Summer Time!

It's been two months since Bryce joined the family...it's been a whirlwind of diaper changing, late-night feedings, doctor check-ups, and keeping up with spunky big sister Natalie...ready or not the summer seems to be in full swing! Bryce is sleeping longer at night now and so we're starting to feel more like normal human beings now that we're getting decent amounts of sleep. Yea! :)

Natalie had a rough first night when we first brought Bryce home, she was the one who cried the most that night! But since then, she's done a great job with transitioning to her new position of big sister. Bryce is a sweet baby...LOVES being held, our little cuddle bug! We discovered that he has a dairy allergy(which he will most likely grow out of by the time he turns one), so because of nursing, I've had to go on a dairy-free diet (and soy too). That's been challenging. I never thought I could survive a summer without ice cream or Friday nights without pizza, but it's amazing what mommas will do for their babies! 

Precious Boy!

'No one said this big sister thing would be easy! :)

Wes is busy with Habitat, the building season has begun! One neat fundraiser that the Indianapolis Habitat is doing this year is auctioning off playhouses. Various construction companies built unique playhouses that are displayed all over the city and will be auctioned off to raise money in celebration of Indy Habitat's 25th anniversary.  Here's the link, pretty neat!  Habitat Playhouses

Art Venture, my little art teaching business, is off to a good start! This week, I'm running my Animals Fine Art Camp where I have 10 students who come for two hours each morning. It feels great to be back in the teaching saddle again, I love it! I have another full-week camp planned for July as well as a evening jewelry classes and a few Saturday morning workshops. Here's my website...I'll be updating the photos on it soon:  Art Venture    and/or  Check out my Art Venture Facebook Page

These are pictures from my Colorful Kandinsky Painting workshop. 

Welcome Our Son, Bryce Miles Green!

One week ago today, we welcomed into the world our precious baby boy! We are so thankful to God for this wonderful gift of life. 

Bryce Miles Green

Born Tuesday April 17th, 2012  4:26 pm

7 lb. 7 oz.  20.25"

It was a fast delivery...I had gone into the doctor thinking I was having a false alarm, but wanting to be checked anyway... and before I new it, they were wheeling me into a hospital room! I called Wes at work to meet me at the hospital and just a few short hours later, little Bryce was in our arms.

I love my little boy!!!

 Here we are as a family of four!

A kiss from big sister Natalie

A huge thanks to my parents for driving down to Indy for several days to take special care of the new big sister. (Plus they got lots of snuggle time with Bryce too!)

Bringing Bryce home 

The kiddos hanging out on the couch

Natalie Turns 2!

Bryce was kind enough to let Natalie have her own birthday...Natalie turned two on April 16th. We love her so much...can't believe she's growing up so fast!

The bubble machine from Grandma and Grandpa Green was a HUGE hit!

I made Natalie this tutu and fishing game. What a cutie!

Natalie's friend Emma came over for a special birthday playdate where they made crowns and fruit loop necklaces!

Bathroom Remodel

BEFORE:

Nasty, nasty tile...and yes, that's my cutting board that Wes used to retro-fit the shower knob!

Vanity...almond top with white underneath...not too beautiful.

Floor tiles. :(

 IN THE PROCESS: There's no turning back now!!!

AFTER: Oooh Laa la!

Natalie loves her new bathroom! Here's what we didn't change: light fixture, shower curtain, and ceiling....everything else is new: new tub, shower, toilet, vanity, mirror, medicine cabinet, tile flooring, towel rods....YEA, we love it! GREAT JOB WES!!!

Grandpa Kesler made this vanity for us, plus the mirror frame and build-in medicine cabinet. Thanks Grandpa!

Nice, clean shower...no more nasty tiles!

Here's a better picture of the vanity...4 drawers, great storage!

Wes made a video to show Grandpa the finished results of our remodel. Click on this link if you want to check it out! :)

Wes' Tour of the Bathroom

Here are some other pictures from recent days:

Natalie and her friend Emma

No fear...doesn't hesitate to wiz down the big slide at the park.

Weeeee!

She's getting so big....almost 2!!!

She's ready to be a big sister, just 5 more weeks to go!!!

LOVIN' My New Job!

