John, Bethany and Ian

Rejoicing in life

2011-10-28T11:46:00.007-06:00

Today would have been my Dad's 58th Birthday. Oh how I wish I could call him to say Happy Birthday. Maybe we would be cooking him dinner. Maybe he could read Ian his bedtime stories.

We have been so blessed with life....

One of the most important things my Dad taught me was to pay attention. Whether that was a hawk flying beside the road, even if that meant having to swerve at the last minute to avoid a tree or another car. Or remembering what cards were already played in euchre, even that one great game during the campout in 2005. But most importantly to pay attention to each other . Remembering people's names, a joke they thought was funny, or something important to them - and hearing it all. In our family, John, Ian and I, spend time at dinner talking about our favorite part of the day, then with intention we listen with our ears and eyes while the other person is sharing. It has become something Ian will ask randomly "Mommy what's your part today?" When we ask him he usually says, "Um probably eating dinner to you." My Dad's presence is extended into special parts of our lives. I'm blessed to have learned that lesson long before he died. My hope is that Ian will feel my Dad's love through my actions as a parent, since I have a very special, loving Father who taught me to pay attention by giving me his.

Hurricane Katrina - 6 years later

2011-08-29T15:41:00.001-06:00

I heard this six years ago on NPR about a month after Hurricane Katrina. I think it is such a valuable essay on the true lessons we learned, and should keep learning.
"That was a strong wind blew across the south coast. Thousands of Americans opened their eyes and stared in the crevice that's always at their feet. I lived in that hole once. I was a poor single woman on welfare. I know the desperation of looking for a job with an eviction notice in my bag. I stole toilet paper from public restrooms, not because I'm a thief by nature, but because food stamps don't by toilet paper. I lived in roachy apartments on risky streets, rode the bus to mindless jobs, and I worried about my kids in their overcrowded classrooms with their metal detector portals. Struggle is struggle, poor is poor, suffering is suffering. As my Navaho friend put it, 'if you've been to the bottom, you are one of us.' I hauled myself out - went to school, got a good job. But we who are one of us, we know each other when we meet at conferences and in coffee shops. You who are one of us recognize the metaphor that Katrina made manifest. Everyday our people plead for rescue while the water rises up beneath them threatening to swallow them whole. We who are one of us saw ourselves in those faces. Not because of shared complexion, but because of shared experience. If you haven't lived in poverty's hole, you aren't one of us. You don't know how hard it is to dig out. If you aren't one of us you might be comforted by the belief that you're doing something right, and we're doing something wrong. You might believe that's the difference between struggle and comfort, between daily safety and daily risk, between having and wanting, between being one of you and being one of us. If you haven't lived in poverty's hole you might not know how slippery the walls are, how easy you slide down, how close you are to being one of us. I wonder how many of you, you who aren't one of us, looked down on New Orleans rooftops and opened your eyes to the chasm at your own feet. I wonder how many folks in New Orleans who are one of us have just climbed out of poverty's hole, only to be blown back in by the storm. How many more blown down that hole for the first time are just now learning to be one of us. Those of you who are not one of us, wherever you are, did you hear Katrina whisper your name? Did you hear her ask how many pay checks do you have left, how much do you owe on your car? Did your eyes open wide when you looked in the eye of the hurricane? Did you see us looking back? Were we close enough to touch? I wouldn't close my eyes again if I were you - the strong wind can blow you in." - Cynthia Hendrickson

I heard this story today and it makes me sad -
http://www.npr.org/2011/08/29/140012919/left-out-post-katrina-housing-battle-continues

It's a......

2011-08-18T13:46:00.001-06:00

4th of July

2011-08-06T09:05:00.002-06:00

Drought and Famine in Africa

2011-07-20T08:05:00.003-06:00

I heard a story on NPR this morning about the severe famine in the Horn of Africa that has left 30% of children acutely malnourished, and that 4 in every 10,000 children are dying each day. Link to that story.

Then on the Mennonite Central Committee's website there is an urgent request for funds for E. Africa, specifically Kenya and Ethiopia, because a severe drought the past two years has caused widespread famine affecting 11 million people.

I was thinking about my own beloved 2 year old, who has more than enough of everything, especially food. The poor parents of these children, who can't provide enough for any of their kids. It breaks my heart. Say prayers for these children and all the people affected by drought. Also think about donating to your favorite charities who may be doing work in Africa to help bring food to the most vulnerable.

Some links to organizations working in the areas mentioned -

MCC
Unicef
the World Food Program
Save the Children
CARE

This boy

2011-06-28T07:55:00.003-06:00

is doing great with potty training, and he's going to be a big brother! We are expecting Baby Simpson #2 sometime around January 5, 2012.

Colorado Railroad Museum

2011-03-04T09:41:00.001-07:00

Your children

2011-02-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

School

2011-01-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

Ian + Dogs + Popcorn = too much fun

2011-01-25T15:26:00.003-07:00

This was too funny not to share.

Wheat Grinder

2011-01-13T15:12:00.003-07:00

My Mom got us a wheat grinder for our Kitchenaid mixer. It was one of my favorite Christmas gifts this year. Ian and John tried it out yesterday -

John made Cowboy Cookies, and they were yummy. No white flour or sugar were used in the recipe, so they aren't the prettiest cookies, but they are yummy.

