Oh Ravings

A One Month Birthday Party

2011-11-14T13:14:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we had the privilege of hosting a belated baby shower which turned out to be on the one month anniversary of this darling little boy's life. He is the 3rd son of our dear friends and we had the honor of having his sister stay the night with us as he was making his entrance into this world.

All that to say, we were thrilled to host a party in his honor and shower his family with a bit of love.

We had a gathering of all our old home group, and a few others. All these people used to gather in our home weekly when all of our children were quite a bit younger than they are now. The rec-room is now fitted out with all the kids toys and the living room reclaimed as 'grown up space' -- the perfect set up to have 10+ adults and 15+ kids catching up with each other over soup.

Having just done the birthday parties for my kids, I was still very much in 'party mode' and had a delightful time planning and setting up for another party.

Because I know some are interested in the details ... here is what some of the details looked like for our little celebration. It's tricky for me to get adequate pictures of the over all look, so I just selected a few of the details. Basically the theme colours were white, blue and brown and there were little glass jars with flowers around the place. The table started out quite bare but soon filled up with all the goodies people brought to share.

the invitation!

We asked everyone to spend a moment writing out a word of encouragement, blessing, prayer, or scripture for our friends.

Brownies are a favorite, so I made a little brownie tiered cake for the little man, and extra round brownies for everyone else to enjoy

We even sang "happy one month birthday" ... and the guest of honor slept through the whole thing.

Little bundles of jelly-bellies were taken home by each guest as a thank you for coming.

Planning parties is a passion (if you haven't noticed). Creating all the details makes me come alive and brings joy to my soul. It is always an honor and a delight to 'put on' a party for someone I care about. Thanks sweet family for allowing me to love on you in this way!!

Next on the agenda for my crafting season ... Christmas gifts! Stay tuned. I should also put up some posts about 'life' and kids and all that -- but really -- right now -- the details aren't all that attractive!

Pampering Our Birthday Girl

2011-11-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

A sisters afternoon of papering with Muma's hair dresser, something that has been talked about and anticipated for months!

Renatah was quite happy to have Shalom go first, to see what would happen before she experienced it.

Steeping her tea to enjoy while she waited for her turn.

Renatah knew just how to 'be' at a salon, quite the conversationalist!!!

This was Renatah's favorite part ... the hot head shower!

Renatah got a little trim, not too much off please, I'm growing my hair super long... like Rapunzel!

the cut

the dry

the style

My two curly blonde beauties!

Pink and Purple Princess Pamper Party:: Renatah's 5th Birthday

2011-11-08T13:34:00.001-08:00

To celebrate her fifth birthday Renatah wanted a Princess Party ... this is what it evolved into ... and evening of pampering for the birthday Princess and her friends.

We were so organised (and with the daylight savings time change) that we were all dressed and ready with two hours to spare ... so ... the princesses sat down to enjoy a viewing of Cinderella while they awaited the arrival of the party guests.

As each princess arrived they decorated a hat to wear throughout the evening.

our gorgeous stylists for the evening

Welcome to the Pamper Parlor.

waiting room entertainment

waiting room refreshments

Mani-Pedi with our stylist Yzobella

our guests enjoyed a foot bubble bath while their fingernails were painted

hair and face beautification with our stylist Shalom

The Princesses are ready ... let the Pampering begin!

The Pretty Pampered Princesses

Our girl ... "tickled pink" ... sharing a meal with her princess friends.

Our evening ended with our Pink and Purple Polka dot cake Pops.

Tait's 3rd Birthday:: DAY

2011-11-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

With his birthday bash a couple of weeks in the past we felt we would celebrate our boy a little more on his actual birthday.

Our tradition ... a photo of their last sleep before their age 'changes'.

You'll never guess from the pics what he is 'into' these days. He requested that theme for his 'birthday'. I didn't really want to plan a party around a particular 'character' so we just waited till his birthday to cater to his request.

LIGHTENING MCQUEEN!!!

We got our "Birthday Gobblet" this year (and maybe I should get an extra few to stash away). The kids loved a special glass to use on their birthday.

We made a whole day of celebrating Tait. A present here and there through out the day rather than all at once and cupcakes and candles ... twice!

... after naps with is 'sisters'


and ... after dinner with our neighbors.

What a gift our boy is to our family and what a joy to celebrate life with little kids! So much excitement in each moment. Hope your year ahead is a great one little man!

Tait's 3rd Birthday:: Dino Style

2011-10-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our Birthday Boy!

This year we decided to do a small family/god family celebration for Tait's 3rd birthday. With his aussie god-muma here we had his celebration a few weeks early. It was small, and sweet but I still allowed my creative energies to flow to create a fun "Dinosaur Discovery" for my boy and his 'family friends'. Here are some pics of the party and all the little details. Enjoy!

The birthday boy got a kick out of helping to make his invitations ...

... which ended up looking like this.

Our party started at 'snack time' so when everyone arrived the children dove into their 'snack sacks' which were guarded by Tait's dinosaur costume. I think most of the kids ended up wearing the costume at some point during the morning!
For our DINO DISCOVERY
we had 4 "exhibits"

In the Fossil Dig, the kids got to dig around to find a little dinosaur skeleton and then brush the dirt off and put their find in their bucket.

Paint-o-saurus was a painting activity, we plan to turn ours into magnets for our fridge!

Exhibit C was a dinosaur habitat play land. Renatah and Tait helped me set this up in the week before the party and had a great time 'testing it out'. They are still enjoying it a week later. On the day the dinosaurs ended up in a time warp and into modern day with horses, trains, airplanes, and people joining in their habitat!!

Our final Exhibit was a story read by Papa, "Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs" and a Dinosaur Classification activity. Each child was given their own 'bucket full of dinosaurs' and were asked to find which one in their bucket matched the description that was given.
After all our discovering was done it was time to feed our own little dinos. Having a small group meant I was able to make a place for each of them at the table with a table runner made to look like some dinos had run across it!!

Our feast was complete with some "swamp water'' to drink (a mixture of ice tea and lemonaide!)
It didn't go over too well with most kids, they ended up asking for 'normal water' instead!! No complaints from the mumas!

Of course there was a 'cake'. Which was enjoyed by all and my favorite part ... there was NO LEFT OVERS!!

The kids all left with their dino discoveries in little bags that had some more dino fun inside.

We are in the midst of converting our garage into a rec room. Progress had come to a stop for a few weeks, which ended up being great. We were able to set it up as a party room exclusively. Probably not something that will happen again - so I thoroughly enjoyed it!! We decorated with dinosaur books from the library too to add to the activities available for the day. Here are some room overviews.

There is it. Tait's third birthday party - Dino Style. Thanks for looking - please leave a comment, I'd love to hear what you think!!

Jump ahead to Spring: An afternoon at Hug Point

2011-05-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

The benefits of Tim's job is that we can sometimes travel with him. Today he had a job out at the coast which he knew wouldn't take too long so we all piled in the car and went on a little road trip to play in the sand.

Our favorite 'beach' is Hug Point and we pretty much had it to ourselves for an hour and a half today. During that time the sun, which had been in a battle with the clouds and the rain all morning, won out and shone bright to add to our delight in savoring the sand and the ocean and the rocks.

Renatah enjoyed the rhythm of scooping watery sand into her bucket from the stream.

Then she went for a swim in the sand since it was too cold to swim in the water!

