Visuals

Striking a Pose

Dancin' in the Johnny Jump-Up

Sporting Two Piggies (And Two Teeth!)

Um, Mommy? Hat Malfunction!

Easter 2009

Short & Sweet

Wow, I am a poor excuse for a blogger!

Biggest news first: We are moving (officially) back to Nebraska on May 30. Joe’s employer had to lay off all of his field employees and so we are also job searching. We are trusting the Lord to show us what He wants us to do next and to care for us as He always has. (Although, I readily admit to many panicked, stressful moments on my part!) My brother Zach and his wife Sarie have been such gracious hosts and an immeasurable blessing in our lives (always, but especially the last few weeks). We are so grateful for friends and family and all of the prayers that are going up for us.

The last couple of days have been rough for Miss Bean. We either are facing indigestion/sickness/teething or I have come up against our first serious battle of wills. How do you know if an 8month old is manipulating you or truly in pain? (If any of you Mommies have advice here, I’d take it!). I’ve had all the screaming I can handle if she’s being naughty but if she’s hurting then I don’t mind the screaming. Oh for a sign!

(Okay, I wrote the above last week, I really am a bad blogger!)

The shorter and sweet:

Bean has been on good behavior for the last few days. J
Joe has gotten his resume to a few companies and we have some good contacts, we’re just continuing to wait on God’s results.
We’re on the waiting lists for apartments (and our families continue to be gracious with having houseguests!)
My baby brother comes home next week after almost a year in France, I am so excited to see him!
We will be in Arizona packing up the house Wednesday through Sunday of this coming week and hope to see many of our Phoenix friends!

I think that sums it up?

Rub-a-Dub-Dub, a Luca in a Tub!

First Tooth, First Snow

Miss Bean cut her first tooth! She was chewing away on my finger when I realized that something was different. She wasn’t noticeably fussier but with her cousin to entertain her, I’m not sure that fussiness is the barometer to use. I did hear her up at night more than usual; that may have been my sign. She’s growing up! Crackers, fruit segments, healthy “cheetos” and puffs have been added to the daily fare even though most of them end up sticking to her cheeks and fists, not in her tummy. We’re still working on the finer points of finger play. Oh, and the seriousness of bed-head. As you can see we have some scary mornings. ;-)

Puppies are one of Luca's new favorite things. Big or small, mellow or rambunctious, she LOVES them. This is Henry Hank, Grandma's dog who was very sweet with Luca. Cooper, (also known as Moose) a giant Golden Retriever, is the other dog she's met. Of course we missed the adorable photo-op of her giving him kisses on the nose. Ms. Bean is wary of adults but I think she would love a canine babysitter...wasn't that in Peter Pan? A Saint Bernard? Anyway...
We awoke to blowing snow and twenty degree temps today! Welcome to spring in Nebraska, Luca. :) She stood at the window and stared for a while…I wonder what goes on in that little mind? This morning was her second Sunday in the church nursery and it went really well. The secret seems to be Isaiah! Three hours are fine as long as she can see him. I think it’s so sweet how they recognize each other and how much Luca loves her cousin.
After a shopping run, we had baby serenades the whole way home. ;-) Super cute!