Tonight I'm planning on making this -
Banana-Apple Bread
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup applesauce
1/3 brown sugar (I'll use organic)
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed bananas

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9X5-inch loaf pan w/ cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the butter, applesauce, and brown sugar. Add the eggs and mashed bananas and stir until well blended. Add the banana and eggs to the flour mixture and stir until the flour is absorbed.
Bake in a loaf pan for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Take bread out of the oven and let sit for about 15 minutes. Invert the loaf pan onto a wire rack, remove the plan and let the bread cool.

I can't wait to try it.

Big Country

2011-01-06T09:52:00.003-07:00

">

NPR had a special on bluegrass music many years ago. We were driving home from my Grandma and Grandpa Miller's, listening to the radio, and this song came on. I was in the front seat, my Dad was driving, and I heard this song, Big Country, for the first time and I remember saying to my Dad that it was one of the best I've ever heard. I still feel that way. I wanted to share it with you.

My new obsession

2010-12-17T06:43:00.004-07:00

My first attempt at a parenting post - Giving the gift of calm

2010-12-14T08:37:00.002-07:00

I’ve never been a Mommy to a two year old before, so I certainly understand that I don’t have all the answers when it comes to parenting. One thing I am very grateful for is a husband who is a team member with me. We don’t always agree on everything, but we’re always able to support each other, discuss our differences, and come up with what we feel is best for Ian and for our family.

One thing both of us have learned during these two years is that nothing can be hard and fast when it comes to raising a child. Ian is an independent, strong willed, amazing little person. There are certain things we don’t falter on, like Ian’s safety, that there will be no hitting each other or trying to rip out the dog’s legs, but there are many, many things we’ve learned to be flexible about.

Last week we had a wonderful service at church, the Hanging of the Greens. It was fun to be there to celebrate with our congregation, other Mennonite congregations from the Denver metro, and many other guests. By the time we were ready to leave it was around nine o’clock, well passed a certain someone’s bedtime. He was sitting in the Nursery, being rocked by his favorite caretaker there. He was holding a choo-choo in his hands, and instead of making him put it back, I chose to let him take it home. That was a battle I was not going to fight. Yes Ian needs to learn that he can’t have everything he wants, and that you can’t take things that aren’t yours, but not when he’s two years old and exhausted. We took it back to church this past Sunday and picked one other toy we could borrow.

On the way home that night, John said it has taken him awhile to figure out that he has to choose his battles. I think it’s a lesson all parents need to learn. I think one of the most important things is to remain consistent, which is easier said then done.

We shared a meal with a family from church one Sunday several years ago. They had, at the time, a two year old boy. He didn’t want to sit in his highchair at the table and was throwing a fit. Instead of giving in to his screaming his Dad took him aside and talked to him until he calmed down. They came back to the table and he sat and ate in the highchair with no further issues. I remember the Father saying, “if it isn’t ok at home it isn’t ok here.” It was disruptive at the time, but looking back I think they made the best choice for their son. Remaining consistent was the most important thing in the situation, not making everyone comfortable, not allowing him to do whatever he wanted just because they weren’t at home, and most importantly remaining calm.

We are pretty lucky because Ian is a good little boy, who is mostly nice and mostly well behaved. Sometimes he gets a little overexcited about something and starts to get a little wild, but if we remain calm and get him to calm down I think we’ll be serving him well. We will hopefully be able to teach him how to regulate his emotions and how to react calmly to situations. Only time will tell.

Day 7,

2010-11-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am seriously slacking on my 30 day gratitude challenge. I have to be honest. I have decided that I will continue it until I reach 30 days, no matter how long it takes me. I drastically underestimated the time it takes to blog. So here begins Day 7 -
I was reading a blog, Passionate Homemaking, and her post One Thousand Gifts: Learning to See and Name Every One. Many years ago I kept a gratitude journal. I believe it was Oprah who originally suggested it, and I did it when I was in high school and sometimes in college. Then this week, Becky Horst, my old adviser at Goshen College wrote this excellent Advent devotional. My Mom said she spent some intentional time saying what she is grateful for, at Becky's urging. I think it's an excellent practice to adopt in our daily lives. When I used to keep a gratitude journal I wrote 5 things I was thankful for every day, and they were as simple as my Dad's excellent dinner or getting a good grade on a test. I believe this practice opens our hearts to realize how much we have in our lives. It doesn't take much to think of five things each day, and the things that you think of will amaze you. I have to include a picture of the thing I'm most thankful for each and every day -

Day 6 – Giving the gift of hospitality

2010-11-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am an introvert. My favorite thing to do on a Friday night is to go grocery shopping, eat pizza and watch Dateline, while playing Farmville. The last two happen after Ian falls asleep. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy spending time with people and sharing meals, but it exhausts me. So I need to learn balance for myself, and for my family. John is the opposite of me, he gets his energy from being with other people. What a dilemma! I have to admit that I win out more then he does. We really enjoy making food and sharing that food with others. Thankfully we also have my Mom around who is the queen of hospitality. She knows how to bring people together. I think it’s a great gift to teach your children also. That all that we have we should share with others – time, money, talents, food and friendship. I’m working on my introverted ways, but it’s not always easy.

