... but you can't take the 'Ham out of the Lewis: 09/01/2008 - 10/01/2008

... but you can't take the 'Ham out of the Lewis

What's going on up here anyhow?

Saturday, September 27, 2008

When did he start getting long legs?


Theo got this bike for his birthday, but his legs used to be too short to ride on it and he would just push it around the yard... until yesterday. He is able to stay on it using his tippy toes and a lot of concentration. When he pays attention to something else (like maybe his dad taking his picture) he tends to fall down. Don't worry, he's okay. :)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Needed: Christmas Ideas


My goal for this year is to start some Christmas traditions at home with our kids! I am asking all of you to share your favorite Christmastime memory from your own or your children's memories. I am looking for ideas for decorations, meals, parties, and advent activities.


Christmas is my favorite holiday and I really want my kids to know how blessed we are by blessing those around us! Please share your favorite thing you've done to bless others during the holidays, too!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Oh, the love!



Penny and Theo did some hugging, kissing and wrestling this afternoon. After these very sweet pictures, Theo ended up knocking Penny over (she didn't mind), then sitting on her, then pretending she was a horse. All in all, she thought it was fun. These are the cutest pictures of the experience!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Vegetable Weekend!





*These are pictures of: green beans, walnut pesto, frozen bell peppers, and dehydrated parasol mushrooms! YUM!
This morning our neighbors, Mitchell and Rochelle, called and asked if we'd like some mushrooms they couldn't use. They're leaving on a trip soon and they had a bucket of beautiful parasol mushrooms that they had gathered in the forests. I hadn't eaten a parasol mushroom before, but after researching a bit, I learned that they are common, delicate, and have a rich, meaty flavor. They are also very fluffy and pretty. I spent an hour this afternoon washing and dehydrating them. I even sauted a few to try. Very, very flavorful and tasty! I thought my food preserving was over for the day, but then I got another phone call. A dance student's family was gathering all of the nearly out of date bread and produce from our local grocery store. They do this several times a month. They had called the local mission and they did not want the dark bread or some of the vegetables. Luckily, we did want them! We got a loaf of dark rye bread and raisin bread from the bakery, a whole box of bell peppers (yellow, red, orange and green), anaheim peppers, 2 eggplants, a large bundle of fresh basil, and an entire grocery bag filled with fresh green beans. I had just finished with the mushrooms and started in on washing, cutting, and preserving the rest. We even made a delicious eggplant loaf (actually a recipe from a wonderful baby food cookbook) for dinner. I have green beans in vacuumed bags in the freezer and I am freezing bell pepper pieces right now. I feel like a farmer putting up my produce for the winter. We are so blessed by everyone around us. I love days like this when I see God's promise to provide for us being shown in very practical ways. I am now making an applesauce cake to finish off the day and enjoying time with my family! I hope this weekend is restful and enjoyable for you as well!


Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Theo, the photographer











Tuesdays are the days when we are our very busiest, but we also have lots of fun! Here's our schedule:




7am: wake up


8:00-10:00 make lunch for later, do our chores, and play together


10:00-11:30 go to Toddler Time (a local indoor playarea)


11:30-2:30 Zachary comes over for lunch and to play


12:30-3:30 Caleb comes over for lunch and to play




By about 2:45, Theo has completely run out of gas. I wish he would just go ahead and take his regular nap, but of course, he won't sleep with guests over! How polite he is!




Today he actually fell asleep in my arms as Caleb's mom was picking him up. It was very sweet. To keep him occupied for the last 15 minutes, I let him take pictures with our camera. Here is his 1st photographic endeavor (I did not help him at all with these).




Sunday, September 07, 2008

Theo's actual birth-Day






On August 27th, we did some celebrating for Theo's actual birthdate. Aunt Jenny was still in town, so she joined in the festivities. She bought Theo some fingerpaint and he and she painted together in our kitchen. I had a small canvas that Andy had given me for Christmas last year. Theo painted a picture on it and we hung it in the living room. I think he did a great job. It is very colorful and interesting.


We also went to the spray park with our friends Kristin, Zachary and Kyle. Theo, of course, didn't want to go in the water, but had a great time there anyway. Here is a video of Theo at the spray park this year and one of his first birthday at the spray park last year. I guess Penny can't go there for her 1st birthday......it will be toooo cold!



Monday, September 01, 2008

Penelope's Baptism






Penny was baptized last Sunday. It was such a sweet, meaningful ceremony for us. She was happy and calm the whole time and looked so tiny being held by our pastor, Doug. He is sooooo tall! Here are a few pictures from her special day. It's such a blessing to be supported by such a wonderful church family!