Lots of changes over here lately!

For one, we are eating very differently and spending a lot more time in the kitchen. At the end of 2016, Jonathan discovered that he operates a lot better without gluten, dairy, canola oil, and keeping sugar low. It has been amazing to see so many elements of life improve for him in so many ways, even things we didn't know would improve. At the same time, a variety of flags were going up for me as well and at the start of the year I got tested too. Turns out I benefit from avoiding gluten, dairy, peanuts, and some other things too. I also had hypothyroidism. After more than three months of a very strict elimination diet, my hypothyroidism is healed and many other annoyances that I didn't realize were optional are gone. I've added back most foods, but with Jonathan and I both having trouble with gluten and dairy, we figure the kids are probably better off without it too. We've tried so many amazing recipes since the start of the year and even invented a few along the way. It's been a challenge for sure, but we're changing our family culture to include cooking together and kitchen experiments and it's so enjoyable. Honestly, I feel so good, there's no food that I miss that would be worth it to go back. And the kids have been so much more adventurous with flavors than I expected. Now at the grocery store, they beg me, "Can we get brussels sprouts again? Please, please!" Or before eating something, Archer asks, "Is it guten fee?" (Gluten free) We would love to talk about anything and everything we have learned through the process if anyone feels like something just isn't quite right with their health.

The days leading up to Easter were lovely, we had a big potluck with our growth group and pushed our house capacity to the maximum. Jonathan and I were asked to read scripture at the Good Friday service for church. Easter morning, we woke up with a cold so we had our own family Easter service. 

After Easter, I went to Niagara Falls with my parents and sister for my dear Grandma June's memorial service. It was a very sweet time visiting my grandpa and sharing stories with all the Maves relatives. She was a shining example of love, hospitality, generosity, and strength. She is greatly missed.

Quinn is a reading machine now. Through participation in a book club, she raised over $250 for Love146 to support rescued girls in the Philippines. Also, in April, I brought home from the library her first chapter book to read on her own: Cam Jansen. She plopped down in the middle of the carpet and started reading. Fifteen minutes later, I checked on her and she said, "I'm on chapter three!" She's whipped through many Cam Jansens and plenty of other chapter books at this point. One day in May, she read from breakfast to dinner with only a break for lunch. Love it!

Jonathan summitted Mt. Hood with some people from our growth group. They climbed 12 hours round trip with crampons, ice axes, harnesses and all. Quite an exciting trip and amazing views.

I co-hosted a baby shower for my dear friend Amber. I'm extremely excited to meet her sweet baby soon! 

We built two new garden beds and they are rocking the produce despite my neglect. The kids keep eating spinach and carrots straight out of the dirt and feeding them to neighbor kids. 

We wrapped up our first year of CC and signed up for another. It was such an immense blessing this past year. There are fun events outside of the weekly meeting and the friendships made have been a real treat. 

Quinn and I went to two mother daughter events. A cake decorating party and a pajama party. I'm so impressed by my mature lady.

We went to Eugene to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday by going to a Duck baseball game. 

Jonathan and I got away for a couple nights to Hood River. We ate tons of good food, slept, read, and hiked. It seemed every wildflower in the area bloomed right when we arrived because it was so colorful and beautiful. 

I think more changed in the month of May than the whole year prior. Archer potty-trained like a champ and gave up nap (hello summer freedom!) And Jonathan had multiple days off sprinkled throughout the month as he went through the interview process for a new job! Today was his first day and it went great. He had a whole week off before for us to wrap up some projects and get out of town as a family. We now have a range hood in our kitchen, re-drywalled the ceiling where cupboards and lights used to be, demoed and rebuilt Archer's closet, hung some lights over our back deck, and a bunch of other little projects that make our home cozy. 

We had our first Sundae Sunday of the season and it was good turnout. And we've had a couple fire pit nights too. We're looking forward to lots more summer fun with a packed calendar. So thankful for good health, family, and friendships in this season! God has provided abundantly.

Archer turned three! (Two months ago, heh heh.) 

It was a special week long celebration though. The weekend before his birthday, we visited Eugene. Archer got some special one-on-one time with Jonathan's parents at a children's museum with an exhibit on aviation. They also gave him his first bow and arrow set.

Then we went to my parents' house to have a combined celebration with Abraham. There were burgers, "minty minty" ice cream and he got some soccer clothes and a certificate for soccer lessons. 

That Monday, we took a family trip to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum for the day. Both kids were amazed to see all the planes and rockets up close. Archer still likes to pretend that our car is the Spruce Goose. He is so into rockets and planes these days, this was the perfect treat for him. 