Who wouldn't want to spend time with this guy?

Day 5 - Giving the Gift of Food

2010-11-13T12:32:00.007-07:00

Our favorite recipes.

Here are the links to our favorite recipes from around the world wide web. This is really mostly for me so I can remember where to find them all. This first post includes a recipe from each of the main categories.

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes
Maple Oatmeal Muffins

Bread
Applesauce Bread
Honey Cornbread

Main Dishes
Garlic Chicken Pasta - sooo yummy, tastes even better with shrimp
Stuffed Pizza Rolls

Snacks
Chewy Granola Bars

Soups
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Quinoa Chili
Baked Potato Soup - The best soup EVER

Cookies
Pumpkin Cookies w/ Maple Frosting
Sugar Cookies

Day 4 - Giving the gift of Generations

2010-11-08T07:36:00.005-07:00

Ian's birthday is November 5th. Thankfully he was able to spend that day with all of his Grandparents. We had such a nice time together, with a wonderful meal cooked by John, and a fun time opening presents. Bob and Sara came out from Ohio to spend the week with us for Ian's birthday. It feels like such a blessing that they are able to do that for their Grandchildren. John and I each only have one grandparent left, John's Grandpa Bryson and my Grandma Blough. We love them very much, and enjoy spending time with them, however infrequently. Enjoy your Grandparents while you can.

Day 3 - Giving the gift of reading

2010-11-03T07:58:00.005-06:00

I love to read. I don't always fit reading into my schedule, which is not a good thing. We have tons of books in the house, and a lot of kid's books for Ian to pick through. They're under the TV (don't know if that negates some of their good qualities or not). We spend time each day reading, and Ian can always choose to look at books if he wants to. I have always loved libraries. My parents took me as a young child, and I plan on extending the love of libraries to Ian.

There has been some interesting research lately - especially interesting is this article from Salon.com, which says "Children with as few as 25 books in the family household completed on average two more years of schooling than children raised in homes without any books." Obviously actually reading the books helps, but research has shown that just having books around helps your child's success.

This past Thursday was my Dad's birthday. It was the 3rd birthday since he's been gone. A family friend was killed in an accident last week, and I couldn't help but think of my Dad. He was the BEST reader. He read all the time. As long as I can remember. Not only did he read for himself, but he read to us. My most favorite memories are of my Dad reading to me.

I wrote this on Thursday -
Today

my heart is broken,
but not for you.
my wild boy kisses my forehead with his,
and washes my feet when they're dirty.
and the sunrise was beautiful today
and the mountains have snow
and i can't help but think that
you're the only one who would know what
to say right now
before the pain will burst us all wide open.

sometimes life is a little too much for me

and then he climbs in our chair for a story
and you come rushing back
and i know that this is the miracle
and we'll be ok

Day 2 - Give of your time, VOTE

2010-11-02T11:49:00.006-06:00

Maybe this should have been yesterday's post, but this being the election day I think it's important to view voting as giving of your time. I will be voting this afternoon (somehow missed out on the whole mail-in ballot thing). I will go with my cheat sheet in hand, having done all the research to prepare.

We can sometimes get caught up in all the negative rhetoric from media and political ads, and forget that we are voting for issues and people because it's our right to do so. The 19th Amendment, Women's Suffrage, was ratified in 1920. There is fascinating history surrounding Women's Suffrage - Susan B Anthony's fight for the right to vote, to Woodrow Wilson's change or heart regarding suffrage. We have to pay homage to the warrior women who got us where we are today.

30 Day Giving Challenge

2010-11-01T08:31:00.003-06:00

This month John, Ian and I are going to join in the 30 Day Giving Challenge

To see more information, click on the button.
Day One
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

I would like to start by talking about an organization that I have supported for several years now, Women for Women International. From their web-site -
Our Theory of Change: Women for Women International believes that when women are well, sustain an income, are decision-makers, and have strong social networks and safety-nets, they are in a much stronger position to advocate for their rights. This philosophy and our commitment to local leadership builds change and capacity at the grassroots level.

I have been matched with several women, three from Bosnia, and one from Afghanistan. Again from their web-site -

Each country’s program varies due to economic, political, cultural and religious factors. However, in all countries where we work, your monthly support ensures that your sister receives the following tools and support over the course of her one-year participation:

Direct aid on a monthly basis in cash.
Emotional support and encouragement from her trainers, fellow participants and from you, her sponsor.
Training on leadership, rights awareness and the role of women in society.
Job skills training applicable to the local economy.
A network of women to connect with in her community.
Small business assistance and in some countries Microcedit.
Access to a variety of other programs, depending on the country or region where your sister lives. These include, for example, literacy training in Kosovo, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention training in Nigeria, savings and investment counseling in Rwanda and infant care classes in Afghanistan.

It is very little monetarily, but I have had the opportunity to share letters with the women I sponsor. We are so blessed to live in a country where we have opportunities, and doing the work of peace and justice in the world sometimes means helping women right where they are. I'm happy to be able to help in this way.

I hope to be able to keep this up for the full 30 days. It will coincide with my every day of November thankfulness status updates on Facebook, which I did last year and loved so very much.

time for an update

2010-10-31T07:12:00.003-06:00

It's long past time for an update. We have been doing some fun things this Fall. The first few pictures are of our highly intelligent little boy reading his chapter books. He also wanted to wear Daddy's boots, always cute. I have pictures of me wearing my Daddy's boots when I was Ian's age.

