Sunday Snapshot: Money Money Money Money

I love to shop.  Apparently I have passed that love on to Braeden.  For the past week he has been begging to use his money to buy Legos, his new obsession.  But he doesn't just want any little Lego set.  He wants the big set.  So, after much nagging pestering asking Amy and I finally gave in and let him go for it.  He researched what he wanted online with Amy and found the price.  Then we counted the money in his money jar.  Money he had received from birthdays, chores, and Tooth Fairy visits.  We reminded him that once it was gone, it was gone and he would have to save up again if he wanted anything else.  However, he was adamant about his plan and stuck to it.  So, Saturday morning we took his coin money and traded it in for cash and headed to one of our favorite places - Target.  Not to be left out, Jack took money from his jar also so he could make his purchase.  It seemed as though Braeden closely examined every product Lego makes, looking for just the right purchase.  Finally the decision had been made and we headed to the check-out.  He was extremely proud of himself, they both were really, as they handed the cashier their money, took their bags, received their change, and said their thank yous.


Once we returned home they immediately opened their toys and he got to work assembling his police vehicles.  A day later, with some assistance from me, everything has been put together and played with.  He remains proud of himself for the whole process, as do Amy and I.  It was bittersweet to watch him throughout it all.  Pride as he managed his money and made his calculated choices.  Sadness as I realized he had reached another milestone in growing up.  It made for a fun and memorable weekend and I was lucky enough to be granted access from him to photograph the entire thing for this post!


All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

 Nearly the entire life's savings of a five-year old!

 Proudly displaying his money!

Examining the selections

Proud of his purchase!

Jack and his bag of goodies!

 Money well-spent!

 A TON of tiny little Lego pieces!

 Carefully put together by little hands

 Instructions closely followed

 One piece done!

 Jack and his Lego person, he loves the people the best!

 Lots of hard work, but worth it!

 

      

Misconceptions

Ok, so I read something on Facebook the other that day inspired this post. Maybe it will come as no surprise to you or maybe it will rock your world as it did mine. Either way here goes the post.

The Facebook post in question stated that light roast coffee has more caffeine than darker roasts. Seriously?! So I've been wasting time and money all these years by assuming, apparently incorrectly, that the darker and bolder the coffee the more caffeine it will have? The answer my dear readers, is yes! Light roasts do have more caffeine! After some research (thank you Internet) I found that it is because the longer the beans roast, more of the caffeine burns off! I was, and admittedly still am, shell shocked! Wow! Again, maybe this isn't news to you, maybe you've known all your life. Maybe you've been enjoying your light roast coffee with its extra boost of energy-providing caffeine all along. Well, I've been snookered. Or have I? I mean technically it was all based on assumption and you know what they say about assuming! Maybe rather than being lied to for 31 years I was just blissfully ignaorant and uninformed? I mean, I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent person, so how did this tidbit get past me and my caffeine addiction? Sadly though, this is not the first "holy crap that's news to me!" moment I've had lately. Thus the stunning news about light roast coffee has inspired me to blog about this all, hence the title.

It's also been brought to my recent (within the past year) attention that corn is not a vegetable! Seriously?! Apparently it's a grain! I mean I guess it makes sense seeing as how you can make flour out of it and whatnot. But then why does it reside with the vegetables, both the frozen and canned variety? Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing! Again, how did I not learn this somewhere along life's journeys? Elementary school? High school? College? Maybe I missed a day somewhere, or it was in a chapter of a textbook I didn't read, or maybe I just didn't pay attention in class one day? Whatever the reason, it still took me by surprise.

Next up? Another vegetable imposter! Peas. Apparently they also enjoy masquerading as members of a food group they don't belong to. They are a legume. Like a bean or a peanut. Again, this seems to be something I should have picked up somewhere along the way and I am sure you are thinking right now, "Idiot! How did you not know that?". Well, I didn't! Again, where can you find them? Playing BFF and shelf-mate to the veggies! In fact, check the frozen aisle and you'll find they often team up with their pseudo-veggie friend corn in many a vegetable medley! Which makes the medley less of a "vegetable" medley and more a group of ragtag foods haphazardly thrown together! Talk about false advertising.

