Happy birthday friend!
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Ladies Brunch
Speaking of the gift of friendship, I am also personally blessed with such astonishing women. Women of prayer, faith, humor and resilience. One of these special ladies turned 40 this year, so a group of us had brunch at Mother's Bistro to celebrate. Sitting around that table, sipping mango tea (I am obsessed with their mango tea), I just marveled at all the families represented, all the many MANY children (most of these mama's have 4 kids each)... Just how we have known each other since our kids started being born, and been through "early baby years" issues with each other, and now we are discussing school issues and big kid life. Most importantly, I am blessed to pray with a handful of these ladies on a regular basis, and that is the greatest, most precious gift of all. Thankful.
Happy 10th birthday to Marin
Wow, we have been parents for 10 years! My baby doll Marin Elise turned ten years old, and she continues to be the light of my life. She is growing in maturity, sensitivity and beauty. From the inside out. I can tell this year is going to be a good one.
For her celebration this year, she requested a sleepover with three school besties. These sweet girls are a mother's dream for friends. After a hard year of friendship last year, with many challenges to work through, it is so satisfying to see her enter a new and better season. Hard work pays off, and persisting in truth and kindness will always be worth it. Three precious friends, and the Corrigan family's first friend sleepover! We had a BLAST, and Marin helped plan every detail of the weekend.
Some highlights:
- Morning breakfast cereal (Lucky Charms), family gifts, special hairdo to prepare for the party
- Big girl painting project (wisely executed while Marcus was napping, and Dad took the other siblings to the movies... "girls, listen carefully... this is as quiet as this house will ever be this entire weekend" - ha!)
- Playing with the chickens (what can I say, Marin is a country girl! one of her requests was for all her party guests to bring mud boots for the backyard)
- Friend present opening (sweetest gifts, sweetest girls, I know I am gushing)
- Make your own pizza bar
- Ice cream cake from DQ (AGAIN?!?! I didn't make a home-made cake, sniff sniff) - I did promise the birthday girl to surprise her one day soon with a random home made cake, just for fun... I just can't get over not making her a cake.
- Disco ball / light show dance party (NEW DISCO BALL... BEST PURCHASE EVER MADE)
- Sleepover campout in front of the movie screen
- Morning-after crepes (thank you Daddy!) - side note... I love that these girls still love wolfing down delicious food. This age is the best.
All in all, it was a huge success and I loved every single minute with these precious girls. They are each unique and lovely. I love that Marin has each of them as a friend.
Happy Birthday to my sweet darlin'!
For her celebration this year, she requested a sleepover with three school besties. These sweet girls are a mother's dream for friends. After a hard year of friendship last year, with many challenges to work through, it is so satisfying to see her enter a new and better season. Hard work pays off, and persisting in truth and kindness will always be worth it. Three precious friends, and the Corrigan family's first friend sleepover! We had a BLAST, and Marin helped plan every detail of the weekend.
Some highlights:
- Morning breakfast cereal (Lucky Charms), family gifts, special hairdo to prepare for the party
- Big girl painting project (wisely executed while Marcus was napping, and Dad took the other siblings to the movies... "girls, listen carefully... this is as quiet as this house will ever be this entire weekend" - ha!)
- Playing with the chickens (what can I say, Marin is a country girl! one of her requests was for all her party guests to bring mud boots for the backyard)
- Friend present opening (sweetest gifts, sweetest girls, I know I am gushing)
- Make your own pizza bar
- Ice cream cake from DQ (AGAIN?!?! I didn't make a home-made cake, sniff sniff) - I did promise the birthday girl to surprise her one day soon with a random home made cake, just for fun... I just can't get over not making her a cake.
- Disco ball / light show dance party (NEW DISCO BALL... BEST PURCHASE EVER MADE)
- Sleepover campout in front of the movie screen
- Morning-after crepes (thank you Daddy!) - side note... I love that these girls still love wolfing down delicious food. This age is the best.
All in all, it was a huge success and I loved every single minute with these precious girls. They are each unique and lovely. I love that Marin has each of them as a friend.
Happy Birthday to my sweet darlin'!
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| Marcus chose this helicopter toy for her :) I think he plans on stealing it |
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| Birthday girl got a special date with Nana too! |
Sweet and funny things
Time for some random observations...
1. Our preschool... I could write a million reasons why this place is the best, but the other day I noticed something I had overlooked in the bathrooms (and yes I have been in the boy's bathroom MANY times with the newly potty trained Farcus).
So in the girl's bathroom there is a little saying about Mothers... It says "God chose women to give the precious gift of life. To nurture, to love, to show His grace. They are His caretakers of love and joy".
