We have done our best to take advantage of our time closer to friends and family we rarely see. The kids have been introduced to quite a few relatives in the last few days and it's so fun to see them figure out who all these new faces are!
J's Uncle Rodney lives in a Maryland suburb, so we were excited to plan dinner with him. As I've been talking to the kids about his visit, they could hardly contain their excitement:
Is Mr. Rodney coming tonight?
But we can't eat yet, Mr. Rodney isn't here yet?
Is Rodney on his way?
I will wait and have my lunch when Mr. Rodney gets here?
No matter how many times I reminded and corrected them that it was actually Uncle Rodney, Mr. Rodney remained the prevailing favorite.
We [me and the big kids] all worked together this afternoon to prepare dessert which only made the kids even more excited about his evening visit.
Around 5 PM, the doorbell rang. It was maintenance for the building responding to a request about our broken drain. The man did his work quickly and then said goodbye as he headed for the door.
"Bye, Mr. Rodney, it was so nice to meet you and have you come to our house!" Bo exclaimed as the man began to shut the door.
I briefly explained that Bo had confused him with the company we were expecting later that evening, and the man thought it was quite amusing.
When we finally got the call that Rodney was waiting down in the lobby, the kids could not get their shoes on fast enough to accompany Jason down to get "Mr. Rodney!"
Apparently, they were not alone on the elevator and Bo began a conversation with the other man making his way down to the lobby. As they arrived at the first floor, the man politely said goodbye to the kids as he got off the elevator.
"Bye Mr. Rodney," Bo remarked, "it was so great to see you!"
The man paused, obviously confused, and J quickly explained Bo's understanding of who the man was.
They all had a good chuckle when the man told J he was so caught off guard becuase his name was actually Rodney!
The kids finally got to meet the real Uncle Rodney and Bo was quick to give him hugs and promise him more after dinner.
Another great visit with family and more priceless memories from the kids!
Wednesday, April 29
Tuesday, April 28
Wherever you want to go...
J and I decided to invest in a GPS system before we got on the road for our five week trip. Despite his many gifts and talents, my husband does not have the best sense of direction. We both agreed that the cost of the GPS was far less than the cost of the couple's therapy we would need if we tried to manuever this trip with only a map and a series of printed directions to various destinations :)
The kids, especially Bo, have been so interested in the lady in the TV that takes us "wherever we want to go." Bo also likes to remind me to be sure that I am following the "highlighted route" as we drive in the car!
Bo has also declared that when we get to our apartment building it is HIS job to take me wherever I want to go since we don't have the GPS. This basically means that he is the self-declared elevator operater.
He is so proud of this role, and he frequently announces, "mom, I'm in charge of the elegator! I can push the buttons and I can make sure it takes you wherever you want to go!"
The reality is that I now I have a four year old who is completely obsessed with elevators. This morning, as we made our way around the Museum of Natural History, Bo kept moaning and whining, "please just take me back to the elevator. That is where I really want to be!"
It seems that with small children much of the pleasure of a tour of Washington, D.C. is second to the excitement of a trip on the metro train and a ride on the elevator!
The kids, especially Bo, have been so interested in the lady in the TV that takes us "wherever we want to go." Bo also likes to remind me to be sure that I am following the "highlighted route" as we drive in the car!
Bo has also declared that when we get to our apartment building it is HIS job to take me wherever I want to go since we don't have the GPS. This basically means that he is the self-declared elevator operater.
He is so proud of this role, and he frequently announces, "mom, I'm in charge of the elegator! I can push the buttons and I can make sure it takes you wherever you want to go!"
The reality is that I now I have a four year old who is completely obsessed with elevators. This morning, as we made our way around the Museum of Natural History, Bo kept moaning and whining, "please just take me back to the elevator. That is where I really want to be!"
It seems that with small children much of the pleasure of a tour of Washington, D.C. is second to the excitement of a trip on the metro train and a ride on the elevator!
Air and Space
J decided to forgo his morning of classes yesterday and join us for a tour of the National Air and Space Museum.
Bo was ecstatic to make his way through the various exhibits. He got to play "video games" throughout the visit.
As we got home and rested from our morning on the go, Bo reminded me that he was so glad he got to "fix" one of the airplanes.
At one point, J took Bo and Ella into the cockpit of a large plane that was in the museum. It was just a section of the plane with a cockpit and a few rows of seats. While they were inside, Bo kept asking why the plane wouldn't fly, and J replied simply that it was broken.
Bo decided that meant that he needed to "fix" it so he began searching for a quick fix.
He found some sort of knob or switch somewhere and informed J that he fixed he plane as he flipped it.
He relayed to me later that he was so glad that he was able to fix the plane.
"Wow, Bo, it sounds like you did a really good job with that?"
"Yeah mom, but why did they have to cut the plane in half before I fixed it?!"
Bo was ecstatic to make his way through the various exhibits. He got to play "video games" throughout the visit.
As we got home and rested from our morning on the go, Bo reminded me that he was so glad he got to "fix" one of the airplanes.
At one point, J took Bo and Ella into the cockpit of a large plane that was in the museum. It was just a section of the plane with a cockpit and a few rows of seats. While they were inside, Bo kept asking why the plane wouldn't fly, and J replied simply that it was broken.
Bo decided that meant that he needed to "fix" it so he began searching for a quick fix.
He found some sort of knob or switch somewhere and informed J that he fixed he plane as he flipped it.
He relayed to me later that he was so glad that he was able to fix the plane.
"Wow, Bo, it sounds like you did a really good job with that?"
"Yeah mom, but why did they have to cut the plane in half before I fixed it?!"
Over the river and through the woods!
We ventured out of D.C. this past weekend for a mini road trip!
J's grandmom lives in New Jersey, just about three hours from here, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to see her and to introduce her to Ella and Jack!
Our trip up there was a bit more interesting than we planned as we had to do a turn-around about 30 minutes into the trip for Ella's antibiotics. Ooops!
Despite the additional time, we had a great ride and still made it in time for lunch with Grandmom. Then, after an afternoon of visiting while the kids napped, we went and ate dinner with J's aunt, uncle, and cousins.
What a blast!
It made me so sad that we live so far away. The kids had a great time exploring a new toyroom and playing with cousins. J and I both really enjoyed the opportunity to visit with family we so rarely see.
As we visited Sunday morning and reminded the kids that we were going to be going back to DC that afternoon, they were so sweet with Grandmom. They kept telling her they loved her and they would miss her. Ella even asked which seat was going to be Grandmom's for our ride back to DC. She was sad to learn that Grandmom had to stay behind.
I can't wait to come back and add pictures to some of these posts because I have some priceless shots. What fun we had!
J's grandmom lives in New Jersey, just about three hours from here, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to see her and to introduce her to Ella and Jack!
Our trip up there was a bit more interesting than we planned as we had to do a turn-around about 30 minutes into the trip for Ella's antibiotics. Ooops!
Despite the additional time, we had a great ride and still made it in time for lunch with Grandmom. Then, after an afternoon of visiting while the kids napped, we went and ate dinner with J's aunt, uncle, and cousins.
What a blast!
It made me so sad that we live so far away. The kids had a great time exploring a new toyroom and playing with cousins. J and I both really enjoyed the opportunity to visit with family we so rarely see.
As we visited Sunday morning and reminded the kids that we were going to be going back to DC that afternoon, they were so sweet with Grandmom. They kept telling her they loved her and they would miss her. Ella even asked which seat was going to be Grandmom's for our ride back to DC. She was sad to learn that Grandmom had to stay behind.
I can't wait to come back and add pictures to some of these posts because I have some priceless shots. What fun we had!
Friday, April 24
Zoo Adventure
It's a beautiful day, and I'm enjoying the sights and sounds of freshly cut grass as we relax back at the apartment.
We spent the morning at the National Zoo and what a perfect day it was for the zoo! It was even more fun that we had some friends join us for the outing, so we got to visit as we manuevered our way through the crowd.
I am dying that I can't download my pictures and look at them right this second because we definitely got to see some fun animals. Seeing the wonder and excitement of the kids was too fun. We also got to witness an elephant bath. Bo kept screaming out because he thought it was so hysterical.
Ironically, one of the most scenic elements of the morning was the drive there and back. We drove through a residential area on the way to the zoo. At one point, I looked over and noticed the Embassy for the African Republic of Congo. How cool is that?
Then, on our way home, we drove through a beautiful nature area with a large creek and mill. Awesome!
We spent the morning at the National Zoo and what a perfect day it was for the zoo! It was even more fun that we had some friends join us for the outing, so we got to visit as we manuevered our way through the crowd.