I'm sure there are many more things that I have only recently learned or things that I've learned far later than I should have, but these three are the most recent and shocking. Have you only recently found something out that you thought you "knew"? Surely I cannot be the only person to be surprised by random things that everyone else seems to know? I guess it just goes to show that you learn something new every day. Plus, looking at it that way makes me feel less moronic.

So, a totally random post, but you were forewarned by the tag and the first paragraph. I can't help but wonder what I will find out next? What other lies and misconceptions have I gone my entire life not knowing or unaware of? Who knows, only time will tell! Until then, I guess I'll be trying out Starbucks' new blonde roast!

All is well, always learning, in Drosche Land.

Sunday Snapshot - Party Rocker

Well, this Sunday Snapshot posting on a Monday seems to have become a habit of mine!  I swear this one was ready to go yesterday.  The pictures were taken and it was mentally written.  However, neither of those things translated into getting it actually published!  I could have found the time in between cleaning, laundry, grading and watching the commercials and half-time show of the Superbowl, but I didn't.  Oh well.  Maybe next Sunday.  I'm still here though so on with the post!


Amy and I have always had the agreement that we would begin letting the boys attend their friends' birthday parties once they were in Kindergarten.  So, we put it off.  Lo and behold the time came and Braeden entered Kindergarten.  Fall birthday parties were missed due to T-Ball practices and games, but winter brought some free time.  He went to his first-ever birthday party over the Christmas break and had a blast.  I was nervous because he sometimes tends to stand in the back and watch, avoiding interaction when he gets nervous.  However, he has finally begun to come out of his shell!  The success of the first birthday party ensured his attendance at future outings.  This past Saturday was another.  This one was held at a gymnastics place and obviously I had no clue what to expect.  It turned out to be tons of fun for the handful of 5 and 6 year old boys who basically got to run and jump around together for an hour.  A great time was had by all and Braeden ended up exhausted and sweaty!  I wanted to get some pictures of the event but he is currently going through an "I don't want my picture taken" phase so I sometimes have to be sneaky.  Occasionally he will grant me the privilege of photographing him, I lucked out at the party!


Amy and I also have an agreement that we would give the kids a birthday party (not just a family party) when they are in Kindergarten.  Uh oh, that means we have to start planning Braeden's and he is already listing his demands suggestions ideas for the big day!  Oh the anxiety of planning an event like that!  Luckily we still have a while until the big day in May.  Until then we can continue to enjoy his friends' parties, and maybe more pictures!


All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

He had some great balance!

 Acting silly with a balloon, I saw my chance for pictures!

 He complied, at first, and acted silly for me!

 A game of peek-a-boo/avoid Dad and his camera ensued!

 Snap...snap...stop!

Looks like I've overstayed my welcome!  I'm done!

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Challenge

Ok, so you know that two of my resolutions for 2012 were to blog more and take more pictures.  Well, I think I may have found a way to help me accomplish both.  As if I have any more time to devote to various social media/blogging addictions I have begun a few challenges.  All designed first and foremost to be fun, secondly to accomplish resolutions, and thirdly why not?

You know I began my 365 project about taking a picture a day all year long, follow me here, and I am proud to say that I have maintained it for 32 straight days!  1 month down, 11 more to go!  I have really been enjoying it.  Just posting pictures of whatever and/or looking for interesting shots throughout the day.  Well, I have 2 other photo challenges that I am beginning, on just popping up today!  I am totally into the Instagram app on my iPhone and noticed through a friend about a January photo-a-day challenge about mid-way through the month.  Well, then a February one popped up so I was all on that!  Plus I was able to find another great blog, this one, to follow.  She's the source of the aforementioned photo-a-day challenges!  Each day has a topic/theme, today's was "your view today".  I tried to get a shot all day long but was so busy that it didn't happen until tonight.  But I think it turned out great.  Always wanting a sweet/snack, here was my first entry:

