feeling creative, loving AUTUMN

Merit Henry!

I am SO thankful for his spirit. I love it that he is adjusting to school and making the BEST of it! He is an "animal" when it comes to soccer playing. His determination and hardwork makes me proud! He has a sensitive spirit and is a kind kid!

                                                                      

                                                            Willem -- EXPLORER!

He is imaginative and fun to be around! He sheds lots of tears when I drop him off for school, but when Vance took him to school yesterday, no tears, only smiles. That little stinker. He loves to feel his baby sister move, squirm and kick!! I love this little boy!

check out my ETSY SHOP!!! Lots of new listings!! AND FREE SHIPPING!Autumn colors, Autumn beauty...

Embracing Pregnancy

I am so thankful for this growing baby girl! It will be so fun to meet her...to learn her personality, to cuddle her, to watch her grow! What a blessing!! Sharon Erlenmeyer from Erlenmeyer Photography and Design who is ALSO a mom of two little boys and is expecting her third baby came out and took some fun shots of me. This pregnancy has been incredible!

Those last days of summer, football and fun

I love this time of year! Merit seems to be getting into the swing of things at school. Lots of learning happens in first grade! I think his teacher is doing a great job and I am thankful for Merit's attitude, even if being there all day every day has been a transition. And being outside has been a ball! We've been picking peaches and pears and making yummy desserts. Merit is a football FAN! He loves playing catch, having his own little games and being a Seahawks fan. Also, Merit started soccer last night. He is a hard worker out on the field and I enjoy watching him play! Willem is a tree climber, loves to hike, likes to play with his toy boats and airplanes...

This baby girl is growing and moving like crazy! It wil be so fun to see what her little personality is like.

Super Easy Peach Cobbler

Super Easy Peach Cobbler

Ingredients


3/4 cup sugar


1 cup flour


1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder


1 stick butter or margarine


3/4 cup milk


4 -6  fresh peaches

1/3 cup oatmeal (optional)


1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions


Soften butter and mix with dry ingredients in a mixing bowl (Sugar, Flour, Baking Powder, Oatmeal). Add milk to ingredients.  Spread sliced peaches on top. Top with cinnamon. Cook in oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!!

Super cute subjects make for darling photos, Thanks Giuntoli Family

Picking Peaches

Picking peaches with Willem in our backyard! Merit joined us for some of  the picking. Our peach tree hasn't done much in our four years of living here until... THIS YEAR and boy oh boy we have peaches! YUM! Labor Day weekend we had a huge windstorm however and two large branches broke. I hope our tree will survive. After our picking peaches on Sunday we made PEACH COBBLER! I'll type out the recipe this week and post it soon. Today was a BUSY day! I stayed with Willem at preschool because he has had such a fear of me leaving. Oh I hope he gets over this. I cleaned the laundry room (long overdue!) and I did a photo shoot this afternoon. I am doing more photography over the next ten days. I told myself I would be done by September 15, but I am still getting calls - I am feeling great - and the extra money is really nice.

JANSEN KIDS CATCH UP

Merit is into the swing of things in first grade. He is liking it. It is a transition, it is busier than kinder... I think being their all day every day and being very busy with "first grade learning" is a little tough on Merit Henry. He has said "Kindergarten was more fun" and "We are sooo busy!" What I love is that he goes each morning with a good attitude and tries to find the positives.
Willem started preschool Tuesday. He is 3 1/2. Deciding whether or not to send him was tough for me. I think one year of preschool is really important. I think two years can be great, but isn't necessary. He will attend two years. He cries so hard when I leave him, but when I pick him up he is all smiles. He is excited to talk about what they are learning and the kids in his class. Today he learned a song " I am Special" Listening to him sing that as we got home from preschool made me smile! And I know he has wonderful teachers there!
I decided to send Willem because I know he will miss Merit this year with Merit being gone so much and I will be busy with a newborn baby... I thought two mornings a week would be a good outlet for Will. Hopefully he will get used to it. It is interesting to talk with people. Some feel children are still babies at 3 and they should be home with mom if they can be. Others think it is a wonderful introduction to structure, socializing with peers and following instructions. I am stuck right in the middle.
This baby girl will  be here so soon! My due date is October 14, Merit's birthday. My midwife has offered to induce me, I have big babies and she would like me to deliver a baby that isn't huge so is thinking a week or so early could be good possibly. My body needs to show signs of being ready though. I was induced with Willem. The first time it didn't take. Ten days later I was induced again and 24 hours later I had 10 pound Willem Vance. My labors are L-O-N-G. But maybe not this time?? I can be hopeful, right?
Merit is sooo excited to have a baby sister! But he hopes she doesn't arrive ON his birthday. He thinks he would like his own day, I don't blame him. He said last night "I am so glad the DR is going to reduce you early so the baby and I can each have our own birthdays." I think he meant induce :) ....  I need to keep praying about that. Allowing everything to happen on its own sure sounds good too.
I love this time of year. The air is CRISP. I am getting cookbooks out looking for yummy, fall recipes. Gourds and pumpkins are growing and are for sale. Autumn is in the air.

First grader

Yesterday was Merit's FIRST day of FIRST grade!!
Willem and I are a bit lost with having him gone from 8:15 till 3! But Merit had a great day yesterday. His first day back he reunited with old friends, had computer lab and P.E. and was introduced to many new students. His teacher is a neat lady with lots of experience... I think he is going to have a great year!!

Merit looking a little nervous...

I'm gonna miss this kind hearted, fun spirited boy...