Saturday, May 4, 2013

Callepitter : How a misspelled word inspired me to get into business.


I have a favorite book. 

It isn't a novel, biography, fantasy or really anything of that sort.  It is a worn, green, pocket-sized book whose title page says in calligraphy;

Addresses, Phone Numbers, And Such Like…

The book is filled with my mother’s handwriting; loopy, smooth and somehow, kind.  In case you are questioning my taste in books, this one is not full of addresses but instead, little stories.  You can see for yourself what they are like:

(click on the picture if your eyesight isn't what it used to be ;)

You’ll notice about two-thirds of the way down this page, a one-line story about me.  When I was five, I discovered fuzzy, colorful caterpillars in our yard and excitedly but mistakenly called them “callepitters” for a long time.  Now I am twenty-five years old, and that little one-line entry represents a lot to me because it reminds me that my mom was listening

To put this in perspective, in 1993 my mom had eight children ages 2-12 to take care of. (!!!) She was packing lunches, giving rides, feeding babies, doing laundry, cleaning house and any number of other motherly tasks.  Can you imagine then, finding the energy to notice a slight mispronunciation from a five-year old, seeing the humor in it, and taking the time to write it down?  But she did, and I am so grateful!  Especially because now, I have the chance and the desire to be that kind of mom too.

My sisters and I are reviving a project that our mom started years ago—a published, adorably illustrated version of that little green book and I am so excited to share it!


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Kodak moments

 My wonderful twinner, Emily got some fun new photo equipment for Christmas and we were very happy to help her try it out...well, I was happy,  Dane was willing, and Jace was just along for the ride ;)
enjoy!


Thursday, January 17, 2013

a real shot in the leg

I remember reading an article in which the author asked, "Parents, would you ever knowingly cause your child pain?  Of course you would!"

I was shocked! but I understood better as I read on and as I drove Jace to the doctor's office this morning.
Jace was due for his next round of vaccines so as I drove, I told him (as any nonsensical but loving parent would tell a fidgety 10-week-old) that he was headed for something that was not very nice. I told him I was sorry for it, but I was going to let it happen because even though it was going to hurt, it wouldn't be nearly as painful as getting polio, diphtheria, tetanus or any other scary disease he might otherwise get. So it was really for his own good.  He had no way of knowing it, but I knew it and that was enough.

I've learned this lesson before.  I've even had similar experiences with Jace over the past two months, but letting Jace get five shots in his little legs today reminded me that God knows when life hurts.  He knew it was going to hurt and, yep--He even allows it to happen.  He also knows how it will be good for us.  And that is enough.

Jace stopped crying as soon as I picked him up.  He even smiled and cooed before we left the office and I thought to myself, "I want to be as tough as Jace.  I want to trust my Father the way that Jace trusts me."

It was a very sweet lesson I learned from my baby boy today.




Friday, November 9, 2012

Welcome Jace!

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are three good ones from our time at the hospital.
We are all doing really well and happy to be home with my mom's company, help and excellent cooking :) We love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers and we can't wait for you all to meet him.



Saturday, October 20, 2012

What are we missing?...oh, a baby!

We have a place all ready for baby Short! It came together so nicely, I had to share some of the details...

1. Before I got a sewing machine or a job, I spent a lot of my free time crocheting.  This little elephant turned out to be a keeper:) Then I got a sewing machine (!) and made curtains and a blanket with my mom when she visited in August.
2. My twinner Emily designed this sweet tryptich of "You are my sunshine".  I remember my mom singing it to us often.
3. These are just cute pictures.  The smaller one is from our 23 week ultrasound.  I love that you can see his little fingers!
4. These hot-air balloons are also a product of pre-sewing machine free time.

This is another project I'm pleased with.  When I decided to re-cover the car seat, I think I bit off WAY more than I could chew as a sewing-machine beginner, but with lots of calls to Mom, encouragement from Dane, and seam-ripping, I got it back together just right!  The cute little duck is from Mom :)

Here's what's happening outside the nursery:

  • We got holes punched in our Colorado drivers' licenses this week :( Luckily, we both passed the required written test and our California ID's are on their way.
  • I finally submitted my application for a teaching license and received my CSU diploma in the mail!
  • Today is Dane's 10th day of work in a row.  He's been working really hard and is looking forward to a well-earned 'weekend' starting tomorrow.
  • I have two piano students, both are fun to work with and are making wonderful progress.
  • Dane's Sunday School class of 12-13 year-olds love him.  He sometimes gets hopeful stowaways from other age groups, but sends them back to their respective teachers.

Overall, life is good. The only thing that would make it better (we both agree) is if baby Short decided to make his birthday happen soon!  We can hardly wait.







Wednesday, September 26, 2012

One fish...

Last Saturday a few friends from church threw me a wonderful baby shower with the cutest Dr. Seuss-themed decorations, food and treats.  One of them even took professional-style photos of the whole thing that I wanted to share...

Like I said, everything was ADORABLE! 

The gifts were wonderful and it was great to have "girl time" with so many fun ladies!

I generally don't enjoy being in the spotlight (I honestly think I almost had a heart attack before my bridal shower!) but amazingly, this baby shower was easy and comfortable for me...because of the people.  We've only lived in Manteca for four months, but I already feel like we have a wonderful "village" of people to help us raise our little guy!
And we are so grateful.



Monday, September 17, 2012

a note from the author

I know that one of my favorite things in life is watching videos, reading about, and seeing pictures of my friends and family with their adorable kids, impressive DIY projects, adventurous trips and general thoughts on life.  On the other hand I am sometimes appalled at how poorly I keep in touch with good friends and members of my family!  So I have decided to give the blogging world a try.  I can't promise to be consistent but I think I will enjoy sharing our adventures in the far away land of California with our very favorite people.  Thanks for being one of them!
Much love,

ellen