We all had fun with our el cheapo sand toys. It was a treat to see each of the kids delighting in the sand and the water and the rocks in their own way. Tait's favorite activity was to fill a bucket with sand, tip it over and then stomp on the castle. Repeat and repeat again.

The highlight of our afternoon was a "real live starfish''!!!

After a photo shoot with our 'star' we took her back to the ocean to find her friends.

A great start to a week.
(The clouds and the rain returned on our trip home - no complaints here!)

Crafting Craze: Made-By-Muma Gifts

2011-02-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

While on my crafting, hand making kick last Christmas season, and our desire to make Christmas simple on the gift giving/receiving side of things for our family, I embarked on a mission to hand-make gifts for our kids this year. It is my goal to do this ever year. I realize it will be quite the undertaking especially as the kids get older -- but it's a challenge to myself to be a model to my children of giving love at Christmas and focusing on the gift of Christ's birth for us all.

For Tait, I made a giraffe to go with his blanket. I used the design (same size) of the one on his blanket to make this simple animal shape and stuffed it with the inside of a pillow that had been washed a few too many times. To my delight, he is quite attached to his giraffe, it's almost as big as he is!

For Shalom, a young lady who is taking delight in accessorizing, I made a collection of hair clips and a little 'wallet' to hold them in. I had a great deal of fun making this, coming up with different designs for hair clips. They are being well used, by Renatah, Shalom and I, thankfully Shalom is happy to share!

Renatah got a 'kitchen' and a dish set for her birthday ... so it felt like a 'no-brainer' to make her some place mats to go with her dish set (not photographed). It was great to finally have a use for some fabric I had bought ages ago, 'because I liked it'! To go along with the theme, I also made her two chefs hats (one for her and one for a friend/brother to help buffer the potential fights had there just been one). A good friend of mine had made one for her son, so I pinched the idea and pattern from her!!

I really enjoyed making these things for my children and look forward to what ideas will come for next Christmas's Made-By-Muma gifts.

Crafting Craze: Fun with Felt

2011-02-09T13:22:00.001-08:00

The pre-Christmas season in our house was a constant state of craftiness as I was on a mission to make little gifts for relatives and a few others. It was such a soul nourishing time as I prayed for people as I made things and had fun tweaking things that I was 'mass producing' to make each on intentional and a little different for the person for whom the gift was intended.

I know that Christmas feels so far behind us know ... but ... I thought that I could share my crafting endeavors from that season with you nonetheless.

~broaches for ladies~

~flower hair clips for the little ladies~

~bookmarks for men~

~monogrammed notebook covers for the little guys~
and I made some for some men too with buttons instead of the monogram

So there they are ... I had a ball!!

Thanks for looking, please leave a comment if you stopped by to let me know you've been here!!

My Curl-less Boy

2010-11-09T21:41:00.001-08:00

The day finally came.

We've been putting it off.

Till he was 2.

Then ... till Auntie Joy came to visit. She gave Renatah her first hair cut ... so ... we thought we'd ask her to do the honours with Tait too.

Once again - frozen blueberries did the trick to keep him happy. He was so 'un-phased' by the whole process. Glanced over his shoulder once to have a look at the thing that was buzzing around his head ... but other than that ... just sat there. "Happy as Larry".
Here he is the next day. My little man.

It has been 4 days since his 'big chop'. I'm still getting used to it. I feel like it has 'changed him'. Not just his looks, but he seems to be 'acting' older?!?!?! Just my imagination maybe?! His eyes pop all the more without the shag. His cheeks are even more kissable, not hidden by the curls.

I love my boy ... I miss his longer curlier baby hair ... but I love his new look!

Renatah's Fairy Tea Party (part 1 - Our Fairy Land)

2010-11-09T15:28:00.001-08:00

The fairies at Renatah's house (my dear neighbour and some good friends) learned that it was her birthday and put a lot of time and effort into making a beautiful setting for a celebration of Renatah's 4th birthday. It was a delightful afternoon for the little girls in her life, their muma's and some other special ladies in Renatah's life. It is a delight to share the pictures of her afternoon of 'girls only fairy fun'.

You are about to enter our Fairy Land

Fairy lights, tissue paper pompoms decorated our space.
The wings and wreaths prepared for each little girl hung waiting for their arrival.

After getting 'dressed up' the first activity the girls got to do

was decorate their very own little fairy house.

Pompoms decorated this space too.

Once the fairy houses were complete we headed outside for "Musical Logs". We 'played games' with the weather that afternoon. I had the logs outside, ready, then it rained so I scurried to get them all inside. Then the rain cleared up and the sun came out ... so out went the logs again ... the rain held off long enough to play the game! I couldn't have asked for better cooperation!

After our musical logs the girls 'flitted' in to play "Pin the Wings on the Fairy" using wings they decorated themselves ... the whole activity was prepared by our gorgeous 'artist' and dear friend Auntie Kerri!

The Muma Fairy food table. (before the food arrived!)

The little fairies buffet (the whole effect, before food)

The buffet table filled and awaiting the hungry fairies.

Fairy 'tea' ... lemon'laid, as per the birthday fairy's request.

The eating table for the girls.

The cake!

Take home bags, waiting in Renatah's fairy cradle
(had to use it some how, since it went so well with the theme!)

Colouring books I made to go in the take home bags.
They also got little fairy 'snow globes' that they had to find around 'fairy land' before the left. (didn't get a picture of that though!)

Renatah's Fairy Tea Party (part 2 - Party Time)

2010-11-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

Our birthday Fairy

sister fairiesmaking fairy houses

our little fairies ready for musical logs

it's my party and I'll pout if I want to!
Renatah got 'out' ... no log for her to sit on ... "I'm very dissapointed Muma" she said!decorating her fairy wings for the next activity
one fairy being assisted by the 'party fairies'
for her turn to pin her wings on the fairy!

enjoying the snack feast

cake time

to enable the Muma's a little more party time of their own,
we put on a Tinkerbell movie!

The Muma Fairies!
we had just as much fun as the little girls!

Choo Choo ... Tait is Two (part 1)

2010-10-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

On the weekend before his birthday we threw him a little party to a theme inspired by his constant exclamation "choo choo Muma!!! choo choo!!!" whenever he sees a train, or a railroad crossing sign, or railroad tracks or even the lines above the 'MAX' track that runs down the freeway we drive along most often.

Because I know some of you are interested in all the little details ... here are the pictures I got of the activities for the kids.

Our 're-use-able' birthday banner!

Train attire: engineer caps, whistles and bandannas

the Tait Express, the party train
our mode of 'transportation' between activities

the front view

Activity #1

Activity #2

Activity #3

Activity #4

Our Birthday Boy!!

Choo Choo ... Tait is Two (part 2)

2010-10-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

To keep on with the detailed photo-mentary ... here is a picture by picture walk through of the morning.

Our boy in his birthday outfit
(showing off the curls which won't be there much longer!)

ALL ABOARD!!

off we go

... through the gate and around the back yard ...

... and in through the back door.

train stamping

magnet making

lunch arranged in trains

the cake

bloooooooow

Present time!

Snuggles with Papa after waking from his 'after party nap'.

Cherished Friends

2010-09-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

It is a wonderful thing to have a friendship that has stood the test of time and is still flourishing. Sarah as been an important part of my life since our freshman year of high school (in the Philippines). We are kindred souls and I'm so thankful for her.

I'm truly amazed at how often we have been able to see each other over the years since we parted ways at the end of our senior year. At the beginning of August I was able to make a trip to visit the Bergstrand family with my two kiddos.
It was such a blessed time. It was actually my third time to visit Bluffton ... the first, for their wedding, the second was when Renatah was 6 months old and now with two kids in tow.

We loved walking everywhere, meeting new friends, visiting the farm, eating fruit, getting little 'holiday treats' and just 'doing life' with our kids together.

Our Girl is Pre-School Bound

2010-09-16T09:13:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year we made the decision to look into sending Renatah to a little Christian pre-school in our neighbourhood. We visited the school before the end of the last academic year and Renatah has been talking about it ever since!

We had one excited little girl eagerly awaiting her first day of school. Any time we drove or walked past the school she would voluntarily say "Look, that's my pre-school!!! Muma will take me and give me a kiss and say 'I love you, have a good day' and then I'll stay there all by myself and then Muma will come back and get me."

The day came and she was still as excited as she had been all summer.

Renatah was naturally a little apprehensive the minute we walked in the door. She held my hand tight and stood right by my side. We greeted her teachers and went on a little 'name hunt' to see all the places her name was written - her cubby, her shelf, her spot on the rug (uh-huh - a labeled spot on the edge of the carpet .... ?!?!). Then we wandered over to the toys. One of her strongest memories from our visit earlier in the year was the sand tray. That's where I left her happily burying 'polly-pocket' dolls in the sand!

I am so proud of my not-so-little girl. She did great as I left her there to return home to Papa and the kids waiting at home. I'm the one who cried!!! I didn't think I would at all. But - I did - I feel like it is such a big thing. Leaving my girl in the care of someone else for instruction. I know this is a good thing for her (and for me). She is an inquisitive soul and needs so much more stimulation and extension than I can give her at home while I also care for two little ones.

Today is day 5 and she is still as eager as she was on the first day. I'm praying that this love for learning and school is something that continues to grow as she does.

Tait and Silvie miss 'Ta-Ta', often calling out for her at the door and jumping into the stroller when it's time to go and pick her up. It's good for them too!!

Naomi's New Look

2010-08-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

I know that typically a 'hunny-do' list refers to "to-do" lists created by wives for their husbands. I make my fair share for Tim!

The new look, however, comes from the list I've been creating of things that Tim has said "it would be cool if ..." or ... "you should ..." or ... "why don't you ...".

The first one I crossed off the list was to cut all my hair off and go super short. My good friend Joy did the cutting at the beginning of July.

The second one I just crossed off the list yesterday ... die my hair (pun intended) blond. I haven't been game enough to do it with long hair so I figured now was as good a time as any to try out the look. I'm still getting used to it ... but ... it's SO FUN to try different things out with my hair for a time! It'll grow back and one day this experimental phase of my hair life will be over (or maybe it won't!).

What do you think?! Should I keep it super short and blond?? Any and all comments welcome!

Moving Up

2010-08-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

The kids have 'moved up' in their room. We decided, for no grand reason, that it was time to pack up the crib and moved Tait to a big boy bed. With Renatah that move was talked about and prepared for ... with Tait ... it just happened one night!

Renatah got to move to the bottom bunk. It was the 'blue bed' but to make the change a little more special for her we turned it into the 'purple bed'. She sleeps on one end of a double bottom bunk. I figure we can sleep up to three or maybe four kids across the bottom of that one!

Tait got to move into Renatah's 'old' bed. He was delighted, he often climbed into it at bed time to 'pretend' to go to sleep. So we didn't think the switch would be all that traumatic.

They are both doing fabulous in their new beds and we are quite surprised with how well they are going to sleep. We were prepared for many nights of talking and playing and giggling etc. What good sleepers we have, we are so so grateful, counting our blessings.

Tait has tested the boundaries a little, which is only to be expected. It's fun to see the 'delight' on his face when he gets himself up and comes to the top of the stairs to call me and tell me he's awake! No more screams from the crib ... yay!

A little bit about Tait

2010-07-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Our baby boy is growing up ... this week he has had a few milestone moments, moving from a 'baby' to a 'little boy'. One was his first haircut. I didn't 'want' to but he was starting to complain "Muma, eyes..." brushing the hair out of his eyes. Poor boy. So ... I did it ... gave him his first hair cut.

Just the front ... I couldn't bear to cut the curls ... they are too beautiful and, once they are gone, they are gone.

I'll save the other milestone for another post.

A little bit about Renatah

2010-07-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Feed the cat
Feed the fish
Let Muma do my hair
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Brush teeth

in no particular order

Renatah is growing up and is able to and demands to do so much independently.

In Renatah's world everything has to have a place and a purpose and a reasonable explanation.

We decided it was about time to formalize some things for her in the creation of her 'morning jobs list'. She has taken on the world of 'jobs' with great enthusiasm and pride and often does things with out a reminder (I do realize that this will most likely be a trait that is fleeting!!). After a few days she came down stairs and said "Muma, I have to feed the cat, feed the fish and then ... feed me!"

Celebrating Spring

2010-05-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

We have often talked about going down to the

Woodburn Tulip Festival and this year we made it.
Such beauty!

We all had a lovely Sunday afternoon, enjoying the festival activities and strolling amongst the display of colour.

Tait got stuck in a giant clog
and
Renatah went on her first ever pony ride

ok ... jumping right in!

2010-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here's some thoughts from the 'here and now'.

As a couple we feel very encouraged and blessed that God has given us both a heart of hospitality and a desire to make our home open to people who need a place to crash. Be it a night or two or a week or two or even a year, we love to enrich our journey and our life story by sharing it with others.

Our most recent guests were a couple from Toronto who put a 'note out' through our church online 'bulletin board' seeking someone to stay the night with and go to church with in the morning. It was fun to meet Kevin and Meaghan, share a meal with them, watch them interact with our kids and hear their story.

I just glanced through our guest 'list' that is going to get put into our guest 'book' -- we have had over 20 guests in the 3 years we have lived here!! Such fond memories ... we look forward to meeting more people and sharing in their life story. If you fancy a trip to Portland ... we'll put you up!!

What to do

2010-04-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have obviously neglected our blog for so long that I'm now at a point of deciding what to do ... do a lot of 'catching up' or just start fresh from now?! What do you think?!?!

2009-11-18T22:02:00.000-08:00

The summer tales have concluded ... now on to our birthday season! We'll be caught up to the here and now before too long!

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Part 10 of 10

A Few other Random Things

I was going to tell you all about my gardening attempts of this year but I don't have any pictures to help show off my efforts. So a brief 'story' will have to suffice.

Being able to play the piano, being able to knit, being able to paint/draw/sculpt, being able to cook gourmet style, being able to garden ... these are all things I would LOVE to be able to do and to do well ... if I had another life or two to live out ... perhaps some of these might become a reality. But, for the time being I have to be content just to potter around and do what I can and glean from others experience and willingness to come alongside and help me out.

Thus was my gardening adventure this year. My dear neighbour had oodles of extra tomato starter plants, so she plonked three in my little space along the fence (that our yards share) and I watered them. That was about it. I gave them water and once trimmed them up a bit, following the instructions of my dear neighbour. We got a great little harvest of cherry tomatoes that Renatah thoroughly enjoyed picking and 'testing' before discarding the remains.

I also planted some capsicum and chocolate cherry tomato plants in the back yard ... those didn't do too well. Out of sight - out of mind!!

Maybe one day with the right help and guidance I'll develop some gardening skills. One day ... one day!

Apart from that - the other thing we spent a lot of time doing this summer was walking to the park. They have a free lunch program all summer for kids ages 1-18 on week days. So at least once a week, when naps worked out in it's favor, we'd take a walk down to the park, have lunch and play a bit. It was a lovely filler in our day.

I don't have pictures of the tomatoes or the park - so here's a couple of random favourites from the summer instead.

Tait's first Vegemite Experience

Renatah's fascination with Bugs
Tait being a boy

Renatah playing with a puppy who won't run away and won't bite!

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Part 9 of 10

Home Group Camp Out
Oxbow Park, Gresham Oregon

Our group - Our Church Family

Our home group had their 4th annual camp out in August. Unfortunately we had something come up to prevent us from actually camping - but - we had a great time hanging out with everyone for an afternoon/evening. This year we went back to the same place we were at the year before. It was fun to be 'back' to something familiar.

playing games ...

playing with friends ...

playing by our selves ...

playing with rocks ...

and snuggles with muma!
Our home community is going through a season of change and in thinking about it - this camping trip may very well have been our last. That's not such a happy thought!

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

Part 8 of 10

Water Fun

When the summer heat is here ... there's nothing better than playing in water.
We spent many afternoons in the front 'yard' playing in a bucket full of water.
Not always this literally!

We also took a trip to a 'splash park' with some friends.

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Part 7 of 10

Shed Building

what it looks like at the moment

The story behind the shed:

Our long term plan is to turn our garage into a "room" complete with a 'regular' door and windows and a floor (other than concrete). This plan requires many phases to move all our 'stuff' out of storage in the garage and into storage in other places.

The first phase was to convert our attic into storage space with floor and shelves and lighting to move some of our stuff up there to store . That was accomplished (mostly) in 2007.

The second phase is an outdoor shed to house our bikes and other 'bigger' things that we needed out of the garage. This project started in March of 2008 with a little slab of cement poured as the foundation for a little shed. Since that beginning it has turned into a larger, two story structure that has had to be custom built at every point due to the slope of our land. At the moment we are in the final stages of the exterior. Tim has been hard at work with our fantastic neighbour on everything, the current step is to get the siding put up . It is almost complete and will be ready to paint soon - we are hoping to get it all painted before the rains set in for the winter ... here's hoping.

After the siding there's still lots of 'detail' work to be done around the roof frame and things on the inside ... but ... we have a structure that stores our bigger things and keeps them dry during the winter and 'safe' all year round.

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Part 6 of 10

Survived an Intense Heatwave
with a day trip to the Coast
Tait's first Ocean experience

Tim was away again on a work trip and Portland's temperatures SOARED ... we got to 109F one day and for the rest that week they hovered over 100F. It was pretty amazing to feel relief with a 97F day!

It was a tough week. It's always tougher when Papa isn't home, but this week Tait was teething and none of us were sleeping all that well due to the heat.

In looking at the forecast I picked the hottest day to plan a trip out to the coast ... to a favourite spot ... Cannon Beach. We left early and it was good that we did. If we were even 30 minutes later we would have had a very hard time finding a parking spot. It seems we weren't the only ones with the idea to escape the heat. Out there it was a mild 70F something day ... PERFECT!

Here's some pics...

Miss R ready to go!

one ate seaweed ...

while the other ate sand ...

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Part 5 of 10

Summer-time Playmates

Renatah has become quite the independent socialite this past summer. She has taken herself outside to play every opportunity she could get.

"Muma the boys are outside, can I go play", I would hear as soon as a peep was made from the boys out the front. Renatah gets along marvelously with them. It wasn't long before I could trust her to be outside with them and be safe without my constant eye on her. It was so freeing, for me and for her.

A box is such fantastic toy!!

We also had several occasions when Miss V came for a play date. It was nice for Renatah to have an older girl to play with. Muma isn't thrilled about all the 'boy games' she's been learning!!

Princesses in a castle made by Miss V. Once again ... so much fun in a box!

Tait's favourite play mate this summer has been a ball, any ball, just put a ball in his line of sight and he's after it saying 'baa .. baa .. baa'. Put him on the ground with a ball to chase and he's happy! Roll it to him, bump him with it and he's even happier!

Now that the weather is wetter and school has started play mates are not available as often and much of our time is spent entertaining indoors. Play dates still happen and much fun is had, just a different kind and we all look forward to summer returning while enjoying this season for what it is.

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Part 4 of 10

A Road Trip: Just Muma and the Kids

With Tim on a trip to LA, I made plans with a long time friend from high school to visit for a few days. It was my first time on a 4 hour trip on my own with the kids. I was kind of surprised at how smoothly it went. A few planned stops and carefully planned leaving times and the kids were completely content.

On the way out to Eastern Washington we stopped at a park where they ran around a bit ...

... and snacked a bit ...

We had a few days visiting with my friend, and her beautiful family.

Renatah loved having more kids to play with ... ... Tait was in awe of all the new people, sounds, toys.

... and I thoroughly enjoyed lots of chatting and coffee and catching up with a cherished friend.

I hope it works out to make another trip next year!

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our Summer

2009-11-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Part 3 of 10

Fought a few "Battle of the Will" Moments with Miss R

The one I'll share, that I actually captured a picture of was her refusal to eat her lunch. She held strong and so did I. She had to eat what she was given before she was allowed to get down. She cried for an hour, pushing her plate away, complaining that her tummy hurt or that she was too tired or not hungry or offering it to me. But I held strong too. She was not going to be 'unbuckled' till it was gone.

After an hour of crying and another half hour of fussing and attempting to manipulate the situation she fell asleep at the table.

Much to her dismay, the first thing she saw when she woke up (45mins later) was her lunch sitting there waiting for her. Another hour of tears and gagging down tiny bites at a time, the drama was over and she got down and played.

I have a spunky, strong-willed daughter!!

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our summer

2009-11-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Part 2 of 10

The Zoo

Our friends invited us to join them on a trip to the zoo one day. Renatah had never been so we jumped at the opportunity. The kids had a great time on a brief tour of all the animals. They seemed to get a bit more enjoyment out of the play areas though. It was a treat none-the-less and one that Renatah still talks about.

They admired a gorgeous gorilla who appeared to lap up all the attention she was getting from her visitors.

Here's the three big kids doing their best interpretation of a gorilla!

We stopped for a snack and a rest on the grass for the 'bird show'.

Renatah's favourite experience, I think, was feeding the parakeets. She was quite brave letting them sit on her hand/arm and holding the nectar cup (with a little help). They all got a kick out of a bird landing on my head and resting for a while!!

Now that Fall is well and truly here ... I'll tell you about our summer

2009-11-06T21:15:00.001-08:00

Part 1 of 10

Family Reunion Road Trip

We packed up our car and headed 11 hours south to join up with Tim's side of the family for a week long reunion. It was the first time for some of us to meet each other and we had a fabulously relaxing time.

The kids both did wonderfully in the car. We broke up the trip over two days which helped. Tait spent a lot of the trip ... like this!

Tim's parents joined us on the road trip down and we stayed the night at the place of some long time friends of theirs. The house was intricately decorated. In one room we found a doll the same size as Renatah!

Renatah had a blast getting to know all her cousins. I think it was all a little overwhelming for her but with a few outings with just Muma and Papa thrown into her days, she coped well.

Here's all 12 cousins !
(Renatah had to be woken up from a nap for pictures ... hence the 'grump' look!)

And here is the OHLSON CLAN ... all 22 of us.

We hope to repeat this get together every couple of years when Amy and her family are back for the summer from their work in China.

Naomi - me

2009-08-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

OK so now I get to tell you a little about what's been going on in the life of me. Since the most amazing miracle of my life, Tait's birth, life has been all about Tait. Adjusting all aspects of life to make room for this little man. What a joy it has been (for the most part - teething is never really a joy).

I have so many many thoughts I could ramble on about on the topic of motherhood. It is such a huge part of my life and I truly do love it. What a privilege I have to spend the rest of my life nurturing these little beings. What a responsibility! All I can say is "Lord, be my guide, I cannot do this alone!"

As I shared about Tim's venture into getting his Bachelour Degree ... I too have some big things I'm embarking on. God has provided an opportunity for me to work full-time (ish), taking care of a little girl 5 days a week, 9 hours a day, during the school year. We are thrilled with this provision to be able to help put Tim through school. This starts on Monday (August 24th) - so a busier Muma I will be!!

That's all for me really. My days are full of taking care of my children, catching up with friends from time to time, hanging out with our fabulous neighbours, running errands, all that usual stuff.

Now that all the individual 'updates' are done - we can start telling the stories as they happen. Check in soon for some pics and stories of our summer adventures.

Here's a picture of me with my two beautiful children. What a blessing they are!

Tait

2009-08-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here he is ... the newest member of our family who lives up to his name everyday. We are in awe of how well his name suits his personality.

Tait
-- means CHEERFUL
-- it sums him up

Larry William
-- his namesakes
-- he bares physical resemblances to these two men in his broad forehead and the smile that lights up his face. What a delight for us to be reminded of these special men in our lives on a daily basis when we look at our son.

He is growing and changing daily - if we had started earlier in his life there would be so many stories to share with you. Since we were slack in keeping on top of sharing them with you a few more recent little highlights will have to suffice.

Tait spent his first few months keeping to himself and minding his own business except on the odd occasion he'd voice his need to be fed or changed to put down to sleep. He started off as a great sleeper but lately this has been a more challenging aspect of his life - we'll blame the teeth! (He currently has 6 ... 4 poking through on the one day)

His world became accessible to him when he started scooting himself around on his belly at 6 months ... by 8 months he had developed the 'perfect' crawl - no unique style for this little guy. At 9 months he has now started cruising and opening drawers/cupboards. Renatah is not a huge fan of his increased mobility. Tait is often 'chasing' her around the living room trying to get back what she has taken from him!

As you can see from the pictures he has a healthy appetite. When he started eating solid foods at 6 months he 'bulked up' into the chubby lil' fella who I affectionately call 'my squishy'.

At six months old he was as heavy as Renatah was at a year. We are constantly discovering the many ways in which are children are so incredibly different from each other - we are not too sure they even look like siblings!

Renatah

2009-07-20T15:04:00.001-07:00

Over the last 8 months or so Renatah has done lots of growing up - not so much physically but in so many other ways. She will talk your ear off and experiences life with much gusto! On the other side, she is very loving and thoughtful and tender when the time calls for it.
Following are some pictures with little blurbs underneath to sum up some of her life,
...to catch you up a little.
*note: they are in no particular order*

... loves to help around the house, washing dishes, sweeping/vaccuming

... in January, Renatah got her first hair cut, by her god-muma

... she turned 2 and the highlight of the event was
blowing out the candles - over and over and over!

...definitely had some 'terrible two' moments exploring her world and 'wearing' it.
This picture shows her discovery of my make-up but a few weeks prior to that was
Vaseline - half a tub, mostly on her hair but not exclusively.

... has really started to entertain herself with imaginative play with her dolls
and her cooking toys and other such things little girls play with.

... simply adores her little brother and is now in the process of learning how to
share toys and space with this little boy that likes to get into every thing - more on him later!

Some other highlights to include speak to her independence and signs that 'my baby girl' is growing up so fast!

Renatah has been potty trained for some time. Her little quirk ... to the horror of some (and her mother when in public places) she simply drops her 'dacks' when she feels the urge ... and then seeks to find the appropriate place to relieve herself.

Renatah will now ask if she can go to the neighbours house to visit and stay there without a parent for as long as they will keep her!! Chuck and Karen are her favourite!

Renatah will tell me what day of the week regular things happen ... "CBS is on Wednesday", "Church followed by Sunday School is on Sunday" and "Sha-Sha comes on Saturday".

Now that I've shared a little from the past, it will be fun to keep you 'updated' with things of the present, as they happen.

Tim

2009-07-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

The biggest news of our family is that Tim has just started his Bachelor Degree online. After about three years of intensive study he will get his Bachelor of Science in Human Services. His goal is to then get a Masters of Divinity or Theology to prepare for ministry in leadership within the church, if the Lord continues to lead us in that direction.

Tim keeps busy with work and has traveled more in the past 8 months than previously. Right before Christmas he was in New Jersey when Portland got hit with a severe snow storm. Weather was terrible every where and he ended up stranded in Chicago for three days on his way home. We were preparing for the possibility of having Christmas without him ... but ... thankfully he made it home in time.

We have just had a month where he has traveled 3 out of the 4 weeks and has two more week long trips coming up (that we know of) before the end of August! It is an adjustment for us all - how to get through our days when we are separated for lengths of time. God is good and is sustaining us.

Back Again

2009-07-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

Remember us??

It has been over 8 months since I updated our blog ... shall we blame ...

... computer crash and all that that entails?
... steady flow of house guests?
... adjusting to life with two kids?
... facebook?

I'll blame those and all the other reasons why things get overlooked.

It is my intent to start up again with stories and pictures of our life. I won't attempt to backtrack - we'll be here far too long ... but I will attempt to give a little over view of each of us with some highlights of the past 8 months.

Check back in a day or so and I'll have some news on at least one family member! For now - here's our most recent family picture, taken at our Ohlson Family Reunion at the end of June.

For lots of other pics check out our facebook accounts!!

Tait's Birth Story

2008-11-07T12:56:00.001-08:00

For those who are interested ... here's what happened the day Tait entered our world.

As I mentioned in the 'nursery nook' post, I had been having what they call 'false labour' for about three weeks on and off. Contractions that were doing things to prepare for birth but never getting serious enough to send me to hospital. My weekly check-ups with my midwife showed that I was dilating without much effort.

On Tuesday afternoon, at 3:45, I went in to see my midwife to check out some changes I was experiencing.

Still no serious contractions. My midwife found that I was more dilated and said that if I was ready to have this baby all she'd need to do is break my "water" and he'd be here in a few hours. It's no surprise to many that I was indeed - very ready - to have this baby!!

So we went over to the birthing center and got 'checked in'. I put on my special socks and waited for my midwife to come and do her thing. That happened around 6:30pm.

Contractions came hard and fast, I was in active labour by 7pm. Nonny had stayed home with Renatah. She put her to bed and left her in the care of our neighbour, while our home group met down stairs as usual!