For his birthday party, we had eight kids over for lunch. We went with a rocket theme so there were rocket games and crafts to keep the kids entertained. He requested minty minty ice cream instead of a birthday cake. He had a lot of fun with all his little buddies. 

He had eight indoor soccer classes and really grew in confidence and skills. It was fun to see him have an activity of his own and I definitely think we'll sign him up again. 

He thoroughly enjoyed CC and Bible Study this year. He's frequently singing and talking about what he learned there. At his three year check-up he was right in the middle for weight and height and healthy as can be. He is still a sweet snuggler and loves to wrestle. Jonathan and I still laugh our heads off or get our hearts melted by the things he says and does. He is just so uniquely him and we love him with all our hearts. He has courage in his heart and wants to fight and rescue in pretend games. He is the most generous three year old I know and is always quick to share. He is also fiercely determined and does not give up, which was what we desired for him when we picked the name Archer; for him to have goals and aim for them with diligence. We love you Archer Man! You are so, so dear and precious to us!

Another two month update. I need to get back into my blogging groove. I guess I'm a little busy...

Some highlights of the past months:
- gymnastics, ballet, and swimming lessons
- continued Bible study and growth group
- getting involved in our neighborhood and city through neighborhood meetings and attending events
- attending park playdates for the homeschool community we'll be joining in the fall
- sharing meals with different families from growth group and church
- hosted an Easter egg hunt for five families in the little forest by our house with over 100 eggs
- date nights
- playdates with past neighbors
- spent time with the Changs visiting from Amsterdam
- Jonathan went to the church men's retreat
- I went to the coast with my mom and sister, so nice!!
- there's a robin's nest outside our family room window that we've been spying on, there are five chicks and they are getting so big! We are hoping we'll get to see the flying lessons.
- the kids are obsessed with Legos, rocks, and squirrels lately. Quinn requested a way to keep track of all the squirrels in our yard so I made her a Squirrel Journal. Naturally Archer wanted one too and they've been recording their discoveries.
- lots of time outside, the kids wear super hero capes to meet Jonathan when he gets off the bus
- we sold our broken hot tub, reconfigured the 20+ year old deck boards to fill the hole it left behind, got a new picnic table, planted strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, hauled tons of bricks, pavers, and other weird stuff out of our yard, built a little fire pit patio, and reseeded and planted grass. Our backyard is really close to being just how we want it.
- Jonathan and Dennis pulled down some unnecessary cabinets in our kitchen and there is so much beautiful natural light now! I'm so overdue for a house project post with before and afters, but I will definitely be doing that soon.
- last night Quinn and I went to our church mother daughter pajama party

A "lowlight" of the past month happened during a work trip for Jonathan. I went to Eugene with the kids for a short visit and a haircut. While we were at a trampoline gym, Archer stepped down wrong and hurt his ankle. After an xray he was put in the tiniest walking boot for a fractured fibula and I extended my stay for some extra help. He was such a tough little dude through it all. When we got home he had some follow up appointments. There was concern that a growth plate was involved. Well, it turns out it was just the most xrayed sprained ankle in history. Goodness. We are just glad he's ok. 

We are in such a sweet season of life right now. Both kids make us laugh so much and they are playing so well together. We are healthy and thankful.

 Smores made with a stroopwafel from the Netherlands, thanks Amber! 

 

We have been spending a lot of time with our neighbors lately. There are four main families that we see the most, and two of those we have been close with for quite a while. A lot of nights we meet at one of the parks near us after dinner and a lot of weekends we end up congregating to hang out and bbq in someone's yard. It really is a huge blessing to a part of this community. This past weekend, I went out to lunch followed by ice cream followed by wandering Alberta with the other four moms. It was such a nice luxury and we definitely need to make it happen more often. Sunday, we hosted some kiddie pool time in our backyard and then grilled up some dinner for the neighbor families. Monday I went to the zoo with one of the neighbor families. It was Archer's first time at the zoo and he was very entertained. He seemed to enjoy the fish and turtles in particular because they moved so much right next to the glass. He also liked the giraffes and lions a lot.

Jonathan's parents came for a visit last weekend. We saw the author of The Pout Pout Fish at the Beaverton library with some friends a week ago. Archer loves that book and consistently says, "blub" whenever he sees it. The marvelous Changs were in town from the Netherlands and we were able to have a very long brunch with them. Quinn made a welcome sign for them. Ever since writing her name, she wants to write a lot. She'll ask me to write out a phrase on a scrap of paper and then vanish to her little desk to write it out. Yesterday she asked me how to write "mommy loves me" and reappeared with this.

