Brie's Blog

The Best Children's Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

I know I am not the only one looking for a solid, biblical children's book. And I have had a hard time finding one that I love until now.

The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm, illustrated by Gail Schoonmaker.

This book gives an overall picture of God's redemptive plan for creation. Instead of isolating specific Bible stories or giving moral lessons, this book shows the overall theme of the Bible in a survey format. It is an amazing foundation and framework for children. The words are accurate, theological, simple and short. The pictures are accurate, colorful and provide opportunities for discussion. This is an excellent book. It is labeled ages 4-8 but my 18 month old loves this book and let's us read chapter after chapter to her every night. So I don't tell you to go out and buy many things, but this is one book you should definitely buy.

Cooking Together

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:47:00 +0000

My mom bought matching aprons for Ellie and I over Christmas. Now every time I cook, she also needs to cook. It actually allows me to get more done! She keeps herself busy.

Wintertime

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:14:00 +0000

Cooking with Grammy

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:32:00 +0000

Christmas Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:53:00 +0000

We had a great time in Texas over Christmas. Ellie was completely overwhelmed Christmas morning and had to take a nap in the middle of the festivities. But she came back stronger than ever! Here are some pictures of the day.
Our view from the lake house:

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Christmas Tree 09 from Dave Jacobson on Vimeo.

Water Park

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:03:00 +0000

We went to a water park in Wisconsin and Ellie had a blast.

She was moving around so much in her excitement that we were only able to get a couple clear pictures.

Thanksgiving Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:58:00 +0000

We had a great Thanksgiving in Wisconsin! It was great to be with the whole family.

Top 10: Favorite Baby Supplies (Part 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 +0000

The long awaited ending to the top ten list.
Here are the top 2 baby supplies from our first year with Ellie:

2. Toy Chest

There is something so beautiful about having a room scattered with toys everywhere and being able to throw, literally, everything across the room into a chest and close it up. To whoever invented the toy chest: thank you.

1. Dimmer switch

A few weeks before Ellie was born Dave was installing some dimmer switches in our place. We walked into the nursery and both agreed that it really wasn’t that bright and that it didn’t need one. Well, a few weeks later at 3 in the morning that room was ridiculously bright! The day after Ellie was put in her room, Dave was at Home Depot. At 3 in the morning I will gladly pay 20 bucks for a dimmer switch!

Sickly

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:49:00 +0000

We have a little sickly. She's so pathetic and cute! Here's a shot Dave took today when he took her to the doctor.

Gone missing...

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Just in case you thought I had gone missing, here is proof that I am still alive and well. Soon we will be past the busy fall start up. We've got some exciting things happening this fall!

Self Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:40:00 +0000

I think Ellie's holding the camera too.

So sweet!

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Ellie's First Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Ellie turned 1 last week... that's just crazy! My parents came into town for a couple days to celebrate and since I have neglected the blog for a few weeks, I will post a ridiculous amount of pictures of her birthday celebration.

Our friend, Sarah Lidbom, mader her this amazing cake.

We sang her happy birthday while she tried to grab the flame and then placed the top tier in front of her.

She wasn't so sure about that. She daintily touched the cake and licked her fingers, for a while.

She enjoyed the icing but we were trying to show her that there was cake under there too. So we started tearing the cake a bit.

Then she finally went for it.

We were clapping and cheering.

She decided it was a little to much for her to eat so she started pointing to each one of us to eat a hand full.

The first birthday cake was a success.

And thank you, Sarah, it was an amazing cake.

Speaking of books...

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Mrs. C.H. Spurgeon by Charles Ray

I have just finished a biography on the life of Susannah Spurgeon. It has really challenged me in my role as a pastor's wife. Later in life Spurgeon wrote in a letter to his wife,"Not an ounce of power has ever been lost to the good cause through you. I have served the Lord far more and never less for your sweet companionship." (55)
I pray that one day Dave would be able to say that about me. Those words did not come about without sacrifice and this book goes into great detail about her life and role in his ministry. For me to go on about this book and how it's challenged me would take away from your experience so I will simply say that I highly recommend this book. Unfortunately, it's out of print but amazon marketplace has some used copies available.