In the midst of contractions my 'birthing team' assembled in the room ... Aunt Judy and Nonny. They were both there for the birth of Renatah and it was important for me to have them both there again.

Tim was wonderful helping me through the intense contractions. He will say he felt like he didn't do too much because it all happened so quickly. But he was a huge help!!

My midwife came back and said that she thought it would just take one push and he'd be here. My first and only response was "YEAH RIGHT!!" ... I lost count of the number of times I heard 'just one more push' when I was delivering Renatah.

BUT sure enough ... with one big almighty push Tait entered our world.

Thanks Regis!!

It was a miracle in more ways than one. Our beautiful healthy boy.

Tait Larry William

2008-10-30T13:13:00.001-07:00

Tait Larry William
Born:
October 28, 2008
8:42pm
8.8lbs
18.5" long

Nursery 'Nook'

2008-10-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

In spite of all the false labour I've been having (which we have affectionately been calling 'warm-ups') for the past three weeks, our little boy has waited till his Nonny arrived and has waited till after the baby shower.

I feel COMPLETELY prepared and now just eagerly await the arrival of our little man.

Our last effort to get 'ready' was to complete a little space in our bedroom for our baby.

We are calling it a Nursery Nook ... a space in the corner of our room.

A 'Belly' Shot

2008-10-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

First Hugs

2008-10-05T20:34:00.001-07:00

Shed Progress

2008-10-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

While I've been working on the 'inside' of the house, I've shared some of my 'nesting' energy with Tim and he has been working hard on the shed!! I think that the impending onset of the rain is more of a motivation. Tim, Chuck and Tim's dad have been working hard the past few weeks to get the roofing done. Yesterday was another milestone ... A DOOR!! Now we just have to get the handle on and we can put stuff in there and lock it up!!

Way to go boys!!

oh look - Tim's mom and I got to help too!!

Front Porch

2008-10-05T20:03:00.001-07:00

Here it is ... another one of my 'house beautification projects' as Tim calls it. All a part of 'nesting' I think. Our front porch used to just 'stored' all sorts of odds and ends. But now it has been transformed into a lovely 'hang out' spot ... day and night. Obviously it looks more 'beautiful' at night with the lights. The furniture is on 'loan' from our neighbours. They asked if we could 'store' it for them for the winter so they don't have to leave it sitting out in all the rain!! We are thrilled to help in that way!

The "sticks" are dead branches that were cut off from a tree in our yard ... thought they added a different 'touch'. Trying to make beautiful the area that 'stores' the meters for our natural gas use!!

Our "new" Kitchen

2008-09-09T18:04:00.001-07:00

A 'before' shot right before the painting started.

Painting the primer.

View from the front door (ish)

View from one end of the dining table.

View from the other end of the dining table!

Thanks to my neigbour Karen - I learned a lot - had a FABULOUS time and LOVE LOVE LOVE the end result! You are welcome any time to come and hang out in the kitchen with me (the only room in the house with colour - so far!)

This year's gardening effort

2008-08-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

It is no secret that I have what you might call 'a black thumb'. Plants don't survive very long in my care - I don't know why. So anyway, early this spring I thought I'd start really small and throw some wildflower seeds in a patch of dirt outside our back door.

I had my hopes up that something might happen!! Then we got Dalbea. What ever was growing in my yard (not planted by me) disappeared within the first few months of him living with us. This little patch of dirt was not left alone either.

So imagine my surprise one day when I glanced out to see - A LITTLE PINK FLOWER!! (please pay no attention to the gigantic weed growing behind it!). It only lasted a day or two before Mr. Dog disappeared it. BUT I got a flower! YAY!

Perhaps next spring I'll try something in the front where Mr. Dog doesn't roam. At least this year I had him to blame for my failed gardening efforts. Next year - it will just be my fault!

Big Girl Bed

2008-08-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Renatah developed the habit a few months ago of climbing out of her crib. She did so ever so gracefully - throwing one leg up on the top of the bar and launching herself over and onto the floor.

We figured it was about time to introduce the "Big Girl Bed". So when we got back from our camping trip we said good-bye to the crib and hello to her big girl bed.

The transition has gone rather smoothly for the most part. Her afternoon nap times are the hardest (she still sleeps in the morning - her best napping time). She is enjoying the freedom of climbing in and out of bed and has now mastered opening her door and letting herself out! Ahh the challenges just roll from one to the next. It's called parenting right!?

Asleep the first night in her new bed.

Cherry Picking

2008-08-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

One Sunday afternoon we were invited out to our friend's farm to help him 'harvest' his cherries. We had a fabulous time hanging out, eating cherries, picking a few, eating some more and touring the farm a little.

Renatah ran free for most of the afternoon. She got to play in a paddle pool, 'ride' a tractor, say hi to some alpacas and eat some fresh produce from their veggie garden. Nonny we have pitted and frozen some of our pickings for you when you visit!!

Anyone's toothbrush will do

2008-08-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

We have a little monkey who loves to climb ... today we walked around the corner to find ...

Our Summer Adventure

2008-08-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

We packed up the car and headed south on a 14 hour road trip to Big Sur, California. We joined Tim's sister Barb and family there for a week of camping fun. It was a great time with family and something we hope to make a habit of over the years. Here are a few snap shots of our week. Another slide show - the easiest way to share more than one picture.

Disneyland

2008-07-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

At the end of June Renatah and I accompanied Tim to LA. He had a week of training for work and we were able to hang out with family. It was a treat for Renatah to have time with her cousins. The highlight was definitely a trip to Disneyland one evening with Aunty Ruth and Aunty Ros. What a treat! Enjoy the pictures.

Our Trip to Hawaii

2008-06-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

The second week in June Tim was 'sent' to Hawaii for work. Tough break huh!?!? So after some 'figuring' with frequent flyer miles it worked out for Renatah and I to join him and have a bit of a spontaneous family vacation! It was a blessing in so many ways.

Birthday Cake

2008-06-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Six months after her first introduction to 'birthday cake' . . . Renatah is now a big fan! Thanks 'e-ah-na for having a birthday and sharing your cake with me!

Watermelon Days

2008-06-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Baby News

2008-06-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

We had our big ultra sound this week to check on our baby's development. It was also the time when we could find out the gender of our child.

We are VERY pleased to let you know that at the end of October we will have 'one of each', a 'pigeon pair' .... yep ...

it's a BOY!

This is extra happy news because in the history of the Ohlson family (well at least Tim's immediate family) boys are not so common! Tim has three older sisters. Two of them have kids and they each have just 1 token male (out of 4 or 5 children!). We are thrilled that the Ohlson name will continue. We are thankful that our son is growing very well right now. Our midwife commented that he is a 'big boy' at the moment. She did assure us though that over the remaining half of my pregnancy it could even out ... so ... we are not predicting a big boy at this point.

We hope to have more children in the future too, perhaps we will break the mold of 1 token male. Though I also come from a family with 1 token male - so - who knows really!!

Our Dancing Diva

2008-05-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

It is a rare occasion that Renatah does not ask to dance in the morning after her breakfast. Our girl loves music ... but may need some help refining her 'moves'. It's good for a laugh every time though!

