Life with the Lettners

:: 8 Months ::

2009-07-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

This little man has a way about him. All it takes is one look with his big beautiful eyes and we are like butter.
(Granted, he isn't breaking any rules yet, so it is okay that we melt for him!)At 8 months old Jameson -
- Has 7 teeth (with another making it's way out).
- Can barrel roll all around the house and is starting to get up on his knees.
- Says "dada " & "mama" and loves to put anything and everything in his mouth.
- Shares a room with his sister - and laughs at everything she does.
- Draws lots of attention with his big eyes, jovial smile and cool hair.
- Is FINALLY starting to eat some food. (He currently will only eat peas and yogurt, but it that is better than nothing!)

He is an absolute joy to be around!

:: We Need Your Help!!! ::

2009-07-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is a call for your help! A call to all of our family and friends across the US and the world. Friends and family in foreign countries, friends of your friends...we need all of you! Even if you read this blog and have no idea who I am, please keep reading and help with this project.

There is an amazing family that we know that has been struck by a terrible tragedy. On Sunday night, their son, Jacob Kirkendall, was severely burned and electrocuted in an accident while trying to put out a wildfire. As I type this Jacob is in surgery fighting for his life! You can see the whole story and read about all that he and his family are going through here or visit www.journeythroughfire.blogspot.com.

This is the Kirkendall family. Jacob is the tallest of the bunch in front being hugged by his dad, Tom.First off, I am asking you to PRAY that God will heal Jacob, give his family peace, give the doctors wisdom, to give Jacob the strength that he needs to continue fighting for his life - anything that you feel in your heart and mind to support this family through this time.

In an effort to rally around this family and to let Jacob know that he is thought of and prayed for around the world we are asking that you become part of a project with us. One of our friends is coordinating a 'name gallery' for Jacob.

We want EVERYONE we know (and even those we don't) to take a picture of yourselves, your kids, your pets...anyone that can hold a sign or piece of paper with Jacob's name on it. If you are of the adventurous kind, you could take a picture of yourself hanging off of a rock with a Jacob sign. You could even hold a Jacob sign while skydiving and snap a photo of it! (how cool would that be?!) If you are the praying type you can take a picture that says, "Praying for Jacob". If you are in a foreign country, a different state, a baseball game, a backyard BBQ, the Grand Canyon...anywhere...we want a picture of you with Jacob's name!

PLEASE join us in this fun project. A book of all of the pictures of love and support for Jacob will then be created for he and his family. This is a real and tangible way that we can support the Kirkendall family from near and afar - rallying together to show how connected our world is.

This perfect time is NOW to stop, say a prayer, send a good thought, take a picture and send it along. You can email it to my dear friend Renee at reneeoa@cruzio.com or you can email them to me at ninilettner@yahoo.com. If you have any words of encouragement you can send those along as well, but we would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have a picture from you with Jacob's name in it. Let us know WHO you are and WHERE you are.

You have my plea and my permission to pass my blog along to anyone you think may be interested in this project. While your prayers for Jacob and his family are more important, we also want pictures of Jacob's name from around the world.

Email your pics to ninilettner@yahoo.com or reneeoa@cruzio.com. I believe that Renee's goal is to have all of the pictures we gather in a 'gallery' on the blog the Kirkendall's have created as well as to create a book for the family. Remember, we need a picture with you and Jacob's name in it. If we can't tell where you are, you could write the date and place on the paper too (i.e. Tucson, AZ. or Waikanae, NZ)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for being willing to join together in such a fun and supportive way! Can't WAIT to see your pictures!!Email pics to: reneeoa@cruzio.com or ninilettner@yahoo.com

:: Who's my Babe? ::

2009-06-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today while we were playing outside this conversation took place:

A: "Do you want to draw strings with me Mom?"
(she draws lines on the patio with chalk and calls them strings)
Me: "Sure Babe, I would love to. Let me get Jameson out here first."
A: "Mom! I'm not Babe!"
Me: "What do you mean?"
A: "I'm not Babe...Markus is Babe!"
Me: "Ah, you are right. Thanks my Baby!"
A: "I'm not a baby! Jameson is a baby."
Me: "Once again...you are right. You are my Analise!"She's cheeky that's for sure!Here are some lovely pictures that Jessica took the other day at a birthday party.Our little Analise is turning into quite a young lady!

:: Sweet Suit ::

2009-06-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

This morning while Jameson napped, Analise played outside in the little pool.She kept checking on her "messy hair"...It was a nice day.

