the glass is half empty today

I consider myself an happy-go-lucky person, but today was one of those days at work that makes you want to throw in the towel.  Long story short, I am not eligible for a promotion as soon as I thought I was.  Luckily, Kurt had a decent day at daycare so I got to spend some time with a happy five-month-old before he fell asleep.  And, tomorrow is Friday!  I'm SO looking forward to the weekend!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke, you just keep getting older and older and older.  :)  Just kidding!  In all seriousness, having you by my side day-by-day means the world to me and I'm SO thankful to share this little slice of life with you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and enjoy your birthday weekend!

Kurt also wanted to leave you a birthday message...

Hey Dad!  It's your birthday today and even though I haven't yet figured out how to say "happy birthday" or "I love you", I think you know what I mean when I smile and giggle.  We all know that no one can get me smiling and giggling like you can.  You're the best!  :)

Love,

Kurt

peaches

Last week Luke bought some peaches from a co-worker's mom who was selling them as a fundraiser for her church.  I had never had a Colorado peach before and let me tell you once you taste a Colorado peach you'll never want anything else.  Four nights in a row of Breyer's vanilla ice cream and peaches - yum.  :)  Because we had so many peaches and we didn't want them to spoil in our warm house, I also made some jam.  I really like the recipe I came up with so I'm going to share it with you!  This recipe makes enough to fill eight half pint jelly jars.

5 1/3 cups peaches, peeled and chopped (approximately 8-10 peaches depending on the size)
5 cups sugar
6 Tbsp pectin
4 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

First, get a pot of water boiling because you'll need it to peel the peaches.  While you have that heating up slice a small x into the bottom of each peach.  Then, get a bowl of ice water ready.  Using a slotted spoon, place the peaches into the boiling water for about 45 seconds and then transfer them to the bowl of ice water for about a minute.  Peel, quarter and chop the peaches.  I used my Pampered Chef Manual Food Processor that my mom gave me for Christmas and it worked amazingly!  Thanks Mom!  All you have left to do now is transfer the chopped peaches to a stockpot and bring them to a boil with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  You only have to boil them long enough for the juice and ingredients to mingle together, or if your peaches aren't chopped as small as you'd like you may want to boil them for about 15 minutes to help the fruit break down.  Add the pectin last and boil for another 5 minutes.  If you plan on canning the jam, it only takes about 10 minutes to process the half pint jars in your canning pot.  If anyone give this recipe a try let me know!

P.S. don't worry, Kurt will get to enjoy some peaches too once he's a little older because I froze some in a BÉABA multiportion freezer tray.  :)

We love you, Kurt

cucumbers

it's official

Last week, Troy graduated from basic training and officially joined the U.S. Air Force as Airman First Class Shoemaker!  We weren't able to celebrate this accomplishment with him, but my mom and dad were.  Troy, congratulations!  We are so excited to see what the future has in store for you.  :)

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40: 30-31

Kurt can drive

Today I got to spend the entire day with my little baby.  He had his four-month check up this morning and weighed in at 14 pounds 13 ounces!  In other news, Kurt has been loving this walker we bought for him at a garage sale last year.  Isn't he adorable?!  :)  I think he feels like such a big boy in his "car".

507

On Friday my mom and dad spent the day at St. Mary's Hospital as my dad had multiple routine tests to undergo.  They received the wonderful news from the doctors that my dad is still cancer free!  I don't need to use a lot of words to express my happiness.  The past 507 days I've had with my dad is icing on the cake.  For those of you who are new readers, you can read my original blog post here about my dad's temporary :) diagnosis with kidney cancer.  A truly "Happy Father's Day".  :)

strep

As some of you know, I’ve been out of commission for a few days.  It all started on Tuesday with an itty-bitty sore throat.  On Wednesday, I only worked half the day because I started feeling worse – even though my throat was no longer bothering me.  That afternoon, Luke rearranged his schedule so that he could pick Kurt up from daycare for me.   I assumed that I would be able to work the next day, but sure enough Thursday morning rolled around and I wasn’t feeling better.  So Luke dropped Kurt off at daycare and I stayed home.  All along I thought I had the flu.  A fever, aches, chills… you know all the classic symptoms that you don’t go running to the doctor for.  Well, it came time for me to pick Kurt up from daycare and I could hardly muster the strength to get out of bed.  Thankfully, Kathy (Kurt’s daycare mom) had him all ready to go.  She even whisked him out to the car for me!  My mom and dad then came over to watch Kurt until Luke got home, which gave me time to go to urgent care without a squirming baby on my hip.  :)  The nurse took one look at my throat and knew immediately that I needed antibiotics.  It was obvious – no strep test needed!  I was baffled because my throat really didn’t hurt.  Now, I’m feeling a bit better and looking forward to holding my baby again and getting back to “normal”!

jumper

Luke took the jumper out of storage today to see if Kurt would like it.  I'm glad that I got it on camera because before we know it he wont look so small in it anymore.  :(

fart noise

This video is from last Saturday, but I'm just now getting around to sharing it.

happy baby

Kurt, you simply love your dad's voice and are always so happy to see him - especially when he's just come home from work.  Your smile and laughter are contagious and we can't get enough of you!

newborn photos by Kate

When Luke's cousin Kate volunteered to take some newborn photos of Kurt we jumped at the opportunity.  And, if you've ever seen Kate's work you'd understand why.  Kurt was only 17 days old when these photos were taken.  He wasn't the most cooperative subject to photograph, but you'd never know it by looking at the results.  Kate did an amazing job!  If anyone needs a photographer (she does more than just newborn photos), I highly recommend Kate.  Take a peek at her blog for more info.

Kate, thank you for taking the time to capture those precious first moments for us!  :)

Ab Ripper X

That's right people.  I just did over 300 "moves" and Kurt was thoroughly entertained until the Roll-Up/V-Up Combos.  At which point, I had to pause it and bring him upstairs for a nap.  I can't say I was too disappointed that I had to take a break.  :)