One year photos

For some reason, it has been nearly impossible to get a decent shot of Micah for his one-year photos. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have a two-year-old "helper" close at hand most of the time, or maybe it is because his skin has been acting up a bit, or maybe my timing is just plain off. Whatever the case, he has the most precious smile but it is hard to capture it at just the right moment. The following are the result of many MANY attempts and over several days. Which one do you like best?

The Birthday Boy

My baby is one. That happened WAY too fast!

Oh goodness how I love this sweet boy. He blesses us fresh every single day with his quick smile and loving personality. He loves to snuggle with mommy, play up with his daddy (I recently found them watching Top Gear together), keeps quite entertained by his big sister, and is a ferocious crawler (he can get some speed, that boy!).

We had a little birthday party for him with the cousins. We played games, listened to lively bluegrass and had an all around rousing good time.


I made a cake, with fear and trembling since I had yet to have one actually turn out. Poor Mariah's one year old cake could have doubled as a rubber bouncy toy. But this one actually worked! I was relieved and so thankful.

But I guess Micah isn't a cake person. His first real taste of sugar and he basically just ignored it choosing to flirt with the camera instead.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" ~Micah 6:8

Rag curls and cake pops

I fondly remember having my hair rolled up into rag curls when I was wee and waking up the next morning to glorious, bouncy curls. So I thought I would try it on Mariah. It worked really well on her and I think would be a nice thing to do for special occasions. I took some old scrap cotton material that I had and cut it into 1 inch x 6 inch strips. Then, after her bath and when her hair was "nearly" dry, I rolled little sections up and let her sleep on it overnight.





And, on an unrelated note, I tried making cake pops and cake truffles (same thing) for the first time. They were fun to make and I learned a lot in the process. I think I would make them a lot smaller next time though. They were a bit too large but still tasted nice. You should see the shapes people make with these things! So cute!

Christmas highlights

Here are a few of our favorite moments over the Christmas season, captured on "film".

And that's that

So here we are, at the end of my Minnesota trip. Our last week was packed full of seeing friends and family and enjoying every little bit of Minnesota that we could. Here are a few random shots of it all...

Like father, like son!
I was amused to see that my nephew Thomas has grown so much like my brother. They both have the same ability to intensely concentrate on things, love being the center of attention, are highly intelligent, and like to let you know by using big words and concepts! Ha ha! And they are both crazy fun! And check out their Christmas tree!!...

We also had the blessing of seeing the Fraser family one afternoon. Love this family so much. They are a huge encouragement and an amazing example of Christ-likeness. I really admire them.

And their girls are gems! Mariah enjoyed dressing up with them (or rather, being dressed up!) Wig and all!

We were also blessed by a lovely evening over for supper with my cousins. Their kiddos are close in age to ours and enjoyed playing together. Mariah and Judah are tolerating a rather vigorous hug from Elinor.

And finally, saying goodbye at the airport! :(

Boy, do I ever miss them! I thank God for such wonderful parents and grandparents for my children. Sooooo blessed!!

And here we go...back on the airplane, flying home. I kind of felt like Micah looks at this point too..."HELP!"

Traveling home was WAY harder than the trip over. For one thing, the bassinet that I had tried so hard to reserve didn't work out in the end and we never had an empty seat next to us, unlike on the way over. So it was a bit more work and slightly stressful since I had to hold a wiggly little boy the whole way,. Thankfully the kind gentleman next to me managed to save my tray of food from flying into the air from one of Micah's swift kicks. In the end, we made it and are now home safe and sound. Whew!

Lutefisk!

It's tradition. Other than that, there is very little appeal to this annual fish dinner I suppose, except for all the melted butter you pour on top and of course the social appeal! Here we are, all waiting for our turn to dine...

The fish itself is a bit..."unique" in texture and smell. (You can read more about it if you want.) And so, in the spirit of tradition, I felt it my duty to expose my offspring to this culinary experience.


Mariah's first taste: She forked it in with great delight and eagerness, possibly expecting a similar taste to the yummy Swedish meatballs or buttered and sugared lefse.
But, nope...not exactly.
It never could be persuaded to enter her mouth again. Don't worry, Mariah. It will grow on you!

Micah was prepared to take on the whole bowl! That's a good Norwegian boy!

Grandpa and Grandma and aunts, oh my!

Need to catch up on our Minnesota trip pictures!! Sorry it's taking me so long! I just love these pictures of the kids getting to know family a bit more...

Grandpa on the floor with Micah! Love him!

Meeting two great aunts, my mom's sisters...

Love his suspicious look! And rightly so...when the sisters get together, you never know what might happen! Most likely an out-if-control laughing session at any point.

Grandma showing Mariah how to play a tune.

Snuggles with Auntie Mindy...

And more Grandpa and Grandma time...just can't get enough of that!

Off to Sahlstrom's Farm!

The day after Thanksgiving, Mom and Dad and I and the kids piled into their car and took a six hour drive to southern Minnesota to visit my sister's family. What a fun time we had!

Amelia and Simeon took Mariah on a quad tour of the farm. She thought that was exciting!

Surrounded by cousins...and they have all gotten so big since we last saw them!

I FINALLY got to meet Naomi, my nephew's sweet new wife. She is lovely. Here they had just stopped in on a break from working on their new house.

My gorgeous big sister to whom I look up to so much! I love you Mis!

Micah sitting at the table with Amelia and Becca.

And here he is again, getting some lovin' from Annika and Auntie Missy.

There is never a dull moment at the Sahlstrom's, always full of life and fun! We loved our visit and miss them all so much.

Thanksgiving

Just doing a wee catch up of highlights from our trip to the States. This was our Thanksgiving. I have to say that I am abundantly blessed and have so very much to be thankful for this year. I could never even list it all as it would be miles long, but at the top is the love of my Savior and the privilege of serving Him. And very near to that is my incredible husband and the two blessings we call our children. And following close to that is all of my family...David and I have the BEST families in the world. How is it that I got to be so very blessed!? Thank you Lord!

Micah is fresh and clean (and cozy in Grandma's arms) and ready for a big day of feasting and merry making.

Check out that food! It was sooooo good!!
Note: my angelic brother...don't be fooled!

Micah enjoying Grandpa's spoon.

Uncle Matt reading an after dinner story.

Uncle Matt had all the kids sitting on the couch playing the "Quiet Game". They were hilarious. Unfortunately, Mariah lost...she just didn't get it. But she was impressed with everyone's silence as you can see by her admiring look at Elijah.