:: Bath Time ::

2009-06-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, both of our kids like to take baths. Jameson LOVES being in the water. Now that he can sit up on his own and take baths with Analise, bath time proves to be a lot of fun in this house. We have quite a few pictures of Analise with these bowls on her head......now she can put them on Jameson's head too.

:: Five Years Ago ::

2009-06-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

This was Markus on Christmas Eve six years ago...What do you think he was asking for...a surfboard? a car? fishing gear?

Nope...none of those...

If you guessed that he was asking for a GREEN CARD...you guessed right!

It started with my mission to take the 'perfect lamb picture'. When we first started 'hanging out' Markus and I would go on day trips around the North Island of New Zealand, climbing fences, climbing hills, and chasing sheep. We found some favorite places that we would visit quite often.

Many a weekend we drove out to Mt. Manganui...This is when I knew I was falling for him...oye!Raglan was another favorite spot (we got married here)...We spent a lot of time here (what we called the Shire)...We loved spending time in Misson Bay and Auckland...Lots of hours spent in cushy chairs in Starbucks (one of only three in NZ at the time)...Oh...right...back to this:When Markus and I were dating, he came to California to visit during Christmas. Tradition at the Cecy's Family Christmas (an absolutely amazing family that I spend Christmas with every year), is that everyone has to sit on Santa's lap and tell him one thing you would like. Markus asked for a green card. Just two and a half months after this picture was taken that we got married in New Zealand. You can read/see more about that here.

After heaps of paperwork, months of waiting, and a few stints of having to live apart (he in Germany, me in Santa Cruz), Markus finally got his green card in late May. It was five years ago today that he arrived in America. I remember the day so well. I was so eager and excited to see him. I had a hard time focusing at work, counting the minutes until I could leave to pick him up at the airport. I remember what I was wearing. I remember what he was wearing. I remember how joyful I was to see him walk through the International terminal and so pleased knowing that he wouldn't have to walk back out that gate a few weeks later. He was here to stay.

This was the end result of our 'perfect lamb picture' mission (as well as a great 5 1/2 years of marriage and two fabulous kids)! We have this picture framed and up in our office.I love our story. I love how God brought us together. I love the journey that we have been given. I love the places we have been, and the places we will visit in the future.

Now tell me about you? What do you love about your life, your journey, where you have been, or where you want to go? What do you want to do or see happen in life? Where are you now? I want to hear from you!

:: Fun at the Farm ::

2009-06-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the kids and I headed up Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay. One of my new friends from a women's Bible study I was part of invited our Bible study group up to the farm she lives and works at in Half Moon Bay called Potrero Nuevo Farm. Suzie blessed us with an amazing spread of farm grown food from fritatas, crisp salad and homemade lemon verbina tea. We were able to enjoy some amazing coffee cake and scones (courtesy of the Knepper sisters)... It was such a beautiful spread and a great start to our morning on the farm!After our amazing brunch, Suzie gave us a tour of the farm. Everywhere you looked the pure beauty of God's creation was evident. We started our tour with Suzie showing us all of the vegetables they grow on the farm. They have such a large variety, including onions, spinach, chard, pumpkins and even garlic.Suzie showing us how the onions grow...Analise and Ali became fast friends.Next we headed over to the chicken coop. Analise was so excited to see the chickens, and even more excited that she got to feed them. She even let one eat out of her hand (for about two seconds). She said, "The chicken tickled me!"The girls were able to see a freshly laid egg in the coop.As we continued our tour we passed the lovely herb garden...it was so pretty.We ended our time at the farm by getting up close and personal with some goats!Analise was brave enough to pet "Ronnie".The baby goats like to snuggle with Suzie!We had such a fantastic time! Big thanks to Suzie and Potrero Nuevo Farm for letting us come visit and play!

:: 41 Days and Counting ::

2009-06-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

Don't let this face fool you...As happy as he is to pose for the camera, even with food on his face, this boy will not eat solid foods! I have tried everything I can think of. For the past 41 days, I have tried all types of foods - purees, fruit, yogurt (as seen above), oatmeal, teething biscuits. I have offered him Cheerios, cheese, and even watermelon to navigate on his own and he is so NOT interested in any of it.

This is the real face he makes when I try to feed him:In other news...since the Presidential Inauguration in January, Analise constantly asks about our President. This is a common conversation in this house, almost verbatim each time:

A: "What Barack Obama doing?"
Me: "um...working"
A: "Why?"
Me: "Because he is our President and he has to work."
A: "Where is Barack Obama?"
Me: "um...probably at the White House."
A: "Why?"
Me: "Working for our country."
A: "What's our country?"
Me: "We live in America."
A: "A country like Germany?"
Me: "Yes. America is a country like Germany is a country"
A: "Does Barack Obama like Germany?"
Me: "I am sure he does like Germany."
A: "Why?"
Me: "Because..."
A: "What Barack Obama doing?"