And then in the boy's bathroom another one about Fathers... It says "My Father - His wisdom empowers me, His patience opens my heart, His strength gives me security, His love is forever there".
I just think this is a beautiful and has perfect words of the roles of mothers and fathers in a child's life. I love reading them all over again every morning. (it's more fun than dealing with bathroom Marcus).
2. My sister in law Alyssa recently sent me something from her hubby's baby book. Her hubby is the baby in the family, more than 7 years younger than Kyle. In his baby book, is a typed note from Kyle to their mom (just a few weeks after Brian was born). And it says "Dear Mom, thank you for all the work that you did for Brian. I love him very much. He is the best because he is my brother. Mom, you did a very good job with him. Thanks for taking care of me, too. Your darling son, Kyle" - I WILL DIE RIGHT NOW OF CUTENESS. Kyle always tells me he was born an old man. This note proves that at one time in life (age 7 this time), he was a sweet child with stars in his eyes for his mommy. I LOVE THIS.
3. This leads perfectly right into my next point. Kyle may feel like a crusty old man, but he still has a heart of gold when it comes to his family. Exhibit A: he approaches Madeline the Craft Queen and asks her if she would like him to sew her a purse made from our chicken feed bag. Yes you read that correctly, And there is no universe where she would refuse this. She takes seriously our Oregon mantra of "reduce, reuse recycle". So he pulls out my sewing machine, and discusses design plans with her all weekend, then whips her out a little over the shoulder satchel for her to carry books in. I think he even had to take a trip to the fabric store for a certain kind of thread. HONESTLY!!!!!! She has been using it to bring her Bible to church. I cannot take this ridiculous level of darling. Both of them, it's just too much.
5. Marcus and his selfies... this kid has quite a life. I always find new treasures on my phone!
1. Our preschool... I could write a million reasons why this place is the best, but the other day I noticed something I had overlooked in the bathrooms (and yes I have been in the boy's bathroom MANY times with the newly potty trained Farcus).
So in the girl's bathroom there is a little saying about Mothers... It says "God chose women to give the precious gift of life. To nurture, to love, to show His grace. They are His caretakers of love and joy".
And then in the boy's bathroom another one about Fathers... It says "My Father - His wisdom empowers me, His patience opens my heart, His strength gives me security, His love is forever there".
I just think this is a beautiful and has perfect words of the roles of mothers and fathers in a child's life. I love reading them all over again every morning. (it's more fun than dealing with bathroom Marcus).
2. My sister in law Alyssa recently sent me something from her hubby's baby book. Her hubby is the baby in the family, more than 7 years younger than Kyle. In his baby book, is a typed note from Kyle to their mom (just a few weeks after Brian was born). And it says "Dear Mom, thank you for all the work that you did for Brian. I love him very much. He is the best because he is my brother. Mom, you did a very good job with him. Thanks for taking care of me, too. Your darling son, Kyle" - I WILL DIE RIGHT NOW OF CUTENESS. Kyle always tells me he was born an old man. This note proves that at one time in life (age 7 this time), he was a sweet child with stars in his eyes for his mommy. I LOVE THIS.
3. This leads perfectly right into my next point. Kyle may feel like a crusty old man, but he still has a heart of gold when it comes to his family. Exhibit A: he approaches Madeline the Craft Queen and asks her if she would like him to sew her a purse made from our chicken feed bag. Yes you read that correctly, And there is no universe where she would refuse this. She takes seriously our Oregon mantra of "reduce, reuse recycle". So he pulls out my sewing machine, and discusses design plans with her all weekend, then whips her out a little over the shoulder satchel for her to carry books in. I think he even had to take a trip to the fabric store for a certain kind of thread. HONESTLY!!!!!! She has been using it to bring her Bible to church. I cannot take this ridiculous level of darling. Both of them, it's just too much.
4. Cousin Emma visits again... this time we introduce her to her chicken cousins... First of all CHICKENS, so yes, welcome to Portlandia. Second of all, tiny children chose the names of our chickens, so two of them are named after other animals. There is nothing straight forward about explaining to a little girl that she has chicken cousins named Zebra and Bumblebee. Ha ha ha ha! I love my life.
5. Marcus and his selfies... this kid has quite a life. I always find new treasures on my phone!
Monday, January 25, 2016
Recorders, walks, hooliganisms
A rite of passage for kids in elementary school... learning the recorder :) Marin is in her second year, she is pretty good! All those piano lessons don't hurt. Her class did a little "concert" for the parents, and I loved every minute. Madeline was just itching to try, so she got her own recorder also for Christmas. Which she decided to bring our our Christmas walk. Which led to shenanigans in the street. Which led to Marcus pulling a Flat Stanley on the garage floor after it was time to come in for lunch. NOTHING MAKES SENSE IN THIS FAMILY.
