjoyed seeing my art.

PS.. I've had lots of Eckerts visiting! More pictures soon :)

Once was lost but now I'm found :)

2011-03-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

I've traveled to Bass Lake 3 times in the last 6 weeks. I went twice for relaxing getaways and once, this past weekend, for a dear friend's memorial service. On our 2nd time in Bass Lake we forgot our camera. I was fairly certain that it was left at the house where we stayed. On Friday night, back in the same house, I spotted the old friend under the couch. I was so excited... I sent a picture of the camera to Ron who was holding down the fort at home... picture of a camera? Isn't that redundant!!

Here are some Bass Lake pictures from the beginning of March before we got the plague. I managed to escape it somehow.. by God's grace.

Do you know how hard it is to get 4 small children balanced on a log in the snow? The fact that they are all looking in the same general direction was just pure luck :)

I certainly passed down my obsession for Danny's Pizza Factory Turkey Sandwiches to my eldest.

S.I.C.K

2011-03-07T10:25:00.001-08:00

Warning: If you're easily nauseated, do not read this post.

I'm a sympathetic vomiter.... or a vomit wimp. I dry heave for days if I hear it or smell it. If a student threw up in my classroom when I was teaching, the janitor would find me curled up in a ball under my desk with my hands over my ears humming the Star Spangled Banner. I was a mess as a kid on the ski school bus up to Badger Pass every Friday. Tea Cups at Disneyland? No thanks. Not because I'm afraid I will get sick, but because I'm afraid someone else will.

I remember having a conversation with my mom at some point before I had kids:

Me: "What am I going to do if my kids ever throw up? I'm going to totally freak out."

Mom: "No you won't. It's different when your own kids are sick."

Guess what? She was right. By the grace of God, I'm not bothered... at all. I can scoop up a vomit covered Eckert child with not so much as a gag. I can hold hair back and rub backs, no problem. There are a lot of things that I suck at when it comes to being a mom. But, I'll take it as a gift from God that (today) I don't suck at the throw up.

Thanks, Lord, for the gift of being a mommy. Thanks for the learning and growing. I'll take it, vomit and all.

PS We did have another lovely weekend in Bass Lake prior to vomit fest 2011. Weekend pictures to follow!!

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it's what SHE wore Wednesday, and she most certainly dressed herself.

purple shirt, purple whale short sleeve shirt, green peasant skirt,

brown corduroy pants and brown boots all compliments of Ruthie Rozema's hand me downs.

Holes in the knees of the corduroy pants? Those are compliments of hours on the floor putting puzzles together and countless afternoons in the sandbox.

Scooby Doo sticker- guest reader at preschool

sweet, sweet smile and adorable little sister- straight from heaven

Happy President's Day Weekend

2011-02-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Snow snow snow, LOTS of good food and drink, 5 happy kiddos, fort building, a snowman named Dixon, a talent show, thunder and lightening, kids spa night with Uncle Ron, Pizza Factory turkey sandwiches, walks, fires in the fireplace, feeding the ducks, mandatory naps (for all), more good food and drink, great conversation, snow Gelato, plenty of laughter = perfect weekend.

No Thanks, I'll Walk

2011-02-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

She's walking! She's been taking a few steps at a time but hasn't shown too much interest in walking in the last few weeks. Yesterday, she decided to go for it. I guess she really wanted to share her raisins.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, friends.

May you know how deeply you are loved today!

Oh, Washington!

2011-02-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

The girls and I got off of the plane in Seattle last weekend and I said, "Ah, it's good to be home!!" Oh, wait. I don't live here... but it sure FEELS like I do... amongst the wonderful friends, familiar places, plenty of good coffee, and that good 'ol grey sky.

Ready for takeoff.

It's not a party until someone gets a strange balloon animal.

On our way to Gig Harbor with the Rozema girls to see the Vaccaros

Vaccaro, Rozema and Eckert kids (minus Ben and Sadie)

Rozema's House

The girls stay entertained while Ron recruits at Seattle Pacific.

Ron booked my flight to and from Seattle on the spur of the moment which means we flew home on separate flights. Ron took Sadie with him since she's still free and doesn't need a seat and Rosie and I flew home together. Rosie's a piece of cake to travel with... guess what I did on the way home? Read a b.o.o.k. I never thought the day would come.

Skype for Tots

2011-01-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

Much to my chagrin, my preschooler is becoming pretty technologically savvy. She can play the Curious George and Clifford games on PBSkids.com like it's nobody's business and she can work my phone better than I can. There's nothing like waking up from your nap and hoping onto Skype to chat with your cousins. They talked about the important things: boxes of raisins, Disneyland, and gymnastics. Lucy and Henry showed Rosie their best silly faces and Rosie showed them her best jumps.

