:: She's Been Five For Quite Some Time ::

As has been previously mentioned the blog was neglected for quite some time.  I find myself saying it more and more as each month passes - time is FLYING by!  In the midst of our busy family season my firstborn turned FIVE and I have yet to post my letter to her.  Before I get to that here's a little recap of how we spent her special day...

Upon waking on her special fifth birthday she opened her bedroom door to see 45 balloons in pink, purple and white all over the house.  A colorful celebration of her!

For the past few years on her birthday we have made cupcakes for her friends and spent the mornings driving around making deliveries.  This year, Analise wanted to give something a little different so we headed to the store and she picked out some goodies to make gift packs.  We created a little card and headed out to make morning deliveries to her favorite people...

It was well past lunch when we were done delivering so we headed to Betty's Burger for their very first milkshake.  That evening the Dengels arrived from Germany and stayed through the end of March.  It was the first time any of our biological family has been around to celebrate her birthday with us - it was a special fifth birthday!

Dear Analise Joy,

In a little hotel in Basel, Switzerland, just about 6 years ago, I found out you were being formed within me. You made me a mom for the first time. Thirteen days past your due date you arrived after a fast and furious labor of just 4 1/2 hours - screaming, smushy and perfectly pink. From the very beginning you were opinionated, independent and strong willed.

The day we found out you were a girl, I drove away from the doctor's office praying that you would be a kind girl and a good friend.  In your five (and almost a half) years of life, you have expressed and embodied kindness and true friendship with exceeding abundance - and for that we are so grateful.

While you ask some deep, thoughtful questions, you are also silly {SO silly}.  You aren't afraid to be crazy, make funny faces, make up wacky jokes (which you think are funny, yet they really don't make any sense) and you always try to make people laugh.

At this phase in your life (I keep reminding myself that it is just a phase), you are constantly waiting for the next thing, sometimes waiting around for it to happen rather than embracing the now and enjoying what is going on in front of you (we're working on that). However, in this phase of looking forward, you do seem to find beauty where you are whether it be in a flower, a fun shaped cloud or a moth fluttering by.

You care about others and you love being around other people. Your most happy when you are around people you love and are outside jumping, climbing and running about.  You love to ride your bike in the front and practice jumps on your scooter with your brother and our neighbors.

Sometimes you can be a bit sneaky. There were a few times you were sneaky in a not so good way - doing something contrary to the rules, but you realized it was wrong and were quick to apologize and make it right again.  Now when you are sneaky it is in a fun way.  Like the times you hide around a corner and pop out to scare your dad or when I'm folding laundry and you take just one of the socks so I can't make a pair.

You are smart, eloquent with your words, and great with numbers.  You know how to write your name and a few other things.  You know your letters and each sound they make but you aren't quite interested in reading just yet.  You love to be read to - right now we're reading The Chronicles of Narnia out loud.  Everywhere we go you seem to see a way to get into Narnia!  You are constantly adding and subtracting numbers out loud and in your head. After sitting quietly for a few minutes you'll say something like, "ten plus seven is seventeen!"

In just three short months you will start kindergarten.  At times I feel ready for you to begin and others it seems near impossible that you are old enough to enter the school world.  I know you are ready - more than ready, but I'm not so sure I am.  You are our first baby.  Our only girl. Our little Lisi Loo.  Just one hug or one "I love you" melts our hearts.  It is an honor to have you as our daughter and be your paretns.  There are countless times that we find ourselves saying, "Her middle name is just perfect for her." You are such a JOY!

We love you Analise!

:: It's Me...Really ::

Jameson has started to enjoy drawing more and more.  For a while, he could have cared less, but as of late, he is getting more detailed and coordinated with his writing/drawing.  The other morning he came bounding into my room shouting, "Mama! I drew a picture of you! I drew a picture of you!"

He hands me a piece of paper and this is what I saw...

I replied, "Why thank you Jameson.  Are you sure that is me?" He said, "Yep! It's you!" I replied, "Are you sure it's not daddy? I don't have a beard..." He said, "Yep! It's you...I drew your big chin...and your curly messy hair...and your big eyes...and your nose...and you have arms and legs too!" {Um...thanks?}

"Thank you so much Jameson! I love it!"  