Today, while playing outside with a soccer ball she came up to me and asked, "Mama, do you think Barack Obama will play soccer with me?" "I think if he wasn't so busy running the country, he may play soccer with you."

:: Just Because ::

2009-06-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

Just because...I think he looked so cute in the jumperoo today!Just because...he was looking ever so serious...(I think someone is due for his first haircut!)

Just because...when he looks at me like this, he brings my heart great joy!

:: Dinner and Dress Up ::

2009-06-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

Tonight, the following was on Analise's menu...She apparently felt the need to get decked out in order to partake...Isn't she lovely?

:: Round 2 - She Said What?? ::

2009-05-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time again...to document some of the ~~funny~~, ~~witty~~, entertaining things my daughter says.About a month ago she started telling on herself. If she is about to break the rules, the following conversation ensues (almost word for word each time):

A: "Mom, don't say no to me"
Me: "Don't say no about what?"
A: "Don't tell me no, okay?"
Me: "Are you about to break the rules?"
A: "Yes."
Me: "Then I suggest you do something else."

Some common sense -

Lately we are in the land of "WHY?". Every question she asks turns into a "why?" question. It drives me crazy sometimes. After about 15 why questions about the SAME thing the following conversation took place:

Me: "You cannot eat socks because they are not food"
A: "Why? Why not? Why?"
Me: "Because you may not."
A: "Why?"
Me: "Because I said so!"
A: "Well...don't said so."

Yesterday we were grocery shopping. While at the deli counter waiting for our meat this took place:

A: "I don't want to hear you whine Mom."
Me: "I am not whining."
A: "I like your talking voice, not your whining voice. You need to choose a happy heart Mom!"
Me: Laughter and..."at least I know you do hear me when I talk to you..." (if only she put it into practice :-)

Everyday sayings -

"Now that is a stinky mess!"
"I am reading in German. This is a very great book."
"Is Jameson going to cry again?"
"Daddy builds houses. I build houses with a hammer too. Daddy does very good work with hammer."
"What these are?"

Since my brother came to visit she keeps talking about the dogs babysitting her:

A: "I sit in cage with Cooper. I sit in cage with Coopie. I babysitted."(please note: no children were involuntarily placed in dog cage. Cage is used upon request only).

:: Just a Bowl of Cherries ::

2009-05-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

I got some delicious bing cherries yesterday and it made me think.

Despite tiring nights, seemingly endless "Why?" questions, long foggy days, the perils of trying to raise two kids to be the best people they can be, not knowing what to make for dinner, wanting to go out (without the kids), trying to be creative, keep the house clean, keep the kids (and myself) clean, help the kids learn new things, give each of my family members special attention and keep my sanity, there are some days I need to slow down, take a deep breath, and remind myself that life is ~~pretty~~ REALLY good.

:: Berry Picking ::

2009-05-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

On Monday we headed out to Gizdich Ranch to pick our own strawberries. Uncle Ib and Auntie Lisa came with us and we had a grand old time. First Uncle Ib and Analise had to find just the right rows to start picking in:Next came finding the most beautiful strawberries...Auntie Lisa really did most of the work...Whatever Lisa put in the bucket... mysteriously ended up with a bite mark (or two) in it...Jameson even got in on the picking fun!Here's to picking your own berries at Gizdich Ranch!

:: Weekend Visit ::

2009-05-27T13:23:00.001-07:00

My brother and sister-in-law, Ib and Lisa, came to visit for the weekend. It was so great having them here! Analise LOVES spending time with them, and their two dogs, Vinnie and Cooper. It was really special for me to have them to meet Jameson as well. I am so thankful to have family that loves our kids so well. Ib and Lisa are expecting a little one of their own and we can't wait to meet him. Jameson was making sure that the baby was getting noticed in this picture too!Thank you for driving all the way from Tucson to spend some time with us. We love you heaps!

:: Swim Day ::

2009-05-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went swimming at Renee's house. It goes without saying that Analise had a fantastic time. She was so excited to be with some of her favorite friends.They were getting excited to get in the pool, making silly faces...She was a little hesitant to get in the pool at first,but once she was comfortable, she was all smiles...It was Jameson's first time in a pool and while he looks quite happy here, he did not feel the same way once he was in the water. We just have to keep trying with him.Smiles like this fill my heart. Can't wait for another swim day!