She wanted me to put it on her door. My heart almost burst. Sometimes it's easy to wonder if I'm doing "enough" for my kids. When I'm ready to collapse by 8pm everyday, it confirms to me that I'm being busy for my kids. But do they know why? Do they feel loved? Am I just managing them or am I nurturing them? Us moms don't get annual reviews or grades. To me, this totally counted as the feedback my heart has been hoping for. Thank you, Lord. And I hope she never forgets that it's true.

We went to Sunriver last week with my family. It was such a nice time away. The kids woke up so early though, maybe because they were eager to play? We spent lots of time outdoors, went to the pool, I got two runs in, we played pickleball, we played cards, and ate lots of good food. The kids all got along well and it felt like we all got some quality time together. 

Quinn developed some new tricks this week. She can talk to lady bugs,

hang from high bars,

and write her name!

On her own, she realized she could do Q, I, and N so she wanted to learn the rest. The U was giving her so much trouble but she stuck with it. So proud of you girly!

It was a lovely Mother's Day weekend. Friday night I took Quinn to a mother daughter pajama party at our church. There were so many nail polish colors that she had me paint a different color on each nail so she wouldn't have to choose. Saturday morning we had a babysitter come so Jonathan and I could have brunch at our favorite place. After brunch, we had a picnic lunch in our backyard and the kids played for two hours in the kiddie pool. We spent the rest of the day at our neighbor boy's birthday party. Sunday we went to church and had a leisurely day around the house. Jonathan gave me a beautiful bouquet of peonies and Quinn surprised me with this gift on Thursday.

Archer took steps by himself for the first time as a gift. Jonathan and I had him bring us a ball back and forth while Quinn recorded it. It seems he needs a task to do or he gets impatient and wants to just crawl to his destination. 

It's a pretty big blessing getting to be these two cuties' mama. There are definitely highs and lows and everything in between, but I'm so grateful to God for my babies.

Kiddie pool season has officially begun at our house. We busted it out last week and the kids loved it.

We cooked on the grill for dinner last night and ate outside, it was so nice! It feels funny to be typing that while it's raining outside though. We try to take advantage of the sun whenever we can. 

We went to our neighbor boy's first birthday and our neighbor girl's fourth birthday. My mom came for a visit. I'm almost at the one year mark for running regularly. It feels longer than that! I think my favorite months to run were October through January which I was actually a little nervous that I would quit during those months. The kids had a little cold bug last week so we all took it easy to recover. 

Archer (finally) got his sixth tooth, so no more goofy asymmetrical grin. He has a sweet new dance move that looks like flapping his wings and then shaking his hair upside down. He's attempting some animal sounds - I've heard dog, cat, duck, and cow. Not accurate, but consistent. He regularly requests "Barnyard Dance" and other animal stories to be read to him.

Quinn loves to stand up tall and say, "I'm this tall today!" She asked me to measure her yesterday and she's almost two inches taller than she was on her third birthday! Yikes! She is still in constant narration mode and does multiple voices for her stuffed animals and alter-egos. She frequently talks about wanting to be a nurse, pediatrician, and veterinarian when she grows up.

The kids and I had the privilege of being in a photoshoot with my parents while Jonathan was in Canada a couple weeks ago. We worked with Ashley Reich and she did such a great job capturing this funny stage of life. Ashley did our wedding photography and a family session when my grandma June visited last Spring. She has lots of energy and enthusiasm to keep the little ones going.

Here are a few favorites:

Lots of traveling since I last wrote! After Archer's birthday, Jonathan went on his annual Canada trip with his longtime buddies and had a lot of fun. It's such a great group. I took the kids to Eugene for some extra help. We had a fun time with both sets of grandparents and were able to see my sister's family too. Archer made the switch to standard crawling and started walking all over the place with a push cart. It seems like with his gross motor development is so sudden. He goes from no attempts to mastery in a couple hours. He has funny little skills now too. One of my favorites is when he senses we are getting ready to leave, he pulls my shoes out of the shoe bench and he starts trying to put on his own shoes. He has turned into a real bookworm too. He doesn't seem interested in his toys anymore, just looking at books and trying to climb.

And he keeps trying to escape.

One morning, I heard Quinn calling from her bed, "Mom, come see this!" repeatedly. I'm always surprised by what I find.

I taught her how to say I Love You in ASL and she wanted me to see that she had gotten both hands in position and balanced her panda on her head. Wow.