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| Honestly |
Friday, January 8, 2016
First snow
As luck would have it, the VERY first day back to school after winter break, it snowed! We got Monday off completely, and Tuesday a two-hour delay. What an awesome way to ease back into school after a busy holiday season. I loved every minute of it.The kids spent literally all day sledding around the 'hood with the neighbor kids, and it reminded me and Kyle of being kids and not caring one bit how wet and cold we were - the snow was just THAT fun :)
More Christmas Fun
A few more highlights of the December activities
- We had the BEST Advent experience this Christmas season. Our church printed a month long devotional book that they gave to all the families, with a daily reading and weekly candle lighting activity/reading. The kids got to decorate and hang themed ornaments that went with each day, and then on Sundays we all sat down together with our candles. Listen though... too much of a good thing can overwhelm any well meaning parent during this season. I hate being stressed - I can't always keep up with the 5000% increase in "extra things" that the season brings. I love it and yet it's also super stressful at times. So what I liked about this Advent was that we already have time carved out each morning at the breakfast bar - while the kids eat breakfast before catching the school bus, I already read a morning devotional to them. So this ornament advent time just took the place of our regular thing. It was awesome, the kids got a lot out of it and I felt really satisfied about how much work it was for us vs. benefit to the kids. The theme was how all the familiar stories of the old testament all point to a Savior, and it kind of "connects the dots" for the kids to see how God's works of old all culminated in the birth of Jesus!
- St Nicholas Day with Nana & Poppy: this is the day on Dec 6th when Nana and Poppy bring their gifts to the kids, and we have an early celebration. It is awesome having all the gift giving spread out!
- Marcus had his first preschool Xmas party, complete with a special visitor :) He told Santa that he wanted a "thpecial bear", which pretty much guaranteed that he would get it, since he ALSO told the tree farm Santa that he wanted a "thpecial thpecial bear". He made his own pint-sized evergreen Xmas tree, and ate every last sugary morsel on his treat plate.
- We saw Megan perform in her ballet studio's "The Nutcracker" - four costume changes! She is using pointe shoes now too! Growing up into a stunning and loving young lady. We brought her some red tulips to celebrate.
- Ice skating: now this was fun... Hillsboro opened their first ever seasonal outdoor ice skating rink - our family went twice, and I barely care that I have zero dollars left to my name, because it was super super fun. The second time we went with our school friends, the Laurance family! Pizza lunch to celebrate afterwards :)
- Candlelight service on Christmas Eve Eve - also a super relaxing and sweet time, since we were not rushing off to a holiday gathering afterwards. The big kids got to sit in the service with us and light their own candles!
- Special meal with Drew & Sarah in Tualatin on Christmas Eve - the best cooks in town invited us over for Xmas Eve dinner and games, and we all did the happy dance when the plans finalized! The cousins put on a talent show, complete with long and intricate "stories", short and funny one-liners, and several "quiet coyote" signals to quiet the rowdy listeners. I laughed so hard, we love this sweet family! I wish they lived next door :)
- Christmas morning with the kids... We left Grinch dust, oats, carrots and apples out on the front lawn to keep the Grinch away and feed the reindeer, and also cookies and milk for the Big Guy! The kids opened their gifts to each other (always the highlight of the gift giving time), and we woke up in the morning to four excited little people who were eager to open their treasures and eat our special traditional breakfast!
- Christmas dinner in Vancouver with the locals who were in town - a sweet time together. Also some cooking with Dad - an impromptu decision to make rosettes right before our gathering - (Gran's old tradition)... Marin and Dad have done these together a few years in a row :)
- Newell celebration with my parents and Jessica's family, starting the day after Christmas! More fun, cooking, eating, presents, playing with the chickens, coffee and hugs! Love spending time with my people. My sister can just move next door too, please.
- Corrigan extended family New Years weekend gathering - complete with ALL the out-of-towners (minus a few teenagers who have a life, ha ha!)... Lots of smooching of the Texas baby Emma, and our attempt at a group picture! Once again, I love my people.
It was a wild and wonderful Christmas season, and while each year there are at least a few things I have to miss out on (ZOO LIGHTS, boo hoo!), it is about quality not quantity, and I am thankful for all the fun, mostly good health, and the chance to spend time with eachother.
Thank you Jesus for Your indescribable gift.