So, as I'm going into Instagram to post, I see (from the same friend, thebirdandtheb) another photo-a-day challenge.  Seriously?  Could/should I take something else on?  I mean, it's nothing life-threatening or incredibly time-consuming but still.  This challenge was totally different though, focusing on a different photography skill a day, see here, today's being line.  Well, this sounded fun.  It would also be a way to not only take pictures, but maybe find/create some fun artsy photos.  Plus, as with my 365 project, all can easily be done with my iPhone which is never more than an arm's length away!  Here's my entry for the skill one:

Again, I really like the way it turned out.

So, those challenges are relatively small and easy to accomplish.  Plus with 3 photo challenges I am bound to take tons of great pictures!  Who knows, I may even improve my photo-snapping skills too!  Plus, I figure I can double up on some between the 3 if I need to, although 3 separate ones will be fun!  If I can do it I will most likely take part in the monthly challenge so it's also a bit of a long-term project.

The last challenge is a bit, ok a lot, more daunting.  I stumbled upon it one day while perusing Bloggers "Blogs of Note".  It was called the Blogging A to Z Challenge.  In a nutshell you blog every day, except for Sundays, throughout the month of April.  Each post's title follows in alphabetical order.  Start on the 1st, finish on the 30th.  Part of the deal is also to visit the other participating blogs and hobnob with others out there.  Since reading and writing blogs are one of my social media addictions I thought this would be fun.  Plus It would be a great way to accomplish my "blog more often" resolution.  I have grabbed the button (find it on the right column, maybe scroll down a bit) and I've signed up, so I'm all set.  Now all I have to do is mentally prepare.  They've suggested pre-writing blogs and scheduling them so you don't get overwhelmed, that and begin thinking about post titles and topics so as not to suddenly hit a wall.  Those two things make it seem a bit more challenging, but I still think it will be tons of fun.  Who knows, maybe I'll gain some followers here in Drosche Land, or at least get a few more visits!

So, there you have it.  Apparently I wasn't busy enough with our two wacky boys, Stella on the way, 2 dogs, and a job.  I needed a little spice!  Plus social media/blogging and photography are my hobbies (addictions) and everyone needs a hobby right?  So, check back in April once the challenge begins and/or follow me on Instagram or Twitter for all of the challenge fun!  I'm excited!

All is well, challenged, in Drosche Land.

Sunday Snapshot - Milk Man

Once again the end of the weekend snuck up on me and I was unable to get this post out by the day implied by the title!  Nevertheless it was planned and (mentally) written on-time!

No, this post isn't about a milkman, but I thought the title was clever considering the subject of this week's Sunday Snapshot - Jack.  I mean, after all, he is kind of our little milkman.  Only he's strictly a consumer, not deliverer, of the moo juice.  For his entire life (all 4 1/2 years) he has loved milk.  I know many kids enjoy it, but Jack's love borders on addiction.  Chocolate, regular, soy, you name it, he'll drink it.  If we would let him he could down a gallon himself in a couple of days.  He will generally choose it over any other beverage, hands down.  I'm not too concerned about this, at least it's a healthy addiction.  Plus, I'll never have to worry about him easily breaking a bone (which is good given his propensity to clumsiness) or developing osteoporosis.  In addition to drinking the coveted liquid, he prides himself on his ability to create many a milk mustache!  The other day I was lucky enough that he willingly sat through a brief photo-shoot as he enjoyed a class of milk while I made breakfast.  I think the pictures not only capture his love of milk, but also his silly side!

All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

 Did I mention that the milk is always requested with a silly straw?

 A pause from the gulping to smile for the camera!

 Back to work!

 Time to get what the straw couldn't reach!  He's adamant about getting every last drop!

Proudly displaying his milk mustache!