Quinn and I went to a pinterest-worthy birthday party the Saturday before Easter. Our neighbor girl is interested in volcanoes right now, so the party was a volcano theme complete with a dry ice volcano cake, erupting volcanoes for each guest to decorate, and a live concert by the amazing Red Yarn. Quite an event. We also did a neighborhood Easter egg hunt and Quinn and I made empty tomb cookies. They may not sound appetizing, but they are just pecan meringues that are hollow inside. The recipe steps go along with Bible verses and the Resurrection story. It seemed to really make the story come alive for Quinn and I definitely plan to make it a tradition. We tried to host a potluck for our home group people, but it didn't work out this year so we just had a quiet, simple Easter Sunday.

This past weekend, we went to Eugene for my niece's birthday party. She was such a cheery little birthday girl.

We also saw my sister's new house - we are so excited for them! And we saw my dad throw out the first pitch at the Oregon Duck baseball game. 

Otherwise, we've just been enjoying the nice weather when we can and having fun together. Quinn's rope swing is truly magical right now with the cherry blossom petals falling.

With each pregnancy, I did a bump photo every four weeks and made a collage for their baby book. For Quinn's first year, we did a monthly photo shoot with her lovey and made a collage of all the photos for the baby book as well. It was such a nice record of her changes, we just had to do the same thing for Archer. And here it is:

And here's his one year photo:

Archer is such an affectionate, silly guy! He generously gives out grab-both-cheeks-and-mmmmuah kisses. When he's playing near Jonathan or I, he'll take a break to climb up on our lap and press his little head on us for a cuddle or kiss and then go back to playing. His outbursts, babbles, and facial expressions keep us laughing. And he seems quite pleased with himself when he makes us laugh or does a new skill because he'll bust out his clever face - squink eyes and toothy grin. He's content the vast majority of the time and likes to look around curiously or smile at people. He claps enthusiastically for songs, dances, and happy moments. He puts everything on his head and loves climbing over things while making sound effects. He still loves climbing up slides and going down head first. His army crawl has developed into a floor swim that is very fast and smooth. He's still drawn to any water sound and will sprint to it. He has been waving and saying, "Hi!" in a sweet cheery voice for a couple weeks. He especially waves to dogs. He frequently chants, "Bababa Bah!" so I'm thinking it sounds like a song or phrase we say a lot. He eats as much as Quinn and loves smoothies. No matter what I cook for breakfast, he pretty much only wants bananas in plain yogurt in the morning. He just had his check-up and is at the 98% for height and 60% for weight and head circumference.

My baby boy is one year old! All day I was remembering different pieces from Archer's birth as I saw certain times on the clock. It is so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that it was all a year ago. He's such an important presence in our family and a daily source of joy.

We celebrated this weekend with a shared party with my nephew Abraham at my parents' house. The theme was camo/outdoors and the weather turned out just right so that we could be outside. There were 40+ family and friends and lots of them were kids. We served chili and cornbread, macaroni and cheese, a trail mix bar, and Quinn helped me make a bunch of cupcakes with green and brown sprinkles. It was a pretty special day and I'm so grateful I could share the celebration with my sister.

Today we had Archer's favorite foods at each meal, went to the library, played, and Quinn and I made raspberry muffins for a special "dessert". We also went to froyo as a family. We got Archer a Jonathan apple tree and Quinn used some of her piggy bank money to get Archer some new pajamas. 

We love you so much sweet Archer man! You bring sunshine to our days and keep us smiling and laughing and can always be counted on for a snuggle or smooch. We can't wait to learn more about who God made you to be this year and just spend time with you.

Quinn requested her first drastic hair cut last week. She woke up Tuesday morning and said, "Mama, I want a cute little bob." After verifying fifty times throughout the day, I cut her hair that night and she's loving it! It totally suits her chatterbox, peppy personality. It makes her look a little older than Jonathan and I were ready for though, (sniffle). Here's the before and after:

Quinn just had her final dance class for the quarter last night. She loved it! She definitely wants to take more ballet soon. She requested many ballet books from the library leading up to the class and practiced all her poses. Each class she would get excited about choosing a different leotard and tutu combination and ask me to take photos of her different poses. During class she was totally in her element and very focused. Watching a bunch of goofy tiny dancers each week was heart-melting. 

Last weekend, Jonathan and I went on a date to a concert at church that was very uplifting. We went on a family hike with another family from church and had the Johnsons over for dessert and board games. Jonathan was in Wisconsin this week for work which always makes for an adventure around the house. Luckily, my mom and Jonathan's mom came to give me a hand.

Quinn and I got our first round of seeds into the garden today. Our current crops include five blueberry bushes, one golden raspberry bush, ten strawberry plants, a cherry tree, a rhubarb plant, a Jonathan apple tree we just bought as Archer's birthday gift, and hopefully some carrots, spinach, and kale. Archer tries to help in the garden too, but he mostly likes eating dirt and army crawling all over the grass.