Home Improvements ... Phase 1: The Attic

2008-05-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Here's the story ... we moved into our new home just over a year ago and quickly discovered that the design of the house (the garage in particular) had a significant flaw. The garage was positioned at a 90 degree angle to the driveway. This meant that while we managed to get our little white car (which is ours no-longer) into the garage and close the door without too much difficulty ... it took 5 minutes and 200 little turns to get the little white car out of the garage.

SO - without too much deliberation we decided to forget using the garage for a car and turn it into a multipurpose room for our family and community of friends that use our house regularly. As with many 'bright ideas' this one is taking quite a lot of planning and purchasing to make a reality.

First things first was to find somewhere else to 'store' all the stuff that was being stored in the garage since we moved in. Our oh-so-wonderful-oh-so-talented-oh-so-generous neighbour helped us discover that our attic space could 'easily' be turned into effective storage space.

Hence began the construction of the attic. I lost track of exactly how long it took to convert the space into storage ... well ... truth be told ... I don't think they are done up there just yet. But it is being used for the most part.

So all our 'little things' are now out of the garage and in the attic thanks to these three wonderful men.

Stay tuned for the next phase!!

Puppy Love

2008-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled that they are getting along so wonderfully! It is nice to have a child who is not terrified of pets.

It could be argued that she loves on them a bit too eagerly! She has plenty of 'war wounds' to show for her affections but it doesn't stop her from coming back for more!
Dalbea is a lot more tolerant than our cat, Icabod, who flees from Renatah's gleeful attempts to catch and cuddle her.

Enjoy the show.

Pig-Tail Princess

2008-05-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

Her hair is now long enough for Muma to 'play' with.
Renatah loves to have 'pretties' in her hair.
The front is now hanging down to the bridge of her nose so most days she has a clip to hold the front back ... and then there are the pig-tail days.

This is the typical 'after nap' look.

where is your ... ?

2008-05-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our little Poppy loves to point out our facial features as well as her own. Like may other video moments ... the highchair is just the easiest place to get her to sit still enough for long enough to capture a bit for you! She also loves to pray.

Where's Renatah?

2008-05-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

a new baby ... a new puppy ... and now ...

2008-04-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

a new car

needed to transport the new baby and the new puppy!

We had always planned on one day getting our 'family car' and well one day came last weekend! We have had our eye on the Honda Pilot for quite some time and things kind of just fell into place as we searched for our family car. So here it is. An 8 seater to hold us all and more to come (and those that visit and friends etc). I miss my little white car and my aussie sticker on the back. I'll have to 'order' a new one. Renatah loves being up high and seeing a lot more out of her bigger window. Tim and I both enjoy the smooth ride and panoramic views!

So - when are you coming to visit so you can meet our new puppy, baby(at the end of the yaer) and ride in our new car??

The invitation is open to all!

some news

2008-04-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

Renatah doesn't quite understand what's going on ...

but we are thrilled to announce our growing family.

The grand event is due to happen two days shy of Renatah's 2nd birthday.

(October 31st 2008)

Papa's favourite Party Trick

2008-04-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

SAD

HAPPY

now that you have seen the 'still' pictures ... here's the video

Introducing the newest member of our household

2008-04-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

meet Dalbea

Dalbea arrived last week, 6 weeks old and full of 'puppy life'. He is half dalmation and half beagle ... quite literally ... a dalmation body with a beagle head.

Renatah loves the puppy but gets a little overwhelmed when Dalbea tries to play with her. Like all puppies he likes to jump and bite ... Renatah can be heard saying 'no bite, puppy no, muma hold me' many times a day!

Naturally he misses his brothers and sisters so we gave him a little toy puppy to keep him company! I wouldn't say it's his favourite - he loves to chew on just about anything!!

Monday at Freyer Park

2008-03-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Tim had the day off so we made the most of the gorgeous early spring day and went to the park for a bit of a play. We captured so many beautiful moments. It's been hard to choose which ones to show you... I might have to add more later. Enjoy the next few posts.

weeeeee

2008-03-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

Papa and his girls

2008-03-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

three girls on a swing

2008-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

if at first you don't succeed ... try ... try, again

2008-03-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

there's not much more to be said!

budding pianist?

2008-02-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

maybe ... we'll see

she does love to 'play' the piano whenever one is around. she is getting quite good at 'playing' not 'pounding' the keys! maybe some lessons will be in her future?!

getting dressed

2008-02-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

Renatah's language and other 'skills' are on growing daily. A favourite activity at the moment is to put on her 'haaa' and her 'kakit'.

It is sometimes just something she does for fun and continues to play and sometimes it is the first step in the expression of the desire to go 'oww' for a 'waaa'.

a story from before

2008-01-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

Tim has been away quite a bit for work since Renatah and I came back from Australia. One trip at the beginning of the month was out to Idaho ... on this trip Renatah and I were able to go with him! It was fun to live in a hotel for a few days! Renatah got to enjoy the 'bi-ba' (the big bath).

And she got to eat on the couch while watching cartoons!

And other such 'hotelly' kinds of things.

play dates

2008-01-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Renatah has been enjoying the company of a few little friends as we venture into the world of play dates and other fun activities. I'm really enjoying this age - Renatah is talking and interacting with her world in new and wonderful ways. One new friend is our neighbour. We are making the most of having her close and inviting her over for playdates. It's fun to watch them learn how to 'play' together. We are very much still in the 'parallel play' stage ...

... which they both manage quite well! It will be wonderful to see their relationship grow over the next few years. I'm experiencing new parent 'feelings' as I watch Renatah respond to the other little people in her life. She is quite empathetic and tender. She is also a very strong willed stubborn little thing! As her Nonny says - "she's got spunk!"

It SNOWED!

2008-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning we woke up to a very modest snow blanket outside. I took Renatah out for a bit of a wander. She liked it at first but had enough after a few minutes - too cold I think!

Renatah's Australia Adventure

2008-01-18T15:03:00.001-08:00

we left ... then we came back ...

2007-12-29T23:58:00.000-08:00

there has been much inactivity here on the blog for the simple fact that Renatah and I (Naomi) have been travelling the globe (just about) for the past 6 weeks.

i am awake tonight - i don't know if i should blame jet lag or the latte i had after a scrummy dinner out at a nice restaurant with my precious family. it was our new year's celebration as Tim will be travelling for work up in Alaska when the new year begins. we are one travelling family.

i don't think i have the energy or the clarity of mind to organise some pictures and a bit of a story about our trip to Perth and back. but keep checking and on one of these nights when Tim is away I will share the highlights of our visit to the 'home land' with you. to entice your return here is a favourite snap of Renatah on Christmas Day in LA.

doesn't get much cuter than that hey?!
wishing you a very happy new year - hope your Christmas was a blessed time with those you hold most dear.

we finally got a picture ...

2007-11-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

... that kind of shows her teeth!!

The bottom two poked through when she was 10 1/2 months old and the top 4 came all at once a few weeks later!

She is having a ball discovering all that she can do with these new things in her mouth!

oh she makes me laugh

2007-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

we have one expressive daughter ...

my sweet girl makes me laugh every day

thanks Papa for capturing these moments on camera!!

Birthday Bash

2007-11-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to go all out to celebrate Renatah's first year. There have been so many people who have played a significant part in the first year of her life and we were delighted to have them all come and celebrate the occasion with us. We were blessed with a truely gorgeous day. Rain was predicted but this time we were very glad that the weather man was wrong! The kids got to enjoy playing out the back yard.