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Monday was Chinese New Year! Since it's a 15-day celebration my post is still timely! My how things have changed since the last Chinese New Year. This time last year we were smack in the middle of the adoption process with Margaux. We were busy gathering paperwork and preparing for our home study. We celebrated Chinese New Year by eating some spring rolls and pot stickers, along with a heart-shaped cookie cake (remember here). We spent our time thinking about Margaux and how she was ringing in the new year.

Flash forward a year and we are in a totally different place. This year we didn't really celebrate Chinese New Year here in Drosche Land. We mentioned it to the boys in the morning, Amy and I reminisced about last year, and we did talk about Margaux. She still is, and always will be, a part of us and she does arise in conversations occasionally. I know over time this will lessen but she will always be there. For whatever reason, we may never know, Margaux was placed in our lives, even if only for a short time. What I do know though is that God has a master plan, both for all of us here in Drosche Land and for Margaux. I trust that he has found her the perfect family and she is much-loved and well cared for.

Meanwhile here in Drosche Land we are eagerly awaiting another little girl, our Stella. An answer to our prayers, His answer in His (not our) time. We are nearly halfway through the pregnancy and each day I am more and more eager to meet her. To bring her into the nearly finished nursery and dress her in the pinks, purples, sparkles, and bows. I know that in the scheme of things it will fly by, but currently it seems to be trudging along!

2012 is the Year of the Dragon. Since our Stella will be born in this year I thought I'd research what people born in the Year of the Dragon were supposed to be like, what characteristics would they embody? What I found made us laugh and made me even more eager to meet her. Free spirited and uninhibited. Creative, colorful, flamboyant. Extroverted. Enthusiastic bundles of energy with big ideas and living on a grand scale! Oh my! If this holds true then Stella is sure to be one fired little girl. So far the pregnancy has played out somewhat like this. It has certainly been new and, at times, trying adventure. Research of the years each of the rest of us was born makes me think Stella will definitely keep us on our toes because we do follow the descriptions of our Chinese zodiac counterparts!

Well, I fear this email has become long and random and maybe that's ok. I've just been doing a lot of thinking about God's plans for us and all of the many blessings we've been given! I think our lives, and everything we've gne through and will go through, can be summed up by the Bible verse I've mentioned so many times here on this blog and one that we live by here in Drosche Land: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Amen!

All is well, gung hay fat choy, in Drosche Land.

Kickin' It

So, just the other day I was able to feel Stella kick for the first time! It's still pretty early, Amy's only a little over 18 weeks, but it was super strong! Maybe we have a little soccer player or gymnast? Amy has been feeling her move for a while now, the usual little flutters at first but lately it's been getting much stronger. She is able to tell what foods Stella likes (or doesn't) and what positions Stella doesn't find comfortable.

Even though this is the 3rd time around for us it never ceases to amaze me that a baby's kicks can be so strong that they are easily felt from the outside. It makes me marvel in the miracle that is life. That He has placed this tiny person in there, fully formed and living. Moving, kicking, hiccuping. I have an app on my iPhone, Sprout, that gives us weekly information on the baby. Little facts and tidbits. Currently Stella weighs in around 6 ounces and is the size of a pear. I go to the crisper in the refrigerator and find a pear. Wow, it takes on a whole new meaning now. Her bones are beginning to harden, time for me to begin to lovingly nag Amy about drinking milk and getting in calcium. She's even doing things like yawning, smiling, opening and closing tiny hands, wiggling tiny toes. Amazing.

We still have quite a while before we meet Little Miss, but I can't wrap my head around the fact that she is already a tiny, fully-formed, perfect little human being. She's growing bigger every day. Looking ahead to next week she'll already be the size of a softball, weighing about a 1/2 pound! At 20 weeks she'll be roughing 10 inches long!

It truly is something that makes my faith a little stronger. I mean, if He can do this, there isn't anything he can't do. What a blessing she is already and she has yet to grace the world with her presence.

Well, this post has been a little deep, a little philosophical, and a little factual. I just wanted to share because my mind is constantly reeling with this amazing event that is unfolding daily before our very eyes. Amazing, what an awesome God.

All is well, in awe, in Drosche Land.