Wedding Gifts Remembered

This post is a tribute first of all to all the fabulous and thoughtful gifts we received from many family and friends at our wedding 8 years ago. We were showered with so much love.

We had no idea then, what things would stick with us and become more treasured over the years. (Actually this post is meant to be a continuation of our 8th anniversary post----but I'm just getting to it now!)

What has really stuck out to me these past 8 years, are the gifts that I didn't quite understand or appreciate at the time.

1. Beautiful crystal vase from good friends and leaders from church. The couple took us under our wing and claim they helped set us up :) I wasn't a bride who thought about crystal at our wedding- I was more concerned if we had dishes and sheets. But over the years- I have treasured one of our few precious objects. Thank you Phil and Diane.
2. This laundry sorter came from friend's of Sean's parents- we use it EVERY DAY- it is basic but it has been awesome! I never would have thought to buy one at the time. Thank you! Another random surprise of a gift we never knew we'd value so much.
3. This last one is my favorite. We got a set of 2 scrapers/spreaders along with I think some bowls. We use these spreaders ALL. THE. TIME. Pb & j sandwiches, loosen bread out the pan, stir sauces-- you name it.

It has almost as many uses as a Pampered chef stoneware scraper. You know what I'm talking about. Those little brown plastic squares?

What I love about this is that it is so cheap and simple- but still looks brand new over all the years and as I stated before is so uberly useful!

Yay for random wedding gifts! Do share yours please.

Playing catch-up...not in order

This is Calvin's first day of preschool with his good friend Cooper. They were both so happy and excited to start school. Too bad it isn't that sunny anymore.

I made a flourless chocolate kitty cake for Mira- including beet powder to dye the yogurt frosting pink!

Then I made a regular chocolate sheet cake for Calvin- with my best remake of a sword outline. He liked it.

A few months ago we said goodbye to our trusty truck that had been with us since Cal was 3 weeks old. And I don't think I've mentioned that we're happy mini-van owners now! Oh ye-ah.

On Calvin's birthday, my awesome grain mill arrived. But the true present was the packing peanuts that came with it. He had so much fun playing in them- but holy cow it was a HUGE mess. I still keep finding the occasional peanut- months later :)

Sean spent many a Saturday morning this spring and early summer fishing with our neighbor and friend. This catch was on their first successful day- we ate many yummy trout that night.

I just like this picture a lot. We have happy kids.

Unfortunately, just like her brother, Mira had her own little forehead gash incident back in August. Luckily hers was less serious and I was more seasoned with this type of ordeal. It happened innocently at a playground, she cried but was also very brave and the doctor's office glued and taped it shut--- way less traumatic than stitches. Phew.

On Mira's birthday- after she got the concept of singing and blowing out candles, she used my leftover avocado to put toothpick candles in as her make shift birthday cake. Then practiced having us sing to her and blowing out the candles several times. :)

This is my favorite picture ever- daddy blowing the nail polish dry on little girl's toes.

I had to include a pic of myself because I am around too- and I love being a busy Primary president/Pre-Dental Hygiene student/Crossfitter/Full-time mom/Wife/Daughter/Sister/ Friend.

I couldn't do all that I do without my family.

My favorite is when Mira sends me off with "Have fun at school!" and then greets me with "How was school Mommy?" She is showing many signs of thoughtfulness and sharp observation.

Love my family.

Missing old friends

This post is a good old shout-out to our good friends Jen and Molly and crew. Everything Mira is wearing was handed down from Molly- it made me smile to see the cuteness repeated. We miss our friends and everything about them- they have left a hole in Oregon that cannot be replaced. Jen- gatherings without you are just not the same! Sniff.