:: Dotlicious ::

2009-05-14T14:31:00.001-07:00

Remember those dot candies?This dress from my mom, Analise's Noni, reminds me of those...this girl is more delicious than those dots...

:: What Day is it? ::

2009-05-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Today is a ~~hot~~ hat day...

:: Babbling Boy ::

2009-05-12T15:41:00.001-07:00

Here is our little man getting used to his own voice:

:: She Did it Herself ::

2009-05-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

During Analise's nap time today, she started knocking on her door. Here is the conversation that followed through the door:

Me: "Analise, please stop knocking."
A: "I need to put this on..."
Me: "Analise, it is nap time, please get back in bed..."
A: "I need to help put this on first..."
Me: "What did you say?"
A: "I need to help me put this on..."

I opened the door and this is what I found:A: "Look Mommy, I do it myself. I opened the closet and got monkey jammies. I do it myself."
Me: "Yes Analise, you did do it yourself. Good job. You know I don't like you to go into your closet though...and it is nap time..."
A: "I take a nap, but, but I need you put this on me first."
Me: "Let me take some pictures first..."
A: "Okay Mommy, you take picture. I look like mermaid."A: "I do it myself!"
Me: "Yes, you did. I love you...see you after your nap. I love you Lisi Loo."
A: "I love you myself too."

:: 6 Months ::

2009-05-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Our little man is six months old now! He is growing fast--last week he got his first tooth! He is practicing rolling over, and he has mastered sitting up on his own. Doesn't he look like a big boy?This morning we attempted to start solid foods...he was excited to be in the high chair for the first time...then he tasted the oatmeal...he wasn't so sure to begin with...after a few minutes he decided it wasn't so bad after all! We just need a bit more practice.Just because this picture of Jameson is so cute, here it is once again for your viewing pleasure.Happy Half Birthday Jameson!

:: She Said What?? ::

2009-04-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

My darling daughter, Analise, says some of the funniest things. I have been meaning to document some of these funny sayings and conversations over the past few weeks.

"Mommy, you sure have nice teeth."

She will put on one of Markus' hats and says, "I be Markus!"

The other morning I told her I was going to wipe her nose:
A: "No thank you Mommy".
Me: "Analise, I know you don't want me to, but I have to clean your nose" (which I proceeded to do)
A: "I so disappointed!"
Me: "Why are you disappointed?"
A: "Because you not listening to me...I so, so disappointed."

Whenever Jameson has drool that may get on her she says, "Jameson barfed on me."

We were outside playing the other day and she said, "Look at these beautiful flowers Mommy. Jesus and God made them. Can I eat 'em? "

She LOVES to make drawings for people. Every day she says, "who I going to make something for Mommy?" Yesterday after church she ran up to me and said, "Mommy, I make you something this day!" Here is what I got:Me: "I love it Analise! What does it say?"
A: "Jesus loves you Mommy, so do I. So does Jameson. And Daddy too."

Something she says all day long now: "I do it myself."

She likes to put her blanket over her head and run around the house. As many times as I ask her, um...TELL her not to do it, she still does. I catch her in her room with her blanket over her head walking around with her arms out waiting to bump into something. This is what it looks like: This what it looks like she runs into the wall: I took a picture of it as she was running to me for comfort. (Please note: no children were harmed in this blanket blunder. She only cried for about ten seconds and then started laughing hysterically saying, "I so silly!")

Analise is vibrant, fun loving, caring, and hilarious, and she never stops talking...she keeps us on our toes!

:: The Men in My Life ::

2009-04-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Aren't they handsome?

:: Golly G ::

2009-04-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

G is for:
good lookin', giddy, gorgeous, gleeful, great, genuine, gentle, giggly, gigantic, gleaming, gabby, grand
God given gift!

:: Wild about Wilder ::

2009-04-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

In all of the years we have lived here, we had never visited Wilder Ranch...until last week. We spent our Easter morning enjoying this fantastic place! We saw chickens...heaps of old tractors and cars...we played with old fashioned toys...made huge bubbles with sticks and rope...Markus and Katrin had a stilt race...Martin and Katrin posed for pictures...Sina enjoyed the fields...we saw some horses...up close and personal...This one may have been trying a sneak attack on Martin!We look forward to visiting again!

:: Isn't She Lovely ::

2009-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

This is Markus' sister Katrin. I think she is so beautiful! She finds joy in so many things, especially her children...and her nieces and nephews. Here she is enjoying Sina and Analise: