Catching up! =)

As I look back at the family blog for the last few years, I realize I used to write a lot more! As life has gotten more full, writing has decreased and there are major life events that have not been mentioned on the blog ... starting with the new toilet! Once upon a time, in a condo long long ago (pre-children), Chris and I were introduced to a bidet toilet. We had never used one before but quickly found it indispensable. We've missed having one in our new house so while Chris was in Saudi Arabia, my friend Carolyn and I installed a brand new toilet, compete with a bidet.  Girl Power indeed! The kids were astounded and amazed at our handywoman work and we laughed and laughed. Chris was quite surprised when he got home and found a new toilet waiting for him.

I finished my Nutritional Therapy certificate program and am so happy to have the program completed and studying done. I recently attended the annual Nutritional Therapy conference and learned even more. It's made me even more passionate about feeding our family in a vegan-with-a-side-of-fish style.

The kids are growing faster than we even thought possible. They remain the best of friends with a splash of fighting. They are the most cute at night and in the morning when they know they're fending for themselves. After we put them to bed officially, we can hear them playing and whispering and they're so cute that most of the time, we often let them play until they tire (which is usually pretty quickly) and put themselves (back) to bed. In the morning, whomever wakes up first (usually Jamisen), will play quietly until they hear the other one stirring and then from the other room, we delight in hearing the kids play quietly and kindly with eachother. The 10% of time this doesn't happen and everything devolves into tears and fighting is manageable because of those moments of sweetness. 

This photo - above - was taken at the annual Bramble Berry charity shopping trip. Both the kids came and helped pick out toys and clothes for families in need. Hopefully the  experience will make an impression on them as they get older coupled with consistent messaging throughout the year.