Children's Museum

On Thursday, Forrest and I met Rachel and Brooke at the Decatur Children's Museum.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I think the last time I was at a children's museum was for Girl Scouts around 1991.  I remember a life-size horse for children to sit on and a pretend grocery store.  I also remember it was fun.  It turns out that 20 years later, this children's museum has both a grocery store and plenty of fun.

Forrest had a fantastic time!  We were busy for two hours before we left for lunch.  We easily could have stayed longer.  I had a great time because Forrest used a public bathroom for the first time with success!

Thanks for the invitation Rachel!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Fun news!  My birthday present from Joshua arrived early!  Thanks to my dear husband, I'm officially student loan debt-free!

Now to buckle down on his :0)

Phase One - Complete!

In our house in Peoria, I was spoiled by an entire sewing room!  Here in Monticello, my sewing room is also my bedroom.  So, after moving two summers ago, I began thinking of how to store and use my sewing supplies.  The junky folding table mess wasn't really working for me.  So, after looking around online, I decided a sewing armoire was in order.  I searched Craigslist for a few weeks and came upon the perfect thing...

   

Okay, the style is exactly what I had in mind, and even the goldish-green works with the new room decor.  (I won't promise that it will remain this color for the rest of my life.)

After roping dear, old Dad into the project, a plan was formed to remove some inner drawers and add a self-storing, fold-down table.  We got a good start, but then Forrest began getting craftier about snagging things he shouldn't from the current folding table situation.  Time was of the essence for getting the armoire ready.  Mom and Dad brought it several weeks ago, and I've been busy transforming the inside.  

  

Love it!  Plenty of storage for all the necessities and looks really cute!  Junky folding table be gone!  And, most importantly, child lock is installed, much to Forrest's disappointment.  (The kid loves scissors.)  So, the plan is to add the fold-down table when we can.  No rush.  And really, if I'm being honest, I've started thinking of a pull-out, drawer-style surface instead.  I think it would be less cumbersome and wouldn't cover up the cute like the table would.  We'll see.  Dad and I (mostly Dad) have already spent significant time designing and working on the table part.  

Now, on to the rest of the bedroom.  

It's been done for awhile, but I've been a lazy blogger, as you know.  The headboard is a Dad and Mandi original.  Dang, Scott-o, what would I do without you?  I do love a good project :0)  

I've got no projects in the hopper at the moment, but I do want to share that for Valentine's Day, my sweet husband got me a Kreg Jig!  I've wanted one of these gadgets forever, and a few projects have been passed up due to the lack of this tool.  So, let the carpentry begin!

Growing Up!

It's been awhile, so I can't help but post a quick picture of Forrest.  He's growing up so quickly!  Eighteen months in just three short weeks.

Last night was his last with a bottle before bed.  Made my heart a little sad...

Fun growing up things include a mind that can figure out puzzles and stacking toys more and more quickly, a personality that is charming, sweet, and funny, and the beginning of potty training (oh my!).

Love this little boy!

Hello 2014

Looking back at 2013, it gives the appearance of a rather peaceful year, and I suppose in comparison to 2012, it really was.  I was able to spend so much time with Forrest, observing each day how grew and learned.  What a blessing!  He had so many firsts during 2013: crawling, walking, words, climbing, sleeping for long stretches, birthday...  While I'm thinking of all these moments with Forrest, we did have some memorable events in other areas of our life.

Probably the biggest change for us during 2013 was the decision for Joshua and Mark to open The Gaming Goat in Champaign.  It's kept them very busy since August, but they are seeing results.  Their customers keep coming back and amid all their work, they do have fun.    

Another exciting time in 2013 was preparing for and celebrating Shaun and Bill's marriage in April.  What a lovely day they had!  It was a beautiful way to welcome spring.

The event of the summer for me was my trip to visit Jenna in Texas.  First time flying by myself and leaving Forrest for more than a day!  I had a fabulous time and am so glad I went on that adventure.

Less exciting but still important to me is finally feeling settled into our house and daily life in Monticello.  I think there were so many changes during 2012 that it took me a very long time to feel this contentment.  Finally in 2013, I completed enough house and landscaping projects to feel like it's ours.  Also, I have my daily routines into a comfortable pattern that I enjoy.  It's so nice having this comfortable feeling back, and even though it may not sound very exciting, I think that's probably the best thing about 2013.

So what's in store for 2014?  Well, we're not sure.  Nothing outrageous is scheduled, but we'll see what happens!

A Merry Christmas

A few pictures to remember Christmas 2013:

Shaun and Bill once again hosted our festivities.  (Thank you!  I know we're quite the group!)  After celebrating Christmas Eve at Aunt Kathy's house, our family enjoyed time together in East Peoria on Christmas Day.  Although you wouldn't know it by looking at the pictures, the amount of Christmas presents changed a lot this year.  I decided for the family that it might be nice to do fewer presents and just have fun spending time together, both on Christmas and on a family vacation later this spring or summer.  I talked everyone into it, and I'm glad we did.  We had a few thoughtful presents and stocking stuffers for everyone, and then just relaxed, cooked, ate, played games, and did a puzzle.  

Forrest seemed to be exempt from the reduced presents rule.  He received so many fun and thoughtful gifts that we'll enjoy for a long time.  Some favorites already are the Sit and Spin, personalized book bag, books, and 4 wheeler.  (Yes, Shaun and Bill went there... and although I may protest, I secretly like it because it makes Forrest smile.)  Also, we haven't had a chance to get it out yet, but I know Forrest is going to like the water table Poppy and Gigi got.  

Grandpa and Grandma drove down in the afternoon for a visit and to enjoy our "Christmas Carnival." Shaun and I had fun frying up some carnival favorites including corn dogs and funnel cakes, both gluten free!  And Mom and Dad surprised us by renting a cotton candy machine.  That Jon G loves a good rental item.  It really was a fun day. 

What a blessing to spend the holiday with family!

Fall 2013

My goodness, such lazy blogging lately that I have to lump entire seasons into single posts!

So what have we been up to?  Forrest and I have been enjoying our days taking care of the house, exploring, and learning.  Along with the usual, we have branched out this fall.  We now attend Wednesday story time at the library.  Many days we don't make it through the stories because the library staff stores their vaccuum within sight in their basement where story time is held.  Who can sit still when a delightful vacuum is just steps away?  Certainly not Forrest.  (Vacuums, rice cookers, mixers, toaster ovens... they all continue to be favorites.)

Also this fall, we have joined a Montessori parent-infant community.  We meet on Monday mornings for play time and snack with a few other infants and toddlers in a Montessori home environment.  It's so nice for Forrest to interact with other children in a safe environment with new things to learn and discover.  I've really enjoyed attending and have learned a lot myself.  Who would have thought to hang hooks at Forrest level so he can hang his coat independently?

Joshua continues to be busy at work, at his shop, and picking up extra shifts at the Prompt Care in Peoria.  He works so hard for our family.  Despite his long hours, he and Forrest still have plenty of time for wild activities, mostly chasing and climbing games, which Forrest loves.

For Thanksgiving, we stayed put in Monticello.  Joshua's Dad and stepmother hosted the entire family.  It was very convenient for us and allowed us the entire day to relax at home until dinner.

During an adventure to Schaumburg, we visited Ikea and Woodfield Mall.  Forrest was overwhelmed with joy to see the bin full of Mr. Foxes!  We now have three sets...  He also rode the escalators in all department stores and would have continued all day if we would have let him.  Very fun :0)

On to Christmas in three short weeks!