Small in Space, But Full of Love and Memories

Mr. Jordan Jacobs met Miss Christina Alves in Estes Park, Colorado. 

I met a hardworking country boy.  Jordan met an iced mocha drinkin', busy city gal.  God placed two completely different people together to form what is our family now, and we are happy in the present and excited for the future. 

As many of you know, we have outgrown our small abode.  We have been searching for an acreage close to work and to church.  Well, we haven't found the place to call home.  Jordan and I have resigned ourselves to living a bit longer in our home, and honestly, we felt a deep peace about it. 

We are fast approaching the birthday of our littlest blessing, Philomena Maria.  She is such a sweetheart.  We love smothering her with kisses.  Her cheeks are oh so cute!  We plan on doing something small on her special day and hopefully we can video chat with family while she eats some cake or ice cream.  Magdalene and Tobias will help us put together a bigger party and invite family and friends in Iowa to celebrate sometime in early June. 

A month after our littlest turns one, we will celebrate our fifth anniversary of our engagement.  Jordan proposed in the chapel I attended (with my father's permission) in front of the altar.  How holy romantic, right?  haha! 

We do not know which direction we will be led in the years to come.  But we remain steadfast to following God's Holy Will in our lives.  Who would have thought I would have moved to Iowa?  Perhaps the Lord will call us somewhere else.  We do not know.  We are just excited for what is ahead, and in the meantime, we will treasure the memories we have created as a family of five. 

Easter at the Krull's (Written from Magdalene's Point of View)

I was so excited to take my nap today.  My daddy said that we would be going to Grandma Jeanie and Grandpa Dalen's for Easter!  I hope I find some eggs! 

This was my baby sister's first Easter egg hunt.  She liked her basket.  I liked playing with her bunny. 

 This is my Grandma Jeanie.  She's a good cook. 

Tobias is finding his eggs with Grandma!

 My daddy was trying to help us find eggs. 

 I found some gummies in my egg!  Yummy! 

 I love Easter eggs.  What do you think about hiding some Easter eggs underneath the Christmas tree, Tias? 

 My daddy is having man time with Tobias. 

 My mommy wanted to put a bow in Philomena's hair.  I don't know if she likes it. 

Philomena's thoughts, "How am I supposed to eat this rabbit?"

 I didn't want to get too close to the goats.  There was a lot of poop so my Uncle Tanner picked me up. 

 Tobias was a cowboy! 

 Good job, Tobias.  I didn't want to go on a pony. 

 I think my pony was sad, but I wasn't ready to ride her. 

 So I was a good big sister and let Philomena ride her. 

 Tobias wanted to go back to see the ponies. 

 Here is Ruby.  I named her. 

 And her friend is Rosie. 

Tobias likes the rainbow pony too! 

P.S.  Maybe I can put ribbons and pink bows in their hair next time. 

34 Weeks....But Who's Counting?!!!!!

It is official.  We are going to California for Christmas.  Thank you, Jordan!!!  You are the sweetest husband.  I know that Jordan is excited as well. 

Magdalene is super excited.  She keeps waiting for the snow to come so she know it's Christmas.  "I'm going on an airplane to see my tias and Vavo.  Is it Christmas yet?"   

I know it is difficult for my side of the family to not watch the day to day life with our family.   Words cannot express how truly grateful and happy I feel that we can spend time together. 

P.S.  Someone in our household is turning ONE next month.  And yes, there will be a themed party to celebrate!  Invitations are being made this weekend. 

Eggstatic about Easter

 

Here are some photos that described our Easter.  The kids received a package from my mom earlier in the week with new shoes and clothes.  Tobias loved his new Thomas sneakers. 

 

Magdalene started to run around the living room with her new princess sneakers. 

But I think she was most excited about her new church coat.  It matched her umbrella!  She gets excited when she sees that it is raining.  "That's okay, Mom.  I can use my umbrella and rain boots to go outside."

Jordan and I had big plans for Easter baskets this year.  We were going to make Portuguese sweet bread for each child and  make train and princess lollipops to hide in their eggs, but we simply ran out of time.  Jordan finished hauling most of the pews that were at church to store elsewhere, and we were happy to help out Daddy.  I have never made homemade Portuguese sweet bread (Massa), but I envisioned this being a great tradition in our family.  I grew up eating this bread, and I have fond memories of the egg on top of the bread.  It had deep symbolism for me. 

We didn't get a chance to bake our lamb cake as well, but I have come to the conclusion that you just can't do everything in one weekend.  We decided to extend Easter baking/activities to the rest of the week, and I felt a great peace.  The kids helped bake the lamb cake yesterday, and we plan on frosting it when we have time.  Sometime on Saturday we plan on baking the Portuguese sweet bread, and it will be a great treat for Sunday breakfast.   I pray the bread tastes good.  I will update you later on that, Sistas! 

I couldn't find the train mold for Tobias' lollipop so he was content with an already made one.  I did find Magdalene's princess mold, and she was excited to receive something "princess-like" in her egg.

I think our favorite part about their baskets was purchasing Easter books to read to them.  We didn't really have much of a collection of Easter related books so it's exciting to have new literature around the house. 

We attended Mass that morning with coordinating clothing. 

Grandma holds a special place in our hearts.  She is always willing to give a helping hand when we need one. 

Our friend from church made the most amazing carrot cake.  Helena, seriously, it was the most amazing carrot cake.   I know what you're thinking.  It's even better than Whole Foods. 

Here is my godson with his Easter basket.  I heard he likes his sippy cup. 

Tobias was excited to eat "dirt".  haha!  It's hard for me to watch Tobias see yummy dessert, and he can't taste it just in case the food has been contaminated with peanuts/nuts.  We decided to bring in something that our little man would enjoy. 

 

Happy Easter!  He is Risen!

 Our friend took some amazing photos of our family.  Here are a few shots.  P.S.  Philomena was sleeping. 

 I know what you're thinking, Helena and Brenda.  Classic Christina goofy face.  Just in case you missed that expression, here it is.