And I do love it.  Not because he drew me with a big black chin and messy curly hair, but because he thought about me first thing in the morning. Because he was so proud of what he drew. And because he is getting more and more creative.  

It reminds me a lot of one of the first people Analise ever drew.  You can see it HERE.  At some point they just figure out that people should have necks and bodies and other distinguishing features like hands, feet, ears, and long or short hair, but there is something special about these heads with limbs.  

And big black chins.

:: And They're Off ::

I have a lot of catching up to do - a lot happens in a few short months with a five year old and a three year old! Back in the February, the first week to be exact, just before she turned FIVE years old, Analise let us take her training wheels off her bike and after just a few attempts, she was off and riding like a pro!

Fast forward two months to Easter weekend and her little brother is off on two wheels as well! He is just shy of 3 1/2 years old! I was 7 or 8 when I learned to ride a bike...these two are amazing!



Perhaps it's time for Markus and I to get bikes!?

:: Resurrection ::

It's been two and a half months since my last blog post. Rarely a day went by when I didn't think about posting something - but as you can see, I didn't do it. The days continued to pass and the blog posts continued to fill up in my mind yet I didn't have it in me to make the time to get them on the screen. In the midst of a crazy-busy season of work and life in general, I used the very little free time I did have to focus on my family (my own and those visiting from Germany) and sometimes, to simply not be 'plugged in'. I had to get to a place where I was okay without updating and for my Type-A, slightly (I don't really have it but have tendencies towards it) OCD personality, it didn't come easy.

Needless to say, on this Resurrection Sunday I am resurrecting the blog. If any of you still read this, I am thankful for your patience. It has been a fantastic way to chronicle life as we know it and share it with family and friends and it feels good to be back!

Speaking of Resurrection Sunday, what a fantastic Easter weekend we had! For a few weeks I have been bringing up Easter in our day to day conversation, explaining what it is we really celebrate. My curious children asked some very good questions, especially Analise. 

On Good Friday the kids and I got into craft mode. We began the day with coloring eggs...

When we started coloring eggs the following conversation took place:

Analise: "Why do we color eggs for Easter if we are celebrating what Jesus did for us?"

My reply: "The eggs don't really have anything to do with the real meaning of Easter, but it is something fun that we can do together."

Analise: "Well we can have fun coloring eggs but then can we give them to our neighbors? We can give something away like Jesus gave his life for us right?"

Me: "That's a great idea!"

Seriously, why didn't I think of that? Aren't I supposed to be the one turning fun things into life lessons?

After we finished coloring and decorating our eggs, both kids were eager to give them away. Jameson took his favorite green polka dotted egg and RAN outside to give it to his favorite neighbor, Jackson. Analise gave her pink sticker covered egg, along with a homemade card, to our upstairs neighbors Jimi and Lisa. Using food coloring rather than the little Paas tablets made such a difference with the coloring and the use of some oil pastels before dyeing allowed us to make some fun designs too!

After we colored eggs we made an Easter garden. I have never done this before but it was easy, fun and such a great visual and hands-on experience for all of us. Just a few dollars at home depot and some things from our yard and we had ourselves an Easter garden.

As we created it I was able to once again explain the story of Jesus' crucifixion and the great gift he gave us when he gave his life. We talked about how sad it was that he was treated so horribly and that he had to die in the worst way. We talked about what it means that Jesus took our sins upon himself that day on the cross and the gift of forgiveness that he gives us whenever we ask.

Our garden was small, and somewhat unassuming, probably much more extravagant than the one Jesus was laid in. We wrapped up one of Analise's little dolls in cloth and placed him in the tomb and then rolled the stone over it. The tomb was sealed on Good Friday. We talked about Easter Sunday and what happened on that day. The resurrection. The gift of life that we have been given by Jesus' act on the cross. The fact that he rose and is now living. And we waited.

On Saturday, we had a fantastic family day enjoying the sun and helping Jameson learn to ride his bike without training wheels!

Today, the first thing the kids asked about was when they got to do their Easter egg hunt! Since they woke up way too early, we held them off with some waffles for breakfast and before we sent them out to look for heaps of hidden eggs, we went to check on our Easter garden.

We discovered that the stone had been rolled away!  Analise knew that it was me who rolled the stone away and left the cloth folded in the tomb but the meaning wasn't lost on her at all or on Jameson.  He asked where the wrapped up man was and Analise said, "Jameson, it was supposed to be Jesus and he is risen! He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday so we can live with him forever."  And this evening Jameson wanted to pray before bed (which never happens) and he said, "Thank you Jesus that you rolled the stone away!"

Amen.

So thankful for the Resurrection!

:: He Helped ::

Last week we were doing some errands and as we were headed home, we saw a young man on the corner holding a sign. Jameson asked what the man was doing and I told him that he was asking for food or money and unfortunately, we didn't have either in the car. Instantly, Jameson said, "Well we can go home and make him lunch. Can we Mama?" (It must be something about being three and more aware of the world around them. Analise was just three when she did something very similar.)

We quickly darted home and with help from from Jameson, a sandwich was made and a bag was filled up with snap peas, carrots, oranges, almonds, and a banana. We jumped back in the car and drove back to the corner to find the man. Jameson yelled, "There he is Mama! I see him! Roll the window down, I want to give him his lunch!" As we rolled up to him, Jameson said "Hello, I wanted to make lunch for you so I did! I hope you like it!" and handed the bag to him. The gentleman was so pleased and thankful!

In fact, I am not sure who was more happy, the gentleman we gave the lunch to or Jameson!

I'm one proud mama!

:: Thursday's Recipe Rodeo ::

This is the place to get some new recipes or maybe even a twist on an old one. Feel free to take any recipe here and try it out. If you want to join in on the Recipe Rodeo, let me know! I would love to try some of your recipes too!

Today's Round Up: Soup

I got this recipe from my lovely friend Kristen Davis and it is a regular in our house now! It is easy, delicious and full of vitamin rich goodies and perfect for any type of weather! I only made a few changes to her original recipe and the beauty of this soup is that you can add anything you want!

Kale and Kielbasa Soup

* 16 oz. kielbasa sausage, sliced (we usually use the smoked turkey - leaner but still really good)
* 1 roll medium italian sausage (I use the roll from Nob Hill)

* 2 - 3 sliced carrots

* 3 - 4 garlic cloves, minced

* 1 yellow onion, diced

* 1 - 2 leeks sliced (sliced up to the green leaves)

* 2 large russet potatoes (any potatoes would work), cubed

* 3 - 4 Cups chopped kale (I typically use the whole head of kale, be sure to cut leaves from stem)

* 6 Cups chicken stock, low-sodium

* 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary

* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (we use fresh since we have it in our garden)

* freshly ground pepper

* salt

Directions

In separate skillets, brown sliced and Italian sausage. In large pot, sauté the onions and garlic in a little butter (1 Tbsp.) until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the leeks, carrots and sausage and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add herbs to taste (fresh if possible!), pepper and salt.

Add the potatoes and bring to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer 10 - 15min (or until potatoes are tender – the longer the potatoes cook, the more mushy they will become). Add kale and cook for an additional 3 - 5min. Enjoy!

If you want to join in on your own blog, simply link back to this blog and mention that you are partaking in Thursday's Recipe Rodeo. If you don't have a blog and want to share a recipe with us - leave it in the comments!

Click here for a printable version of Kale and Kielbasa Soup

:: Bumblebee's and Soccer ::

Analise's first taste of soccer came when we enrolled her in a soccer camp as a three year old.  She loved every minute of it and when soccer season rolled around again, we enrolled her into Aptos Soccer where she joined her very first under 6 year old soccer team.

Every Wednesday afternoon, she and her seven teammates would practice together - learning to listen and take direction from Coach Jennifer, how to work as a team and pass the ball to one another and how to score a goal on a defended goal. Jameson proudly escorted his sister to practices each week.

After the first two practices, the team got their jerseys. 

Bright yellow and black. 

Instantly all of the kiddos decided that they would be called the Bumblebees! And they were just like bumblebees...they hung around in little clumps where ever they went making their mark with spunk and fun! 

Every Saturday was exciting for Analise, not only because they got to play a soccer game, but because she got to be with her new friends!

All ready for her first game!

As we arrived to the field the day of her first game one of the team moms, Heather, made all of the girls matching bumblebee hair ties ... so cute!

