Memories...

September 8th...The whole month really, holds lots of memories for us McDonald's. September 8th was our Grandma's Birthday. In my mind, the day was often filled with fun times, family, yummy food, but most importantly, at least to Grandma -- CHOCOLATE!!! :D Okay, maybe not MOST importantly, but if you knew my Grandma, it'd be pretty close. Aunt Laura often made a yummy torte with raspberries -- and I really need to get that recipe, because I've been hungry for it for awhile...but, I can't think of it, and not think of the celebrations of Grandma at which we enjoyed it. Grandma was an amazing woman, who loved her kiddos and grandkids to no end. She 'saved the day' at least once in my life, when I was about to be in huge trouble when my brothers & I stayed with our grandparents for a few days... Grandmas truly are special and I certainly miss both of mine!

Along with Grandma's birthday, comes the anniversary of PawPaw's home-going. Even though it's not until closer to the end of this month, it's been on my mind for weeks now. Lots of 'last times' memories, and memories in general. I certainly miss my Paw Paw... Not much more to really say, but how very thankful I am that I had such an amazing relationship with him. And, how grateful I am for my grandpa on the other side that taught me so much when I was younger. It's really neat how the Lord used one side of grandparents to influence me when I was younger, than another when I was older. How very blest  I am!

Also, although I never knew them... Brian/Bear talks of his grandparents too, and I hear neat stories from Mom & Dad Moreno. How I wish I could have met them... Our children are so blest by the incredible heritage on both sides of their family. 

"Thank you, Lord, for the generations before us who have impacted our lives, even those we never met. Cause us to remember how our choices today, will impact the next generation. May we make wise & Godly decision. Thank you for my/our grandparents!"

The Library

Aspen will be 3 in January, and I had yet to take her to the children's part of the library for some fun time... She never really asked, and I never pointed it out to her. I know I should have, but A) I felt I couldn't keep her quiet enough, and B) (brace yourselves!!!!) All I could think was -- Gross! GERMS!!!! Terrible, I know...but, I think of all the little hand that touch those fun, exciting books, and toys...I knew I had to get over it, but just wasn't quite ready yet. I'm pretty close to getting over my phobia, at least with Aspen... We'll see... I do want to 'educate' and allow my girls to experience the fun of learning and reading though!! :) Don't worry. :) 

So, here are just a couple pictures of our first 'fun' trip to the library.  

She loved it -- at least the puzzle part. I'd like to take her back with just her so we can read some books together, and not juggle poor Eliana -- as I try to keep toys that aren't ours getting into her little mouth. :)

A Quiet Day...

There was a couple days recently, we actually spent the WHOLE day at home. That may be surprising to some of you, but -- we are quite busy over here, and it's pretty rare for us girls to actually be home all day. There were 2 reasons for this 1) It was rainy that day, and 2) Aspen very randomly ran a temp...the day these pictures were taken, she was 'normal', but we stayed home just to be safe.

Eliana content to play alone...and watch sister.

 At camp, Aunt Keri - as we refer to her :) - bought the girls a music/story cd. Aspen discovered it, and has LOVED listening to it ALL day, EVERY DAY. I'm looking forward to broadening her selection so I personally can have a variety...although, I really don't mind, because the music is fun, and helps teach what we are trying to engrain into our girls anyway.

Aspen went and got her 'Violet', sat down and was listening to her 'music', obviously, while reading a book too. I thought it was too cute...

First Food...

I'm one of those paranoid mothers who doesn't feed her babies solid food until after 6 months, and takes forever to introduce food after that. So, Eliana turned 6 months, and she had her first taste of avocado -- looked more like guacamole by the time I finished blending it all up. 

Getting ready for her first bite...

Mmmm, not too bad

I think I kinda like this stuff!

I for sure like this thing I'm holding & chewing on!