WE ARE OK!

2011-01-27T21:58:00.001-08:00

We are surfacing, and our little family of 4 is doing just fine. Grief like this teaches us about letting go and hanging on to the right things. We are keenly aware of God's tender mercies and are so grateful for His many many blessings in our lives. To be totally honest, I did not know what joy in the midst of pain looked like. My husband is no stranger to loss... and he helps me recognize the joy. Do you want to know what some of my joy looks like?

Baby

2011-01-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Just wanted you to know that we lost the baby yesterday. It was a boy. We are so sad. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

When the darkness closes in, still I will say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Thankful

2011-01-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

Ron and I saw the baby today on the ultrasound. The little one is hanging in there. I go to a fetal diagnostics doctor on the 18th, giving a little time to heal. At that point the doctor will see if the hemmorhage has reabsorbed at all, and re-evaluate my bed rest. I thought I'd share with you a verse that I have been thinking a lot about during the time on my back.....

From The Message, Philippians 4: 10-14

I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

I'm replacing some of the words... I don't think Eugene Peterson, Paul, Timothy or God mind, do you? I'm replacing the words, "hands" with "ARMS"... so that it says, whether arms full or arms empty. My arms have felt empty these last 72 hours, not being able to hold my girls, and thinking about losing baby #3. I'm certainly working towards Paul's words. Not there yet.

I'm so incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love in such a short amount of time! You wouldn't believe the prayers, thoughts, meals, childcare, magazines, DVDs, texts etc. that we've received. It's a good thing I am flat on my back- I'm weak with gratitude. THANK YOU!!

Please Pray

2011-01-05T11:53:00.001-08:00

I'm wondering if you might pray with us?

On Monday night Ron and I went to the ER. I was experiencing heavy bleeding. I had a large subchoriatic hemorrhage. The ultrasound showed that the little one's heartbeat is still strong, but we're at a risk of losing the baby. A 50/50 chance at this point. I'm on strict bedrest and it's basically a waiting game. It's a lesson in letting go of control and focusing on healing. I have moments where I am very fearful, but we're trusting in the Lord and his plan for our family.

After the doctor came in and gave his diagnoses, poor Ron passed out. It had been a long evening indeed. They wheeled in an extra bed and got Ron hooked up to monitor his vitals as well. At one point, my blood pressure was looking better than his :)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's truly A Wonderful Life

Rosie as an angel in the Christmas Eve service

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day with Papa and Mimi and the Hunts

Ron's 4oth birthday Duffy ride around Newport Harbor

Spontaneous Rose Bowl Parade morning... what fun!!

Although the floats were fun, Sadie was much more excited about this Graham Cracker :)

Miracle at Mission Viejo Mall

2010-12-21T20:15:00.001-08:00

This year, I was sure that Sadie would freak out on Santa's lap. I was wrong. She and Rosie both loved him. He was pretty convincing....

Sadie's Birthday part 2

2010-12-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Sadie enjoyed a birthday breakfast with Papa and Mimi and later a stroll down Del Mar Avenue to celebrate her first year. On Sunday night we got together for pizza with the Hunts and Welches before heading to the Christmas Train at the Irvine Park. Due to the torrential downpour that we experienced we decided to take a raincheck on the train. No pun intended :)

Rosie does her best impression of "Ralphie" from The Christmas Story:)

And Now YOU Are 1

2010-12-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Sadie William,

Happy birthday, my sweet Baby Sadie,

And now a whole year has gone by with you in our lives and we have loved every minute of it. One year ago we had been waiting expectantly for your arrival... you came a little late, which is proving itself to be the true Eckert way :) I read the Christmas story with new eyes in the days before your birth, and had a living reminder of Advent.

When you finally arrived, you let us all know that this may have been an earlier exit than you had planned. You screamed relentlessly for about 5 hours before looking around, focusing on our faces and promptly quieting down. You've been quiet ever since. You, my little Sadie, are entirely easy going, mellow, go with the flow, go right to sleep, wake up happy and playing in your crib, content to play on the floor with toys, even more content to sit on my hip while we go about our day, cuddly, sweet loving little girl. I remember thinking this about Rosie; but I really can't remember what life was like without you.

You're an amazing traveler. Unless you're hungry, you sit quietly in the backseat and watch your sister. A few times, you've been so quiet that I've nearly driven off the road staring into the rearview mirror, just to be sure you were back there in your seat.