We went to the Refuge Roundup at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. It was fun.

Ian loves "choo-choos" so we road the light rail into downtown Denver. My sweet boy had so much fun.

Delo and Christina think he looks like an orphan child in the last picture. I say, at least we're feeding him. :)
I can't believe this guy will be 2 in less then a week.

Ian at School

2010-10-21T13:02:00.000-06:00

Silly

2010-10-18T15:08:00.005-06:00

Untitled from Bethany Simpson on Vimeo.

Broncos and a Boy

2010-09-24T09:27:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Hassan, John and I got to go to the Bronco's home opener last Sunday. Besides the fact that it was 96 in Denver and we were sitting in the sun, we had a great time. The Bronco's beat the Seahawks and we saw John Elway. His box was right behind us. Pretty sweet. John says he looks huge and old.

John's big day - and Ian is happy

2010-09-10T22:08:00.002-06:00

Book List - Updated

2010-09-07T09:26:00.004-06:00

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Sheffer
Read and really liked. It was a quick and easy read.
2. The Unnamed – Joshua Ferris
Tried to read and I hated it.
3. Run – Ann Patchett
This was a really good book. Not much else to say about it.
4. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home – Rhoda Janzen
Hate. I can't say enough times how much I hated it. I like the reviews and discussions here -
http://100memoirs.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/laughing-out-loud-mennonite-in-a-little-black-dress/
5. The Lacuna – Barbara Kingsolver
I could probably write about this book a lot. You have to pay attention to every single word. It is a beautiful story of an American boy who grows up in Mexico. There are so many themes and stories - communism, his friendship with Frida Kahlo, WWII, etc.
6. The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible – AJ Jacobs
I'm reading this book now and so far I love it. It is very interesting and funny.
7. Last Night in Twisted River – John Irving
Oh how I love John Irving. Here is the best line from this amazing story -
"We don't always have a choice how we get to know one another. Sometimes, people fall into our lives cleanly--as if out of the sky, or as if there were a direct flight from Heaven to Earth--the same sudden way we lose people, who once seemed they would always be part of our lives"
8. Bite Me: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
9. You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
10. A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

And because I know most people really only want to see Ian, here are a few pictures of that guy -

Operation Ohio Surprise

2010-08-16T19:56:00.002-06:00

On Friday I surprised John in Ohio. He didn't think I was coming, but he was wrong. I told Ian, and thankfully he kept the secret. Here is John's face right after I said "SURPRISE!"

i'll see you next time around

2010-07-31T20:54:00.002-06:00

"If I should go by in the wink of an eye
Do not worry for me where I'm bound
Beginnings and endings are only pretendings
I'll see you next time around."

Monday Funny

2010-07-12T08:22:00.001-06:00

The great white North

2010-07-10T21:13:00.006-06:00

This batch is from our first few days in Alaska. We drove from Anchorage to Kenai and the drive is amazing. On the way is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They have black and brown bears, reindeer, moose, porcupines, bison (did you know there are no buffalo in N. America, except maybe at the zoo. They have never been buffalo - our elementary teachers lied), eagles, owls, musk ox, and elk. Ian enjoyed seeing the animals and getting out of the car. Then we arrived in Kenai where we stayed for the first half of our trip. We were hoping to see moose roaming the streets, but alas, they stayed away. We did see several along the side of the road. From Kenai you can see Mount Redoubt, an active volcano (which you can see in the distance in the picture of Ian and me). We ate at the coolest little cafe called Veronica's. I fell in love with Kenai when we were there. Next time - Seward and the Kenai Fjords Cruise.

Ian {Denver}

2010-07-08T10:27:00.003-06:00

There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking.
So, quiet now cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm nursing my baby, and babies don't keep.

Blue Poppies

2010-07-02T13:03:00.004-06:00

I'll add more Alaska pictures soon, but for right now I'll add pictures of my new obsession. I don't think I could keep them alive in Colorado, but I will try.

Anniversary

2010-06-06T21:39:00.007-06:00

silly

2010-06-02T22:01:00.001-06:00

This is how he acts with a slight fever.

hodge podge

2010-05-30T22:12:00.002-06:00

Down and dirty

2010-05-04T19:59:00.002-06:00

magazines, drawers, flowers, & water

2010-04-28T11:28:00.005-06:00

This is Ian looking at the Oriental Trading magazine

This is where Ian likes to play when we are cleaning, cooking, or just messing around in the kitchen

This is in front of our house. We have many tulips this year.

Ever wonder why parents purchase a water table for their kids? Well this is one of many activities, another is drinking the water like a dog.

Now we are having fun!

You'll laugh

2010-04-23T16:17:00.002-06:00

Apples and peanut butter

2010-04-17T09:15:00.003-06:00

Book babies

2010-04-13T21:02:00.004-06:00

Ian and John went to Book Babies at the library today. Here is a video.

New things

2010-04-09T20:48:00.003-06:00

Sweet boy

2010-03-25T18:01:00.006-06:00

Simpson Visit

2010-03-19T22:14:00.005-06:00

The Bullers were here from Goshen and we had them over for dinner.