Well, I'm a month into my stay-at-home gig and I'm loving it! It is such a JOY to be spending lots of quality time with Miss N. She is such a hoot these days...so much fun! We've set a monetary goal for me to earn annually for me to continue to stay at home with Natalie and baby boy Green. I'm thinking that most of that money will come from Art Venture, but maybe some crafting and babysitting too. I'm open to money-makin' ideas, so let me know if you have any thoughts for me! God's grace completely covered my stint as a full-time 'working mom' and I don't feel at all guilty when I look back on it....however, I REALLY desire to be home, especially now that I've tasted this new situation and love it so much! Help me in praying for open doors in however God wants to provide for us Greens! :) 

I'm starting to really feel big prego-wise...we're 30 weeks on Thursday. Fatigue and  heartburn...but overall, feeling great and getting so excited to meet our precious babe! (By the way, we aren't keeping the name a secret, but I don't want to announce it on the blog or on Facebook until he's born. So if you're dying to know (and don't know already)...you'll have to call me!)

Natalie loves to get fancy!

Playing outside in February?! Who would have thought? :) 

LOVE this girl!

Natalie loves to play 'sticks'...best toys ever!

 A few weeks ago, Natalie and I took a day-trip to New Albany, IN (where I grew up). Here we are visiting 'Grandma Bonnie'.

Back to the Blog!

Okay, first of all...I never promised I'd be very consistent at blogging! There's been quite a gap since the last time I posted, and I'll just blame that on first trimester tiredness and being a 'working mom'. Wow, it's hard to believe that my semester at Greenfield Central Jr. High is over. There were many bright spots and moments where I thought, "wow, I really like this age group!", but unfortunately there were several kids that were just plain mean. I hoped to develop 'thicker skin' as the semester went on, but it was difficult. It was affirmed to me that I'm a great elementary art teacher....as for junior high, let's just say I'm glad I survived! :) 

So when Wes returned to work after Christmas break, that marked the start of my new job as a stay-at-home mommy! I am hoping to also start my art teaching business which I know I've mentioned on the blog before. Unfortunately, I haven't got a lot of response for my upcoming spring classes, but I plan to fully launch things this summer. The goal would be to get Art Venture (that's my business name) up to a part-time teaching gig where I can earn a certain amount of money to make it possible for me to stay home (and out of the public school system!)  Here's my website...check it out if you haven't already: Art Venture 

So far I have LOVED staying home with Natalie and thank God for this opportunity! She is at such a fun stage!!! And luckily she's a wonderful afternoon napper, so I have a few hours each day to be productive- or sometimes indulge in a nap myself. Those of you who know me well, wouldn't be surprised that I've made up a form that I fill out for the week, like a lesson plan where I keep track of household chores, activities to do with Natalie, and to-do list type of stuff. That's been helpful. :) Of course when the baby comes, I expect to throw all my structure aside and enter survival mode! ha ha

Other tid-bits into my life/updates:

-Wes' title changed at Habitat, he's now the Construction Manager!!! :) Not a pay increase, but it is a great position and he is going to ROCK at it! :)

-I'm currently reading: Desiring God by John Piper and The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

-On my to-to list: Must finish Natalie baby book! :)

-I'm loving Pinterest! It's a artsy person's dream come true...I'm finding tons of great craft ideas and activities to do with Natalie.

Okay, now for the Natalie pictures....that's why you check this blog anyway right?! By the way, if you skipped all of what I just wrote to see Miss Cutie, shame on you! :)

My current crafty obsession: Crochet hats! Of course Natalie's baby must not be left out!

Natalie seems to love art already, makes Mama happy!

Natalie got to hang out with Auntie Bonnie on Christmas Eve!

Great Grandpa made Natalie a rocking horse!

http://youtu.be/lhyeRHL3qVg

Click on this link to see Natalie riding her horse and telling Grandpa "Thank You"

Christmas morning

3 pics above are from the DuPage Children's museum

We were all sick one day during Christmas break...Natalie flopped on the couch all day.

IT'S A BOY!!! Okay, this is old news....but we're just as excited as ever! Baby Green is due to arrive April 19th...so just 3 months left until we're a family of four!

Last thing, I just want to THANK GOD for everything that's been mentioned and photo-ed in this blog post and MORE. We are so undeserving, but have been so blessed. I'm not sure what even to say. THANK YOU JESUS!!! YOU ARE SO GOOD!