I am dying that I can't download my pictures and look at them right this second because we definitely got to see some fun animals. Seeing the wonder and excitement of the kids was too fun. We also got to witness an elephant bath. Bo kept screaming out because he thought it was so hysterical.
Ironically, one of the most scenic elements of the morning was the drive there and back. We drove through a residential area on the way to the zoo. At one point, I looked over and noticed the Embassy for the African Republic of Congo. How cool is that?
Then, on our way home, we drove through a beautiful nature area with a large creek and mill. Awesome!
Thursday, April 23
Strong or Spoiled?
I did Beth Moore's study on Esther this spring with some girls from church. In one of her final sessions, she says that as she read and studied the book of Esther one of the questions she kept coming back to in her own life was "Am I strong or just spoiled?"
I know that for me I am most certainly spoiled in my life. The lavish abundance of blessings poured out far outweigh the hardships I've experienced.
That said, I think the Father used the travels this weekend and the events of early this week to show me how much I take for granted and to remind me that He is in all things. I could [and maybe one day I will] write a book about the three days that brought us from home out here to Washington, D.C., but I will try my best to be concise:
Travel Day ONE
3:30 AM-J is awake and at the mercy of a violent stomach virus that has him on his knees, literally.
6:00 AM We reassess our plans to get the kids up and get on the road.
8:00 AM-J manages to keep down some pedialyte, so we begin the process of moving towards the car, very slowly. I know I am going to drive and I'm already feeling exhausted, so that makes me nervous.
10:41 AM I have a breakdown as I realize we will not make it to my Aunt and Uncle's until after 10 PM. They were planning a big birthday dinner for us, and I was sad that we would miss it. I knew my grandparents were going to be there as well, and I was just sad that we would miss out on time to visit with family members we so rarely see.
1:20 PM We pull off the interstate for a gas and potty break and and I notice Ella squirming in her seat.
"Do you need to go pee-pee?" I asked.
Her response, "Don't worry mom, I just went in my paper towel," and she held up a urine soaked paper towel that she'd crammed between her legs. Not good.
3:30-6 PM or so J sleeps and wakes up seeming to have turned a corner. He actually wants to eat something!
11:03 PM We arrive at my Aunt and Uncle's [approximately 640 miles from home] and stumble in to family and birthday cake for Jack. It was such a fun celebration, and I almost cried that I got to take pictures of him celebrating on his birthday.
Travel Day TWO
8:00 AM We are able to enjoy breakfast with my aunt, uncle and grandparents before my aunt and uncle head off on a vacation. We then had another hour to visit with grandparents [my dad's parents] and let the kids run around and play.
10:30 AM We are on the road and J is driving. We are starting to be able to laugh about the events of the previous day.
12:00 PM We pull off to get gas and I run into a Kroger to grab some lunch for the kids. J sits in the parking lot to wait for me and as we're pulling back out of the lot, the car begins to ding. We're searching for an open door or the source of the ding when we notice the car is seriously overheated, so we pull into the nearest stop and let the kids eat while the car cools down.
1:20 PM We're back on the road. All the fluids are at normal levels and the car is once again back to normal temps, so we decide to keep moving.
7:30 PM No more overheating, and we've arrived at the apartment that will be our home for the next two weeks. WHEW!
DC Day ONE
Now, I knew that we were all going to be tired of the car, and Monday was supposed to be overcast and rainy, so I planned to just hang out here and let the kids "explore" while we got settled.
By 10 AM it became clear that something was amiss with Ella. She was having frequent urges to go potty and then crying as she would sit and go. I then noticed that there was some blood with her urine. UTI? I wasn't sure, but I knew it wasn't good.
After waiting three hours to talk to our home pediatrician, I finally got word that she had to go somewhere for a test. I started calling urgent care clinics to see if they had the necessary means to diagnose and treat her, and they all suggested I see a pediatrician or go to a children's hospital ER. Thankfully, my dear friend, stepped in and gave me the info for her pediatrician. I called and they saw us at 3 PM.