While others enjoyed food and company inside.

We played a game of "Pass the Parcel" with quizz questions about

Renatah's first year in each layer.

Then there was the CAKE!! Muma and Papa worked together to make a special birthday cake. It was a first time experience for us and we eventually got there after a few adjustments and "redo's" ... in the end it turned out pretty good ... what do you think?!

the kitty cat was chosen instead of a teddy bear to represent her first word!!

Thank you to those who came and joined the celebration.

Renatah had a great time - we hope you did too!

the last sleep

2007-11-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

before the big day ... we snuck in when Renatah was sleeping to take a picture of her the night before she turned one!

peaceful slumber

the day Renatah turned one

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November 2nd 2007

She was greeted with her Muma and Papa singing "Happy Birthday to You" and then landing affectionate smooches on her cheek ...

We then had fun opening her cards from family. Thank you Great Nanna and G'pop for the birthday wishes and the fun stickers inside!! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the pooh bear card and birthday balloons ... they were a hit!!

The day went on with our regular routines and a few special treats - like a phone call from Auntie Karina and Auntie Anita.

We had a family celebration the next night which included the presentation of the cake!!

The Birthday Cake - her very own!

2007-11-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

Every 1 year old needs a 'birthday cake' exploration experience. This is Renatah's. I should add that it was also her first exposure to 'sugar'. She has already indicated her disinterest in naturally sweet things (ie many types of fruit!) so we were not surprised by her reaction to chocolate cake with frosting!!

I love to ...

2007-10-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

walk

I love to ...

swwwwwwing

Time to Update

2007-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Have we been in hiding?? No not really - well maybe - it's hard to tell. September was an insanely busy month for us (and for many I know strangely enough) and so life happened and pictures were taken and there were stories to tell but there was no moments of down time to sit and share them with you.

So in one big effort I've found some time to update our blog ... share the pictures and stories with you that have happened over the past month and a bit. Pay no attention to the order in which they come ... I tried to figure out how the posting and order works (thus I'm writing this at the end of it all!!) but in the end it doesn't really matter - just scroll down - read and enjoy some snapshots of our life.

Coming soon will be pics and stories of Renatah's first birthday - can you believe it's been a year?!?!?! Where has all the time gone?! What an awesome year it has been!

The Picture Tells a Story

2007-10-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

These captured moments speak to so much more than the still life you can observe. So while the picture probably says enough - I've added some thoughts to help paint a more complete picture!

The Picture Tells a Story (1)

2007-10-18T09:59:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken just moments too late to capture our little explorer completely inside the cupboard! We caught her coming out! Not too long ago Renatah figured out how to open cupboards. It prompted the installation of some lock thingo's on the cupboard doors that we don't want her exploring (ie under the kitchen sink - we all know what nasty's loom under there!) and some rearranging of where things are stored.

She does however have free reign over the cupboard that houses the pots and pans and now the tupperware! Now she is forever emptying and I'm forever putting away!! I'm not complaining - it's great to watch her explore her world - bumps, bonks and all!

The Picture Tells a Story (2)

2007-10-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

"DADA, HI" ... what does this say about the muma?! I guess I'm on the phone quite a bit with Tim!! Although we refer to Tim as 'Papa', Renatah has taken to the word 'Dada' ... we have discovered however that this word is mostly spoken when she sees or is playing with a phone!! Phone = dada!! It was affirmed the other morning at church when Renatah saw a lady walk past with the same cell phone as me and she pointed and said 'dada'!!

Her face lights up when the phone rings and she sticks her arm up in the air and waves her little hand and says "HI, DADA HI". The greeting is usually followed by an outstretched hand saying 'ta' - asking for the phone so that she can hold it and talk to her Papa ( or just push the buttons and observe what happens!)

The Picture Tells a Story (3)

2007-10-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Everything was very quiet as I read a book on the couch. One of those it's-too-quiet-for-my-liking moments - something must be going on.
Sure enough! She had scavenged through the diaper bag and found my wallet ... emptied its contents and was going for the coffee!! (it was empty thankfully!)

Summer Project

2007-10-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

This summer we had Shalom with us for two weeks and we did a few projects together. The favourite was making a dress for Renatah and a shirt for Shalom. Shalom chose the fabric and practiced using a machine on scraps before venturing into her first sewing experience. She did a fabulous job on her shirt and I made Renatah's matching little dress. It is wonderful to see Shalom proud of her accomplishment and eager to do more! Perhaps we won't make any more matching outfits but some other projects will be fun!

Gardening with Muma

2007-10-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun was had! Muma decided not to care how dirty I got or how much dirt I ate!

If you look closely you can see that I also got watered when the plants did!!

a moment by the tub

2007-10-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

Our Renatah LOVES bathtime!!
She is so good at entertaining herself and others.
We thought you might enjoy a few mintues by the tub!!

She WALKS!!

2007-10-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months Renatah has grown more and more confident in walking with support ... we delighted in her crawling up to us, climbing up our leg and tugging on our finger in the direction she wanted to go. On Sept 29 just a few days before her 11 month birthday her sense of adventure took over and instead of just a step or two in between objects she wandered away from me (in the kitchen) and into her toy area. Her godmuma - Aunty Joy - witnessed the event. Renatah was so pleased with her self that she repeated her little jaunt a few more times that evening.

After a few days of walking and then falling and then crawling over to something on which to support her as she pulled herself up to standing she has developed into a more frequent and confident walker. Renatah now prefers to walk though she does resort to crawling when she wants to get some where fast - she just trips over her little feet!!

Enjoy the video!

Visits from Home

2007-10-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

We had a much anticipated visit from our dear friends 'auntie Gwen' and 'auntie Di' at the beginning of September. They had talked of using their long-service leave to come and visit us in 2007 ... and sure enough ... 2007 came and plans were in the works.

They toured much of the North West of the USA. We joined them in touring Mt St Helens in Washington State. We drove out to the Oregon 'coast' to Cannon Beach and payed a visit to Tillamook Cheese Factory. Seattle Space Needle was another conquered tourist attraction.

We also enjoyed just hanging out at the local shops - Clackamas Town Center where they witnessed Renatah's first (impromptu) photo shoot ... and their all time favourite - Fred Meyer. How are you doing ladies without your Freddies fix??

Auntie Gwen and Auntie Di - we miss you - but the treasures you left behind give us fond reminders daily! Renatah loves 'Fred' - I think he's becoming her favourite!

Death to Crackers

2007-08-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Renatah tried to stuff the big pieces of cracker into her mouth but found that if she beat the cracker to itty bitty bits it was eaiser. Not a good day to be a cracker!

Renatah says YAY!!

2007-08-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

the toothless grin

2007-08-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

yep ... 9 months old and still no teeth. Aparently it's a typical Ohlson trait so we aren't too worried. I realised the other day - I think I will be a little sad when teeth do start to appear! We are growing very fond of Renatah's gummy smiles and noises. She continues to 'teethe' every once in a while, but it still hasn't produced any pearly whites!

We miss our Gramps and Nonny

2007-08-04T17:10:00.001-07:00

You have been gone for just over 3 weeks and we miss you terribly. Looking back at all the photos of your time here makes us happy and sad.

Thanks for coming - come back soon!!

still enjoying VEGEMITE

2007-08-04T17:08:00.001-07:00