He is quite helpful

We drove to one of our favorite Colorado spots, Dillon Lake, which was frozen over. It was beautiful, but COLD and WINDY. We ate at a yummy restaurant.

It took a couple of days, but he warmed up to his MeMaw

John's special request was Red Robin for his Birthday

Update

2010-03-02T08:31:00.003-07:00

This is not John, but it's what John does while he's at the airport. He's had the chance to work a lot in the past couple of weeks. We haven't had a lot of snow, but the chance of a lot of snow.

He can climb on the chairs now and he's very proud of this!

He found the bag of Goldfish and he shoveled them in his mouth as fast as he could. This was at work with John last week.

I haven't posted in awhile, and I wanted to put some pictures up today.

Getcha' Fingers

2010-02-15T15:18:00.001-07:00

Fort

2010-02-03T14:12:00.002-07:00

Ian is lucky to have a fun Aunt to play with. This is Ian playing in the fort Brooke made for him. She wonders why he doesn't take naps when she comes over :)

Just a shot into the life.

2010-02-02T09:34:00.007-07:00

Yesterday we went to the park next to Bethany's work. It was sunny but a little windy. Ian didn't care.

This is Ian reading a book. He really likes to sit and listen to books. It is a lot of fun.

This is in the morning. Inside looking out as I let the dogs out. He is in snowman PJs.

Here he is helping Bethany do laundry. As soon as the dryer door is open he dives right in. And he likes to be inside the laundry basket.

Here he is watching American Idol. He loves music.

Here he is at my work picking up paper clips and then dumping them out. He did this for about 10 minutes.

And here Ian is taking a bath.

Wednesday

2010-01-27T11:23:00.002-07:00

Ian Singing

2010-01-25T09:15:00.002-07:00

You may have to turn up your volume to hear this one, but I recorded Ian singing to us on the way to church. It's his new favorite thing. He still dances sometimes, but he's singing more now.

Ian today and books all year

2010-01-19T09:32:00.005-07:00

A lot of the blogs I read are compiling reading lists for 2010, and it inspired me to do the same thing. I can read 12 books in 12 months, right? That’s my hope anyway. I’m thinking that having a list and a plan will help me to complete this task. So here is my list, in no particular order. A lot will likely depend on the library and the availability of these books. The list is subject to change without notice.

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Sheffer
2. Let the Great World Spin – Colum McCann
3. The Unnamed – Joshua Ferris
4. Run – Ann Patchett
5. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home – Rhoda Janzen
6. The Lacuna – Barbara Kingsolver
7. The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible – AJ Jacobs
8. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide – Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
9. Last Night in Twisted River – John Irving
10. The Year of the Flood – Margaret Atwood
11. Both Ways is the Only Way I Want – Maile Meloy
12. Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys – Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson

Have any of you already read any of these books? If so, what did you think? I’ll write an unprofessional review when I’m finished with each of these.

John's comment for the next picture -

"he can't ask, he has to try on his own

We were so thankful to get 10 comments on our post for Haiti, and we made our donation to MCC.

Here are some pictures John texted me today of Ian this morning. He loves to watch music on TV, and he's watching a Farm Aid concert in the first picture. He also loves these lift the flap books we have. In the last picture he's singing (or screaming).

Help for Haiti - Comment for $$

2010-01-15T08:45:00.003-07:00

I want to do something to help Haiti, so I'm teaming up with other bloggers to raise money for the earthquake relief. John and I will donate $10 (up to $100) to Mennonite Central Committee for every comment we receive on this post. I know we don't have a lot of readers, but all you have to do is post a comment and we'll donate. Keep praying for everyone involved. Here is a link - http://mcc.org/

Stream of Consciousness

2010-01-14T11:01:00.006-07:00

Since this is how I think most of the time, and because one of my “resolutions” is to write more often, I’ve decided to use our blog as more then just a place to put pictures of Ian, although I promise that the pictures will continue as well. I was reading this book and the author was saying that we should stop thinking about what we don’t have, and start to focus on the things we do have. John and I are a little more strapped financially these days, since he’s going to school and working less. I was working on our budget yesterday, and getting frustrated at all the things we have to scale back on. It gave me pause to think of all the things we do have, and the things we can gain from making different choices – like spending more time at home, cooking good food, playing with Ian and reading him books, which he’s getting more and more interested in all the time. I also thought about how blessed we are to have our health, even though Ian and I both have a cold right now, it’s nothing when you compare it to the things it could be. We have laughter. That’s one of my favorite things about my relationship with John – he makes me laugh (and not just because he’s funny looking :) ) Ian’s picked up on the laughter, and every time he hears someone laugh he laughs too. And we're thinking about Miss Lacey right now, and sending her lots of hugs and laughter.
Then there is Haiti, and all the sadness and destruction and devastation there. It is incomprehensible to me how terrible it must be to be doing your best to survive, and feeling like there is no hope. It leads people to the brink, and that’s what is scary now. I will keep everyone involved in my prayers.
Here is a picture, since I know that’s what the people come back for. It’s from this morning, from a cell phone camera – but it’s a snapshot into John and Ian’s routine I’ve come to love and look forward to.

