ivy and orchid

Yes, today was completely uneventful. Whilst my darling husband was at the university's book club, Ivy, Orchid and myself had a completely uneventful day. We did the typical routine of the most banal days. We tidied up the garden section of the garage and we patched the inflatable swimming pool. After failing to succeed with the pool, we sat at the garden's edge. However, and I'm sure most parents can agree, that if it weren't for those predictable moments, we wouldn't get a glimpse of the world the way our children see it. We watched butterflies flutter about the garden, we smelled lilies and "discovered" many treasures our earth has to offer. Most importantly, I saw the wonder and amazement in my lovely children's eyes and heard the excitement in their voices. As a mother, I get so caught up in housework and getting dinner made on time and brushing teeth that I forget that there are moments to learn and to appreciate. It is my duty as a mother to enc...

Summer is passing quickly and so are my children. With more freedom of summer, it seems that Ivy and Orchid have more capabilities and energy to motivate them. Today, Orchid had her 3-year doctor appointment and I almost shed a tear because of how mature she is becoming. In the past, (even 6 months ago) she would cling to me, lower her head and not respond to the nurse or doctor. Today she answered his questions with eloquent answers, played peek-a-boo and even laughed with the doctor. She made me so proud! 1. My beautiful, maturing daughter 2. My husband's back rubs 3. Ivy's smile after returning from the doctor 4. Beer and cheddar sauce with pretzels from Applebee's 5. Well-behaved children at the restaurant (this is the first time we've eaten in our hometown as a family of four)

This heat is killing me! It has been around 100 degrees and will stay so for the next 3 days. I think I can handle it, but it sure makes my sweat-dripping kiddos really cranky. Has anyone else had a problem with their kids sleeping when it's really hot? (We have a window unit and the room is around 70 degrees, so it's not bad at night). It seems like since Abigail has turned 3, she is testing all of her abilities. She has been climbing more, jumping more and pushing my buttons more. Hopefully it is not because she is 3, but because she is hot. I titled this post "Amazing" because of God's timing. When I'm feeling selfish and selfish and more selfish, God reminds me that it is not my life to live. Here on earth, I am to serve my husband and children and the better job of that I do, the better I will be at serving God. This life is short and I need to do a lot to assure God is given his glory while I am here. It is so hard to give myself up daily, hourl...

It has been a while, heh? I've decided to continue my blog for the sake of my sanity. I miss writing in my journal and I don't think anyone will read this, so here I go! This week has been a hard one. Shawn has actually finished up the semester and maybe that has something to do with it. I always have a hard time going from no Shawn to lots of Shawn. My routine and schedule always gets messed up and I always have expectations that I will have my free time and Shawn will help out more, but neither are not true. This is really difficult for me. Because I choose to not have a babysitter, and nurse Keenen to sleep (although it is taking 45 minutes a nap this week), I have to deal with not getting out much. However, Shawn does get to do extra things like helping people move or fix their home, play in a jazz band, sing in choir, join a book club et al. This doesn't include all the home repairs and maintenance that he has. It makes me sad that I have no friends or family around to...

It has been a year since posting on Teichmerbaby and I have decided to transform that blog into Ivy and Orchid, a site about my creepy crawly son, Keenen and my delicate flower, Abigail along with my husband and our every day lives. I am inspired by and . Both create beautiful photography, simple lifestyles and an appreciation for life. So to starting new, I would like to begin with what I am grateful for on this day. Thanks for reading! 1. My handy husband who can quickly fix our broken pipes. 2. The smiles of my beautiful children. 3. A tree's shade, fans and sun tea on 96-degree days. 4. The beautiful photographs of other bloggers who inspire me to be better. 5. Practice time on my piano!