Happy Half Birthday, Baby Sis

Today is Camille's 1 1/2 year birthday. We never celebrated half birthdays as children but a friend of mine's birthday is today and so when Camille was born, Julie mentioned that Camille was born on her half-birthday (since October and April are six months apart...). Since then, it's a fun reminder for each family. Ironically, Julie's daughter's half-birthday is the same day as Dan's birthday in May:-)

Russell loves to help bake, so he peeled the carrots while I mixed the rest of the ingredients. The basic muffin (minus the cream cheese frosting) is a great muffin and I'll be sure to make it more often for my mid-morning coffee break. I have a pound or so of Alysun's amazing homegrown/home milled wheat that she sent to me curtesy of USPS, and the flour adds a great nutty flavor. Perfection!

Pink frosting. Is there any other color for a princess?

Camille was so mesmorized by taking the candle out and reinserting it into the cupcake that she never did eat much of it but for all the fun it provided, I'm glad we have these moments to celebrate. Life is so precious and fragile. May our children know that between the impatient replies from their parents and the demands for better behavior, they are loved with all the love we can give them.

Happy 18 months, Sister!

Still here

Sorry I haven't posted. We're just getting used to living in this new area... far enough from old friends to feel isolated but close enough that a trip north on the freeway will help the homesickness.

I've enrolled Russell in the local athletic center for swim lessons. I'm not thrilled with his teacher and the structure of the lessons so far. Same story with searching for a new church/family. Small church was too small and disorganized. Big church felt like a visit to the mall- everyone was happy to be there but a formal environment. I know we have to give change in life a chance to get better but in the meantime, it's a struggle to live through these experiences. I know it's the times that the wind is blowing strong that challenges us to be strong people. How easy it would be just to skip everything in the middle and just end up at the end of the journey unscathed and naive.

Thanks for checking in.