Christmas time

2010-01-07T21:44:00.005-07:00

Oliver was born 5 days after Ian, and this was their first time playing together. It went well, and we wish we lived closer so they could play more often.

The best present

Silly baby

Visiting with Great Grandpa Bryson

Ian and Isaac in Iowa

AJ & Taylor got married on New Year's Eve and Ian had fun on the dance floor

These are in no particular order b/c blogger and I aren't friends when it comes to that kind of thing. We had a nice trip from Colorado to Iowa to Ohio and back. We saw each side of both of our families, and that was great.

silly vaccuum

2010-01-05T09:55:00.001-07:00

2009-12-18T09:55:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

First Christmas celebration

2009-12-15T09:51:00.001-07:00

We had fun at Grammy's house on Sunday.

2009-12-10T14:05:00.006-07:00

I'll also add Ian and Santa. John's work had a Christmas party, and last year Ian sat nicely on Santa's lap, but this year - not so excited.

Here is Ian at work.

Walking and Falling

2009-10-30T15:08:00.002-06:00

I know he takes a little tumble in this one, but
he was fine. Any day now he'll be running around the
house.

Is this a Trick or a Treat??

2009-10-28T11:37:00.002-06:00

We aren't even out of fall yet and we are having snow storms. We have about 4-5 inches right now and the snow won't stop until Thursday afternoon. There is the possibility for 18 inches over all. Bethany and I will be working from home the rest of the week and I'll be working at DIA deicing airplanes. Here are some pictures of what's happening.

D-E-E-R-E

2009-10-20T08:36:00.002-06:00

So my Aunt bought Ian this little John Deere radio that makes the most amazing noises (she says sarcastically). The other night I was singing the song while Ian was doing something else, he crawled over to his radio and pushed the button. He may have been trying to shut us up, or he might have really wanted to hear that song. We didn't capture that on video, but this morning John got him doing it. I love this video. He's so smart :)

strawberry swing...

2009-10-19T10:58:00.002-06:00

We took advantage of the 80 degree weather and put up the swing we bought Ian for his birthday. He hasn't been in a swing that many times (does that make us bad?) and he loved it. We also got the flower beds cleaned out, the sprinklers blown out, and our car and garage organized. All this after church. The countdown to Ian's first birthday has begun - with 17 days left until he's one. I can't believe it. It's hard for me to remember what I was feeling and doing this time last year. I know I was anticipating his arrival, and tired, and scared, and excited. I was also prepared for him to go over his due date (he came early by 5 days). I remember making all my Dr's appointments through the 40th week and just hoping I wouldn't have to go to the last one or two. Thankfully Ian responded to his eviction notice. Every day and in every way I'm thankful for him. Joy surrounds him and he's just wonderful. Every night I pray "God please keep Ian safe as he sleeps. Thank you for the blessing he is to our lives, please let him bless everyone he meets. Amen."

Ian At Work

2009-10-16T14:04:00.002-06:00

This is Ian in my office before he ate some food. The T-shirt is what Grammy got him in New Mexico. It says he is "Leader of the pack" with a wolf print. As you can see Ian is getting a bigger belly.

This is him in the pack-n-play at my office. He usually takes a nap during the afternoon. I put him in here so I could sweep up the mess he made with the food he was eating.

This is Ian figuring out something new at work. The jar is what we keep pens in and he dumped out the pens to put the water bottle into the jar. He's big into putting things inside other things right now. All these images are from yesterday.

One quick picture

2009-10-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-03T21:04:00.003-06:00

Today we went to Four Mile Historic Park here for a Pumpkin Harvest Festival. It was a good time. Ian will have more fun when he's older and can do more of the activities. John enjoyed the homemade root beer, which they make there at the park. It was another beautiful day in Colorado. Blue sky, sunshine, and about 60 some odd degrees. Then we went to visit our friends Joey, Lacey, and Levi. You can see pictures of them here. It was great to see them and to meet Lacey's Momma. Levi is cuter than ever and looking great.

Our maid has been hard at work

2009-09-30T09:03:00.002-06:00

Tiny Dancer

2009-09-24T10:30:00.001-06:00

In this video our little man is dancing. He dances like his Daddy.

Johnny Appleseed

2009-09-21T13:25:00.001-06:00

Earning his keep

2009-09-17T15:47:00.004-06:00

We decided 10.5 months was a good enough time to get a job. So Ian is now cleaning Turnabout's office. In the picture he's picking up the mess. He seems to goof off on the job, and today he even took a nap.

The Wave

2009-09-14T14:02:00.001-06:00

Little Dinosaur

2009-09-14T08:10:00.001-06:00

We hired a maid....

2009-09-08T08:21:00.002-06:00

He's a little young and I don't know if he'll last very long, but he sure is trying.

Today

2009-09-01T21:03:00.003-06:00

Daddy and Ian have the same hair-do. Ian got his first "official" hair-cut today. John buzzed it.

Ian can wave, and he loves it.