It took the kiddos getting through the first few games to get the hang of playing with one another and against other teams. Playing against other teams was tricky sometimes because all of the kids had friends that they suddenly were playing against instead of playing with! (There were quite a few reminders that when on the field, they were to play soccer, not giggle and talk about princesses and fairies with the opposite team :-)

Analise did a great job! Sometimes going after the ball with determination and purpose...

...and other times hanging back and just running along.

It was so fun watching her get better and better each week!

This little video was taken during one of her best games. She went after the ball like crazy!

After twelve weeks of Saturday games, we ended the season with a pizza party and award ceremony.  Coach Jennifer made each player their very own t-shirt with a little bumblebee and their name on it. Her daughter, who helped coach made little awards for each kiddo. Analise's award was for 'most stylish hair' and 'sportiest team member'.  Each player got a cool medal with a yellow and black ribbon and I made cake pops!

This was my first attempt at cake pops - they were a bit of a challenge to make, but came out so cute! The kiddos loved them and it was a perfect dessert for a bumblebee team party!

We are so proud of our little Bumblebee!

She is eagerly awaiting her next season of soccer (and so are we)!

:: Simplicity in the Season ::

Christmas has already come and gone but not without heaps of opportunities to reflect on why we celebrate Christmas to begin with. Lots of time was spent listening to Christmas music, explaining lyrics to curious kiddos, enjoying advent and the days that led up to Christmas. Many hours were spent by the glow of the tree rejoicing and being thankful for the TRUE gift we have ALL been given in Jesus. Here is a quick recap of some of the things that we did to make this season memorable and special.

The day after Thanksgiving we got our tree up and decorated the house. The kids helped put the ornaments on the tree, which is my favorite part of decorating. Most of the ornaments have a special story and bring fond memories like these little pieces that I got from Rene (who many of our ornaments are from.)

And these simple and silly ornaments that I made with John fifteen years ago are among my favorite.

Having these reminders of people I love is somewhat bittersweet - of course I would rather they be here with us to celebrate but they also remind me of how loved I am - how loved we all are and how thankful we are for the community we have and for the prayers that God hears. This isn't meant to be a cancer downer party, in fact, there is SO MUCH to be thankful for including the amazing news we just heard about our friend Amy (who may have gotten the best Christmas present ever!)

As we took time to revel in the joy of the season it was the simple things that helped make it so memorable. We didn't need a lot of pomp and circumstance. We didn't need heaps and heaps of presents. Our memories were made simply by...

Sparkelizing (Analise's word) pinecones...

Making gingerbread houses...

Taking the kids on their 2nd Annual Christmas Surprise...

Enjoying some fun family Christmas Eve laughs...

And the best, most simple gift was the complete bliss and joy that kids expressed when they walked out of their room on Christmas morning. It didn't take much, just a few gifts adorned with simple bows.

Another simple (and special) tradition that we got to start this year began in my family long ago. My mom made each one of our family members a Christmas stocking when we were very little. I used to LOVE seeing all eight of them strung up on the mantel each year.

Here is my stocking...just a tad bit weathered being over thirty years old. And yes, Nuraini is my full name.

My one request for Christmas this year was for new stockings for my own family. My mom got to work in early spring and HANDmade 19 stockings (seven for her own children including their spouses and kiddos - definitely not a simple task!) Her creations arrived just days before Christmas...Markus' tree even has little tiny beads sewn to look like candles because that's how they light up Christmas trees in Austria.

Such a simple gift, yet one that will bring years and years of joy, love and tradition! We love them!

We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and that this New Year is filled with joy, adventure and the constant reminder of Jesus' great love!

:: The Four of Us ::

Just after Thanksgiving, my amazingly talented friend Jessica took family photos for us and needless to say, we LOVE them!  Not only are these photos amazing and beautiful, but they are a true work of art. These photos tell our story - Markus, an Austrian boy, and Nini, and American girl. We met and married in New Zealand. Started our own family in California and our extended family is spread all throughout the States and Europe. These pictures are a fun reminder that regardless of where we are from, where we met, where we married, where we have to travel to visit our families, or where we end up, we are most at home when we are together.

I had a very hard time choosing which ones to post...we love them all...

Little beauty!

Melt!

Dreaming of places to go...

One of my favorites!

Where should we go?

That's my girl!

He is all about the camera lately!

They are best friends...

She has a special love for her dad.

I adore this man!

Simplicity. Bliss. Love.

This picture says it all...