Top 10: Favorite Baby Supplies (Part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Number...

5. Maclaren Volo Stroller

This is the cadilllac of all umbrella strollers! I borrowed this stroller before we bought one and I was sold. Unfortunately, buying these used is about the same price as buying them new. But unlike most baby gear, this one will be used for the next 4 years! And it's amazing! I use mine almost every day, and I never get out the big, bulky stroller anymore. If you're a gift giver and can splurge, this is a great gift!

4. Exersaucer

This was such an essential for me that I had one at my house and at work. Ellie loves it and she is totally self-entertained in it. One of the ones I have is expensive, one is cheaper, and I can honestly say it's not worth the big, expensive one.

3. Boppy Changing Pad Liners

You may think this sounds funny and you would probably never pick them out in the store, but this is a laundry saver! When there's a messy diaper or an incident on the changing table, these are so easy. I have a ton of them and switch them out as often as I need. Then I only have to change the changing pad cover whenever I do laundry. They're great.

There's nothing better than a good book.

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:32:00 +0000

To say that Ellie loves to read is an understatement.

In her eyes, there is no better toy than a book.

She will literally be giddy with joy just looking at her books. She sits and flips through the pages "reading" them aloud to herself.

Eye Color?

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:40:00 +0000

We're not really sure what color her eyes are. All I know is that she's just adorable and those cheeks aren't going anywhere!

Happy 4th!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Top 10: Favorite Baby Supplies (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Number...

8. "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth

I read a lot of books while I was pregnant, and I have to admit I didn't use most of them. This is the only one that I have kept picking up. It has answered so many questions and brought sleep into my house for all of us! Unfortunately, it is written in a very A.D.D. way but totally worth navigating. This is my only book on this list.

7. Bumbo

Again, if Dave had written this list it would probably be number 2. This infant seat is so nice. Once they can hold their head up they can sit and feel a part of things. We used to put this on the counter while we cooked (it does say on the side, "caution: do not use on raised surfaces") and on the table while we ate. It was her first highchair and a great place for her to play. It does not last long, though. As soon as they can sit up on their own it's not to useful. And not every baby likes it, so keep the receipt!

6. Ice Cube Trays

I have made all of Ellie's food and frozen it in ice cube trays. I stick the cubes in a ziplock, pull out what I need and stick it in the microwave. It is way easier to make her food than I realized. I probably cook for her once a month. It is a huge money-saver!

Time to Explore

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Yes, that would be my husband letting Ellie pet a toad!

Top 10: Favorite Baby Supplies (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Ellie is almost a year and I have put together a list of my top 10 favorite baby supplies that we owned in this first year. This is such a money-making industry and most things sold at Babies R Us are not even essentials (as well as this list) but some can make life a whole lot easier. I said Top 10 but I'm throwing in 1 extra because I can't narrow my list anymore :).

11. Praise Baby DVD's

While the music is a little old school, it is amazing how this captivates Ellie's attention. If Dave made this list he would probably have it at number 1. She will cuddle with him and watch the entire video. She loves these things! They have 5 or 6 DVDs but you only need one to start.

10. Mylicon

This is what I might call an essential for the first 6 weeks. Mylicon is medicine for gas relief. And gas is a parents worst enemy in the first few weeks (they don't know how to get it out!). This especially happens around 5PM everyday for a while. Start popping Mylicon and your life gets a whole lot easier!

9. Puffs

Okay, these little snacks are magic! I don't care how upset Ellie is, you give her some puffs and she will instantly quiet down! Your wallet feels the hit, but sometimes it's totally worth it!

Flying

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:51:00 +0000

She loves flying with dad:

And she loves posing for the camera while doing it:

Ellie is totally aware of the camera and how she is supposed to pose!

Fun Faces

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:08:00 +0000

And she does have 6 teeth now!

First Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Brie) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Ellie loves swinging on the playground. She will not stop laughing! Here is a picture of the first time we took her when she was 9 months old.