He tries to pull the flowers. I don't know if 10 month olds understand just touch

These are two of his favorite thing, his ball and the hose

This is what you look like when your mean Mommy and Daddy make you stop eating dirt and mulch

Ian saying Dog (in baby language)

2009-09-01T09:49:00.002-06:00

It's no surprise to me that Ian's first word is Doggie. John and I heard him say I love you a few months ago, but no one will ever believe us on that, so we'll just keep it in our hearts. Here is the video. It sounds more like, "Da," but it is Dog. He says it every time he sees the bad, little doggies. So far all parties love each other (Mya runs and hides whenever Ian gets near, she is the smartest, after all). They accept Ian as the little human in the house, and so far, they tolerate his less than gentle touches. Lola is so desperate for anyone to pet her she lets Ian rip her hair out and pull on her ears (she is the dumbest, after all). Ian has his third cold in his short 10 month life. He does better being sick then his Mommy, that's for sure. He's getting more and more mobile, and this Saturday he actually stood without holding on to anything. It was for only 2.2 seconds, but it's something. I can't imagine this little man walking around, but he will be before we know it. He finally lifts that belly off the floor and crawls instead of just scootching. I kind of miss the army crawl, but we all have to make improvements.

Around the house..

2009-08-29T17:17:00.006-06:00

This guy has set up his home on our back porch, right outside the door. He/she only comes out at night. I don't really mind spiders, and like the work they do to bugs, so he stays. I think we could stick Mya to its web and she'd be dinner.

Ian was gardening for us one day.

These pictures will be boring to most people, but we have some beautiful zinnias this year.

These are our mystery flowers. My Mom thinks they're dahlias, but I'm not so sure. We bought them at Costco, planted them, and threw away the packages they came in.

Heather sent us some pictures, and this is our brother-in-law, Sam, and his gorgeous zinnias. You can see the amazing garden in the background. We're envious. They also have many chickens and the best tasting eggs I've ever eaten.

Ohio - The pictures should speak for themselves...

2009-08-25T10:28:00.002-06:00

This is what I miss....

2009-08-22T22:42:00.003-06:00

I won't think about our last conversation, the one about ladders,
or how we hugged and laughed b/c my belly was bigger than yours.

I won't be mad when I hear the tree scratch Ian's window during windy nights,
or when I don't know what kinds of flowers are growing in front of our house.

I will remember that you loved the world with your whole life -
just like you loved me.

Like father like son....

2009-08-11T11:03:00.003-06:00

This was too cute not to share.

I also have to include a cute picture of Ian's best buddy, Levi. They haven't actually been able to be next to each other yet since 9 month olds don't understand the word gentle. Levi is a handsome little guy. We can't wait for them to run around together someday.

Mess

2009-08-04T08:31:00.002-06:00

Colorado Springs and the first tooth

2009-07-24T21:52:00.004-06:00

This is a good picture of Ian's first tooth. Its next door neighbor is ready to pop through any day now. The new one doesn't seem to bother him too much.

We went to Colorado Springs last weekend to drive up Pike's Peak. It was a beautiful day. It was in the 80s on the bottom and at the Summit it was 47. The last picture is Ian getting taken by a Cougar. Thankfully his Daddy is so strong and was able to get him back unharmed! We had a great time.

Cambodia

2009-07-23T10:30:00.005-06:00

Ian's shirt is from Cambodia and is of Angkor Wat. It is a temple built during the 12th Century. It is also displayed on the country's flag. Kristin and Daniel sent him a couple of shirts this is one of them. He really likes it.

2009-07-23T09:38:00.004-06:00

Ian and the family to a walk to Grammy's house. We then walked home as the sun was setting and tried to get some pictures of the mountains. The pictures do not do it justice, it was amazing!!

Ian's favorite activity

2009-07-20T09:54:00.002-06:00

This is Ian's new favorite thing to do. He pulls himself up and pushes buttons on the tv, pulls DVDs off the shelves, etc. The funniest part is that he doesn't know how to get back down, so when he's tired of these activties he whines and fusses for us to come and help him down. He's a funny guy.

Visiting with Great Grandma Blough

2009-07-17T12:49:00.002-06:00

I said we were going to meet Grandma on Tuesday night last week, but instead we met her on Wednesday morning for breakfast. It was so fun to see her and and their whole group. They were at a reunion in Oregon and they were driving back through. Ian went right to his GGma and I was so glad. I know he remembered her!!

Summer

2009-07-13T21:48:00.003-06:00

This is one of my favorite pictures. I like that the dogs are there, and Ian's face is classic. His onesie is totally brown on the front. He hasn't had the chance to sit in the grass too much - and boy is that green grass. We're way over the "normal" levels for rainfall this year. Our lawn is benefiting from it, and I have to admit I love thunderstorms.

Great Aunt Brenda bought Ian this tunnel for Christmas and he can scootch his way through it. It's a really cool thing.

John was working on school work and I was working on cleaning out the pantry. Don't ask how much tea we have. Ian was trying to be helpful, if you can define helpful by eating tags and plastic and crawling all over me. Look at his muscely little arms.

This face always reminds me of Adeline, and I'm pretty sure Isaac did it too. His little scrunched up nose. He has one baby tooth. We found some gluten free cereal and tonight he ate some all by himself. I think he's going through a little independence stage with the eating. He wants to hold his own spoon and he has no clue how to operate a spoon. He also likes to hold a cup with water, but he can't figure out how to drink out of a sippy cup, so we give him cups with no lid and he drinks water for about 30 seconds, then the entire cup is dumped all over. You live and learn I guess.

