Monday, July 13, 2009

Exploring.



The other evening while out on a walk, we discovered a wonderful field. It's actually on the other side of our street. I fell in love. I think I'm going to take everyone there. I see myself spending time with God up there and having a few picnics. Standing at the top of the field and looking out was beautiful. It basically left me in awe of God's creation. I like when that happens.

*About the giveaway, Leif is picking the winner so he'll post it tonight:)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Joy

"Joy is the absence of fear"



Friday, July 10, 2009

Happy!

Washer & Dryer!
Leif and I got our washer & dryer. Life just got so much easier! We decided to rent instead of owning a pair for right now. I love the pair we got! They're old-fashioned. Leif wanted newer ones, but I'm in love with these. We've already done a few loads, well Leif has. I've been sick these past two weeks, so Leif has been doing most of the housework. What a good man he is:) I never thought I'd actually have a washer and dryer inside my home... This day has come sooner than planned. I never made it to the laundromat, even though I've really wanted to go. I'll probably go anyways, one of these days.

Another happy note: Riley has gone back to her normal sleep schedule. No more waking up at 2am and no more 4am feedings. Her top teeth haven't come in yet, so I think that these calm nights won't last. I am going to take advantage of them while I can!

Look how big Riley is now. Time is flying.

-How many of you sew??? I need to get back into it and I am trying to find a sewing machine. I really want to make some curtains and dresses. :)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Backyard.

Riley and I have begun to explore our backyard. We have yet to mow the lawn in the back so the grass is pretty high. I like to place Riley amongst the grass and watch her crawl around. She enjoys pulling the grass, eating it and rolling around in it. When it tickles her face she laughs. I love it. It makes for a fun time for both of us. Summer is good.



&Hopefully soon I will have a garden to blog about:)

Monday, July 6, 2009

Celebration.

At the aquarium day after my birthday.

Last Thursday I celebrated my 22nd birthday. I enjoyed my birthday a lot more than I thought I would. I had been upset most of the week, worrying that everyone would forget my birthday, and that I would be lonely. Thankfully, when I woke up on my birthday I was so happy and grateful to have seen another year. All day I kept thanking God for His goodness and His grace. I got to spend time with Leif, with a new friend, my sister in law and her husband surprised me and old friends came by with blessings in the form of their friendship, ice cream, and a balloon. The following evening I even got to go to Santa Cruz with Leif and no baby, to see one of my best friends! Such a wonderful birthday:)!

And I serve such a wonderful God.

*Also, my giveaway will end on 13th. I forgot to include that in the giveaway post!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Giveaway: Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil



A few weeks ago I was talking to a nutritionist about what type of oil I should use in my cooking, she suggested coconut oil. So I researched it. I found this website: Tropical Traditions that specializes in coconut oil. On the website I was able to read about the benefits of using coconut oil, not only in cooking but using it as hair and skin care.

"Virgin Coconut Oil is a food, and is one of the best cooking oils you can use. It has been a staple cooking oil for thousands of years in tropical climates. As a cooking oil, its chemical structure is kept in tact and therefore is resistant to mutations of fatty acid chains even when used in higher cooking temperatures, unlike most vegetable oils. Research shows that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body’s metabolism, raises body temperatures, and helps provide greater energy which can lead to weight loss."

I bought a jar of the coconut oil, used it both in my cooking and on my hair and loved it. Because I loved it I decided to contact them and have them send me a free sample of coconut oil that came with an introduction book. While I don't usually participate in giveaways or hold them myself, I decided that this is something that is worth it. It opens up doors for people to learn more about healthy cooking, healthy skin and hair care, and maybe through doing that, leads to more learning of healthy options.

So, I'm going to be giving away not only the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, but also the introduction book.

To enter you can do one of two things:
  • Either, Leave a comment with your name and also little ways you make your meals a bit healthier.
  • and/or Tweet about this, then leave a comment letting me know you've done this.
I'm keeping it nice and simple. I really just want to pass on this information and in turn have you pass it on!

P.S. If you have twitter be sure to start following Tropical Traditions

Showcase: Memes

My friend Michael Kevin, aka DJ Danger, is part of this pretty cool band: Memes. This video they made is pretty cool, and the song is pretty catchy. Its a bit dancy as well!


Enjoy.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

100th Post


This is our 100th post. Very cool:) Its also the day that marks two weeks in Monterey. It feels like we've been here longer. Maybe a year or two? We've settled in a lot better than I thought we would and we're adjusting to life here really well. I think its because it suits us perfectly. Its a combination of the places that Leif and I both grew up. Him, in Oregon, surrounded by trees and I in Southern California, never far from the ocean.

We went down to the beach tonight. And while we were running in and out of the cold waves, I just felt at peace. I felt like we were exactly where we are suppose to be. I felt like we were home. Then I thought, maybe we could live here for awhile, not just a year or two, but raise Riley here. On our quick drive home, Leif brought up staying here and raising Riley and I told him I felt the same way. I love moments like that:)!

I also love when I have my own life plans and God comes in and changes them completely. It makes for never a dull moment. We're so grateful to have been brought here and excited for what God has in store.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Happy News!

I am heading back to school in the Fall:) I've been out of school now for about a year, and I'm finally ready to go back. Because I had gone to a Christian school and had a major that won't transfer to a public college, I had to change my major. As much as I loved my old major I feel as if I'll like my new major even more. I have become an art major with an emphasis in photography. I am thrilled and beyond excited. I want summer to end right now so I can start. I can't wait to be learning more about photography, about studio photography, film, lighting, the dark room, using equipment in addition to my camera, more photoshop... Can't wait!

God is so good!

To celebrate here is one of my favorite bands:

Do a little dance for me:)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

7 month old baby.

Riley is 7 months old today.
My little baby is crawling everywhere, standing, climbing over things and taking steps with help.
Just yesterday she could barely turn over :)
And I'm pretty sure she's teething again.

Happy 7 months baby girl.

By the way, who does Riley look like so far? Me or Leif?