- We had the BEST Advent experience this Christmas season. Our church printed a month long devotional book that they gave to all the families, with a daily reading and weekly candle lighting activity/reading. The kids got to decorate and hang themed ornaments that went with each day, and then on Sundays we all sat down together with our candles. Listen though... too much of a good thing can overwhelm any well meaning parent during this season. I hate being stressed - I can't always keep up with the 5000% increase in "extra things" that the season brings. I love it and yet it's also super stressful at times. So what I liked about this Advent was that we already have time carved out each morning at the breakfast bar - while the kids eat breakfast before catching the school bus, I already read a morning devotional to them. So this ornament advent time just took the place of our regular thing. It was awesome, the kids got a lot out of it and I felt really satisfied about how much work it was for us vs. benefit to the kids. The theme was how all the familiar stories of the old testament all point to a Savior, and it kind of "connects the dots" for the kids to see how God's works of old all culminated in the birth of Jesus!
- St Nicholas Day with Nana & Poppy: this is the day on Dec 6th when Nana and Poppy bring their gifts to the kids, and we have an early celebration. It is awesome having all the gift giving spread out!
- Marcus had his first preschool Xmas party, complete with a special visitor :) He told Santa that he wanted a "thpecial bear", which pretty much guaranteed that he would get it, since he ALSO told the tree farm Santa that he wanted a "thpecial thpecial bear". He made his own pint-sized evergreen Xmas tree, and ate every last sugary morsel on his treat plate.
- We saw Megan perform in her ballet studio's "The Nutcracker" - four costume changes! She is using pointe shoes now too! Growing up into a stunning and loving young lady. We brought her some red tulips to celebrate.
- Ice skating: now this was fun... Hillsboro opened their first ever seasonal outdoor ice skating rink - our family went twice, and I barely care that I have zero dollars left to my name, because it was super super fun. The second time we went with our school friends, the Laurance family! Pizza lunch to celebrate afterwards :)
- Candlelight service on Christmas Eve Eve - also a super relaxing and sweet time, since we were not rushing off to a holiday gathering afterwards. The big kids got to sit in the service with us and light their own candles!
- Special meal with Drew & Sarah in Tualatin on Christmas Eve - the best cooks in town invited us over for Xmas Eve dinner and games, and we all did the happy dance when the plans finalized! The cousins put on a talent show, complete with long and intricate "stories", short and funny one-liners, and several "quiet coyote" signals to quiet the rowdy listeners. I laughed so hard, we love this sweet family! I wish they lived next door :)
- Christmas morning with the kids... We left Grinch dust, oats, carrots and apples out on the front lawn to keep the Grinch away and feed the reindeer, and also cookies and milk for the Big Guy! The kids opened their gifts to each other (always the highlight of the gift giving time), and we woke up in the morning to four excited little people who were eager to open their treasures and eat our special traditional breakfast!
- Christmas dinner in Vancouver with the locals who were in town - a sweet time together. Also some cooking with Dad - an impromptu decision to make rosettes right before our gathering - (Gran's old tradition)... Marin and Dad have done these together a few years in a row :)
- Newell celebration with my parents and Jessica's family, starting the day after Christmas! More fun, cooking, eating, presents, playing with the chickens, coffee and hugs! Love spending time with my people. My sister can just move next door too, please.
- Corrigan extended family New Years weekend gathering - complete with ALL the out-of-towners (minus a few teenagers who have a life, ha ha!)... Lots of smooching of the Texas baby Emma, and our attempt at a group picture! Once again, I love my people.
It was a wild and wonderful Christmas season, and while each year there are at least a few things I have to miss out on (ZOO LIGHTS, boo hoo!), it is about quality not quantity, and I am thankful for all the fun, mostly good health, and the chance to spend time with eachother.
Thank you Jesus for Your indescribable gift.
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| Weekly Advent candle lighting |
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| We hung our advent ornaments on the birdcage! |
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| St. Nicholas Day |
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| Dance girls! |
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| Little ice skating cars - GENIUS!! |
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| Suspender Christmas boys |
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| Two crazy boys and a little angel ;) |
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| My treasures |
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| Maddy bought Max a Lego Chima set |
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| Marcus bought Maddy wedge boots ;) |
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| Max bought Marin a stuffed dog & coloring purse |
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| Marin bought Marcus a stuffed polar bear |
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| Xmas Eve with the other Oregon Corrigans ;) |
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| Ready for bed! |
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| Matching jammies! |
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| I've clearly spent enough time getting the kids to smile nicely for pictures. Husband is my new project :) |
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| A highlight - a wall full of loved ones! |
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