I can't wait to see what your personality is like. I already see glimpses of patience and kindness, a sense of humor, confidence, resilience and other amazing qualities that will shape you as you grow. I love getting to know you better, my sweet girl. What a gift you are to our family. You're already an little amazing sister, and I know you're going to be a great big sister too. I didn't know I could love anything so much, until I had children. I think you're simply perfect, Sadie, and I love love love being your mommy. Everyday with you is a gift from God and I'm so grateful to have you.

We love you so much, Sweet Sadie girl. Happy birthday to you.

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

Rosie and I decorated a gingerbread house this week. I had to prepare myself to NOT micromanage the decorator. I just let her go... and celebrated the creativity... like candy Christmas lights on the roof.... We were going with a Clark Griswold thing here.

Well done, little builder. Don't you want to move right in?

Surprise, Part 2

2010-12-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

Notice that I wasn't tasting the wine with my sweet husband and friends this weekend? Well, that's because we're pregnant. again. Shocked? Stunned? Surprised? Speechless?? JOIN THE DANG CLUB! WE ARE TOO!! In case you forgot, Sadie William turns ONE on Saturday. The 3rd little Eckert is due to arrive sometime in July.

(feeling excited and blessed too..)

Surprise!!

2010-12-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

For the last number of months, I have been planning a surprise for Ron. The end of December marks the end of Ron's 30's! Yes, he's going to be 40! Because his birthday is so conveniently sandwiched between between Christmas and New Year's we've often referred to it as "the rip-off birthday." I have been planning and scheming for months with friends and family as to avoid another rip-off birthday. Mission accomplished. The surprise birthday weekend was fantastic! Napa with the Paschalls was a huge hit. Happy Birthday, a little early, Ron Eckert. I love you and I loved your birthday.

How Lovely are your Branches?

2010-12-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

I'm catching up.. we got our tree on the 5th. If you read the blog post above... you'll know why. We have a tradition of getting our tree from this great little nursery near Ron's office. There is a particular Christmas Elf who works there who has scoped out "the perfect tree" for us in years past and put it aside. We were not disappointed. She is, indeed, the perfect tree. Pizza and velvet yogurt afterward made it the perfect evening.

Our personal Christmas logger, Quinn.

Peek A Boo

2010-12-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

Sweet Sadie girl.. clean and smiley!

Tea Party

2010-12-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Rosie made the placemats

NOTE: NOT the conservative political movement... This was an all out taffeta and high healed, delicate China, cookie -before- 10am, pretty pretty princess hairdo, "yes, please" and "no thank you, maam," hold your cup with your pinky out, cloth napkin morning. We only had one lovely lady who didn't dine with us as she had originally RSVP'd. She was taking her morning nap. We missed her... but we saved her a spot of tea.

Thankful

2010-12-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed another Thanksgiving in Flagstaff... wonderful family, fun outings, a snow day, pleny of great food and treats, great conversations, and lots of hugs. Our hearts are full.

Sadie shows Uncle Doug how to build a fire. Sadie is moonlighting as a UPS driver this holiday season.. you know, to make a little extra cash. "What can brown do for you?"

"Sad face" after landing in Long Beach. See you next year, Thanksgiving.

Shoeboxes

2010-11-18T15:02:00.001-08:00

We went last night to church to assemble our boxes for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. I've packed boxes for many years now, but this year was so different. Rosie and I have been talking at great lengths about children in other parts of the world and even right here in our community that don't have the things that they need. As you can imagine, it's quite a conversation to have with a 3 year old... but I think she gets the idea. We spent time shopping for "our kids" a boy and a girl ages 5-9. Rosie decided that the girl would like lip gloss and Carebears and the boy most certainly needed Cars socks and a yellow Hotwheel. I'd offer something I thought might be good to put in the box and Rosie would say, "No, Our Girl doesn't like that." It seemed much more personal this year. We brought all of our items last night to church and put them together in boxes. We wrote "our kids" a note and told them a little about ourselves on a form letter supplied by OCC.

After being prompted, Rosie decided that her favorite color was black.

The note also asked us why we loved Jesus.

Rosie thought for a minute and said, "I don't really love Jesus tonight."

OH GREAT!! I have a hard time even typing those words! I feel like I may get struck with the plague.. or locusts.. or a flood...

Actually, I think My God can handle it :)

(I didn't write that down for "our kids" BTW.)

So we offered our small, small gift to "our kids" somewhere. I prayed for the little hands that would open the box; that these little ones would somehow be safe and warm and that their bellies would be full. I prayed that they would learn to read and write and would live meaningful lives. I prayed that they would find peace through Jesus and love others around them. I prayed that there would be someone in their lives who would relish every giggle and smile and supply plenty of hugs and kisses.

It's no different than the prayers I pray for my own little girls.

If you don't know anything about OCC or Samaritan's Purse, I encourage you to check out their website.