Oh My Darlin'...

...Clementine!!




Okay, with a -41 windchill up in good ol' Minnesota right now, these little cuties are one of the only good things about January. As Cameron calls them, "dittle owanges." I could eat 5-6 a day, and so could he! Since we're not leaving the house until the temperature approaches zero, the two of us may end up taking care of the entire box...

Work In Spurts

As most probably know, I don't work outside the home. I coach cross country in the Fall -- which I can hardly call work because I enjoy it so much -- but I do receive compensation. The only other income I generate for this household comes in the form of editing jobs I receive sporadically, sometimes from friends and former colleagues, sometimes from actual clients (gained only by word-of-mouth).

My main client this past year is a gentleman (Mr. H.) working on his doctorate, whose first language is Hebrew. He's been required to put together numerous papers and projects, and I am able to help him with minor edits in sentence structure, spelling, and proper grammar as he writes in non-native English (I am certainly of NO help with the actual content of the paper...yikes! Way over my head).

Mr. H. has been beyond excellent to work with. He has been so very understanding about my unpredictable days, my time crunches during XC season and after Elly's birth, and my random, aggravating Internet outages. I believe the Lord has really orchestrated this relationship -- it allows me to help Caleb with the burden of providing financially for our family (albeit a drop in the hat), gives me another outlet to utilize my degree in journalism, and helps me build credibility and a resume. Thankfully, he's not looking for a seasoned veteran, just someone to help him along for now. It fits perfectly for both of us!

I've gone months without work, then months with perhaps too much, but I see God providing in all of it. When it looks like we may come up a bit short, or when there's a special occasion that we need a little extra for, or when we just need more diapers -- haha -- God always provides. Sometimes it's in the form of an editing job, sometimes it's in other ways, but He's ALWAYS FAITHFUL!

I'm working on a little project for Mr. H. right now! I'm just so thankful for the opportunity to exercise other parts of my brain (not that teaching Cameron numbers, colors and letters isn't stimulating), to earn a bit, to be always home with my babies, and to bless someone in the process. Also very thankful right now that my husband has a job, and praying for friends who are looking for work.

Naptime = editing time! :) Hooray and thank you Lord!

Freebs!

I love sharing coupons and good deals! :) Click here for a free bottle of Suave! The offer is good ONLY today, January 14, so you must do it now!

2'9" Reminder

My little Cam is in a precious phase right now - he's the cutest combination of a parrot and a sponge. He really picks up on every little thing we say, consequently it has made me MUCH more conscious of what's on TV in the background of our daily lives (even the news).

His sweet little tendencies have also made me stand up and take notice of what I say on a regular basis. Now, I don't swear at my children, I try my best not to yell, and I strive to put good things into my mind and heart so that good things come out...but...well, sometimes it doesn't always work. Cam's not yet blurted out anything embarassing or utterly shocking, but what his little mouth sets on "repeat" is a great gauge for me as to what I'm saying most often -- or, more importantly, what he is hearing most often -- throughout the day.

Last week, it was "NO! N-n-n-n-NO! Mommy says, NO!"
(Lots of discipline in this house as of late)

A couple days ago, it was "Hi, Honey!"

Others have included, "Obey Mama/Daddy," "Have BIG sleep," (for naptime and bedtime), and "Elly sleeping."

I know I can't always control what phases and stages we're going through here, and exactly what's on the agenda to communicate and re-communicate to the babes, but it really is interesting to have a precious little mouth echo back to me what his heart is absorbing. He's the cutest, most wonderful, 2 foot, 9 inch reminder. :)

1 Timothy 4:12: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

Blondes vs. Brunettes

The Sieh blondes (in pjs!)

The Sieh brunettes

Who has more fun? :)

Let's All Eat Cake

This is a recipe you simply MUST have on hand. It's one of the most decadent, moist, delicious chocolate cakes I have ever tasted. I usually find myself baking it when I need to cope with something emotionally...hahaha. I eat one slice while it's still hot, then refrigerate the rest and serve it cold. Cold dark chocolate cake with hardened chocolate chips inside...

Need I persuade any more? You should make this cake.

Darn Good Chocolate Cake
(my Momma's recipe!)

1 box dark chocolate cake mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup warm water
4 eggs
1 small box chocolate pudding
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips, beat on low speed (1 minute) until integrated. Scrape bowl, then turn mixer to medium-high and beat until batter is thick, a bit fluffy, and well-mixed (about 2 minutes). Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into prepared (greased and floured) bundt pan and bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Cool on wire rack for 20 minutes, then use a knife to loosen edges of cake from pan. Turn onto plate or cake stand. May dust with powdered sugar, frost, or drizzle melted milk chocolate chips over cake. I prefer it straight up. :) Enjoy!

Beeeelated

I'm back! Oh how I've missed you all! Just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! Here's our Christmas letter too...just a little late. Love from the Siehs!

Dear family and friends,

2008 has absolutely flown by, and has been filled with wonderful memories. We want to give you a quick update on our amazingly blessed, never boring, sometimes-a-bit-crazy life!

Our family grew by one as we welcomed Elly Mariah on May 13. Elly was born at 7 lbs, 10 oz, 21 inches long, with a full head of dark hair, dark eyes, and ready to take on the world! Her hair has lightened a bit and her eyes waver between hazel and brown, but she is still the strong, passionate girl we knew she would be from the moment we met her! Elly is a true joy – it’s so much fun to watch her interact with and enjoy her brother, try to roll her way across the floor, and even babble her first words (just for the record…”MAMA” was the very first!)

Cameron turned two on December 5, and is an excellent big brother. He is gentle with Elly, and even endures her grabbing and pinching as she attempts to “love” him back! Cameron is curious as ever, and although he still loves to cuddle, read, and listen to music, his days are mostly filled with learning new sound effects, racing cars on any hard surface available, and preparing for his future as a track star by yelling “ready…set…go!” and speeding around the house. He is becoming quite proficient at his colors and longer phrases, so we usually get a play-by-play of what’s going on in his mind, i.e. as we are driving down the road: “Mommy! Yellow truck! Big truck! Whoa! Bye, truck!” It is a blast to see our little boy’s mind at work!

Caleb is working for Kay Jewelers and is the store manager in Woodbury, MN. We all had to adjust to his commuting farther away from home, but we try to make it out to see him occasionally. His employees are always excited to see Cameron and Elly and give them lots of attention. J Caleb is also assistant coach of the men’s basketball team at North Central University, and enjoys the opportunity to interact with the coaches and young men there.

Most days, you’ll find me (Michelle) at home attempting to synchronize naptimes, mealtimes, and keep clothes clean. It is a joy and blessing to be able to be at home with my babies on a regular basis, and I try my hardest to be patient and enjoy every moment I have with them! I am honored and humbled to have completed my fifth year as the coach of the North Central University women’s cross country team. This impressive group won the women’s NCCAA Championship for the fourth consecutive season this November, and the men’s team took third in their race! Doubly exciting was the fact that my brother, Jay, ran on the men’s team.

Luke 2: 10-11: "Then the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born; he is Christ the Lord.” Our gift, our salvation, and our hope is in Him and ONLY Him! As Cameron would say, He’s the reason for our “happy heart!” We pray that your new year is safe, healthful and abundantly blessed, and that Joy and Peace fill your home in 2009!