Our handsome man in the grass. We weighed him and think he's almost 20 lbs. He's right in the 50th percentile on weight. We don't know how long he is, but I'd guess he's growing right along the 50th percentile on that as well. His little peanut head seems to be keeping its steady 25th percentile cuteness. Tomorrow we're going to Cheyenne to see my Grandma Blough. I tried to convince Brooke that Grandma would be there to visit her cowboy boyfriend she met on-line, but Brooke didn't buy it. When I told G-ma that tonight she laughed. She's traveling with old people, and Cheyenne is a stop on the way. It's only 1.5 - 2 hours from our house so Ian and I will go and pick up Grammy in Fort Collins and go on our way to Cheyenne. John has class so he won't be coming. We generally try to stay in after 7 pm, but we'll make an exception for Great Grandma B. We'll have pictures of that later.

Blessed to be a witness

2009-07-10T21:11:00.007-06:00

Ian is 8 months old now. Will time ever slow down? He's a little scootchin' fool, still can't really crawl, but he's fast. He still really likes all the bad things - power cords, cell phones, dog bones, the list goes on. He's also getting a little clingy to John and me. I'm not sure if I posted he got his first baby tooth. I think it's bothering him a little, and I wouldn't be surprised if another one doesn't pop in soon. He's a little fussy, but nothing too bad. He makes us laugh with his funny faces. He also likes to use Mommy and Daddy as a jungle gym. We lay on the floor and he crawls all over us. Also a new big 8 month milestone for Ian is taking a nap in his crib. I know, probably sounds crazy, but our little guy has only napped in his crib probably 3 or 4 times since he was born. I think it's my fault (I held him almost all day while I was on maternity leave). Then he was in his swing. He has always been a great sleeper at night, just not during the day. Just this past week John put him in his crib and he laid there and slept. It is amazing and we're happy for it. I must admit, though, I wouldn't give back those hours and days of holding him while he slept for anything. He isn't as cuddly anymore, and he may never be as cuddly again. John and I sat out on the backporch and watched a storm moving in tonight and we both agreed that we love our lives. There are certain things that make me pause - wishing my Dad was back, wishing family lived closer - but being in Colorado right now is being at home. When I feel sad I just have to remember the goodness. I know for sure that this baby was made for me. I am blessed to be a witness.

Catch the Cup

2009-07-09T08:27:00.002-06:00

Funny Video

2009-07-07T09:18:00.000-06:00

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/19979048/
John and I thought this was SO funny when we saw it last night. We thought we'd share it. It is also a good indication of how much rain we've gotten here this year. It's crazy.

Ian's getting bigger!

2009-07-03T23:52:00.002-06:00

Ian at the Cheese Cake Factory
Mom and Ian

He is starting to pull himself up on things.
He is liking this toy a lot.
What a big guy.

When Mom's away....

2009-06-29T09:12:00.002-06:00

Just as a note - John removed the water bowl and put it outside.

BROOKE ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!!!???!!!

2009-06-25T12:41:00.003-06:00

Ian loves swimming. We got a really cute little pool and yesterday was SOOO hot Daddy and Ian spent time swimming. I don't think Daddy could fit into the pool, though. Ian can sit up on his own really well, so we're having more fun at bath time. His favorite thing to do is splash splash splash. Ian is scootching around everywhere, he can get up on his hands and knees, but he hasn't put two and two together for the "real" crawling. He loves to play with everything he's not supposed to, which I know is normal. It's funny b/c you think everything is baby proofed until the day the baby goes for something. He's a great little guy, and we have more and more fun everyday.
PS - doesn't our grass look green? Very exciting!!

Because he's the cutest...

2009-06-19T21:55:00.002-06:00

He looks a little sad and pathetic in this one, but I think he was just sleepy.

Daddy picked this outfit.

Raining cats and dogs and hail...

2009-06-12T08:34:00.005-06:00

Last night we had the most intense storm I can ever remember. It rained hard and then it hailed. We thought windows were going to break. It has been a very moist Spring here.
Here are some pictures of the aftermath. The hail was still on the ground this morning.

He's my joy

2009-06-11T09:26:00.003-06:00

I stole the line from my friend Margo, she has a little baby boy too. He's a little younger than Ian, but someday they'll meet and be friends (perhaps at Goshen??) Anyway, here is the little one who brings me joy when he's sleeping, when he's laughing, even when he's a little bit fussy. Sometimes even I wonder where we hold all the grief from losing my Dad, then I see this little face and I know the grief is wrapped up in love for him. For all of us. Forever.

June

2009-06-08T21:06:00.003-06:00

Ian's little personality is getting more and more obvious everyday. He's very laid back, but he has a little temper too. He's a funny guy. Here are some pictures. We couldn't stop laughing at his crazy "old man with no teeth" face.

2009-06-06T22:06:00.001-06:00

Pictures for BROOKEY

2009-06-01T21:21:00.003-06:00

Decorating

2009-05-25T19:06:00.005-06:00

Here is Ian being his normal happy self.

We moved the rug into the living room.

John built this quilt rack in High School and

here is my antique Amish quilt that my Aunt

Gail gave me.

A little memorial to my beloved Daddy.

a couple more...

2009-05-23T21:20:00.003-06:00