The pediatrician is a post in and of itself, but I"ll just say that Ella had trouble peeing so we kept pushing the fluids because they had to have a sample. Bo started complaining that his ear hurt and the doc confirmed an ear infection for him. They needed multiple assistants to hold Ella down so the doctor could check her special area, and I hope she isn't scarred for life because of the experience. The visit to the doctor culminated with Bo bursting into tears and saying his stomach hurt "so bad," Jack fighting to dive out of my arms, and Ella screaming on the floor because her pee-pee was coming out before she could get to the bathroom; this was all while I was trying to pay our bill. I think they will be telling stories about me in that office for months to come.
Ella's UTI is confirmed, but the $120 liquid gold she's taking really seems to be helping.
Bo hasn't complained about his ears or tummy since we left the doctor.
The car is being fixed-a $250 fix and it should be good as new :)
And I've been exhausted, recovering, confessing my bad attitude and unkindness toward my husband.
I'm definitely spoiled!
I know that for me I am most certainly spoiled in my life. The lavish abundance of blessings poured out far outweigh the hardships I've experienced.
That said, I think the Father used the travels this weekend and the events of early this week to show me how much I take for granted and to remind me that He is in all things. I could [and maybe one day I will] write a book about the three days that brought us from home out here to Washington, D.C., but I will try my best to be concise:
Travel Day ONE
3:30 AM-J is awake and at the mercy of a violent stomach virus that has him on his knees, literally.
6:00 AM We reassess our plans to get the kids up and get on the road.
8:00 AM-J manages to keep down some pedialyte, so we begin the process of moving towards the car, very slowly. I know I am going to drive and I'm already feeling exhausted, so that makes me nervous.
10:41 AM I have a breakdown as I realize we will not make it to my Aunt and Uncle's until after 10 PM. They were planning a big birthday dinner for us, and I was sad that we would miss it. I knew my grandparents were going to be there as well, and I was just sad that we would miss out on time to visit with family members we so rarely see.
1:20 PM We pull off the interstate for a gas and potty break and and I notice Ella squirming in her seat.
"Do you need to go pee-pee?" I asked.
Her response, "Don't worry mom, I just went in my paper towel," and she held up a urine soaked paper towel that she'd crammed between her legs. Not good.
3:30-6 PM or so J sleeps and wakes up seeming to have turned a corner. He actually wants to eat something!
11:03 PM We arrive at my Aunt and Uncle's [approximately 640 miles from home] and stumble in to family and birthday cake for Jack. It was such a fun celebration, and I almost cried that I got to take pictures of him celebrating on his birthday.
Travel Day TWO
8:00 AM We are able to enjoy breakfast with my aunt, uncle and grandparents before my aunt and uncle head off on a vacation. We then had another hour to visit with grandparents [my dad's parents] and let the kids run around and play.
10:30 AM We are on the road and J is driving. We are starting to be able to laugh about the events of the previous day.
12:00 PM We pull off to get gas and I run into a Kroger to grab some lunch for the kids. J sits in the parking lot to wait for me and as we're pulling back out of the lot, the car begins to ding. We're searching for an open door or the source of the ding when we notice the car is seriously overheated, so we pull into the nearest stop and let the kids eat while the car cools down.
1:20 PM We're back on the road. All the fluids are at normal levels and the car is once again back to normal temps, so we decide to keep moving.
7:30 PM No more overheating, and we've arrived at the apartment that will be our home for the next two weeks. WHEW!
DC Day ONE
Now, I knew that we were all going to be tired of the car, and Monday was supposed to be overcast and rainy, so I planned to just hang out here and let the kids "explore" while we got settled.
By 10 AM it became clear that something was amiss with Ella. She was having frequent urges to go potty and then crying as she would sit and go. I then noticed that there was some blood with her urine. UTI? I wasn't sure, but I knew it wasn't good.
After waiting three hours to talk to our home pediatrician, I finally got word that she had to go somewhere for a test. I started calling urgent care clinics to see if they had the necessary means to diagnose and treat her, and they all suggested I see a pediatrician or go to a children's hospital ER. Thankfully, my dear friend, stepped in and gave me the info for her pediatrician. I called and they saw us at 3 PM.
The pediatrician is a post in and of itself, but I"ll just say that Ella had trouble peeing so we kept pushing the fluids because they had to have a sample. Bo started complaining that his ear hurt and the doc confirmed an ear infection for him. They needed multiple assistants to hold Ella down so the doctor could check her special area, and I hope she isn't scarred for life because of the experience. The visit to the doctor culminated with Bo bursting into tears and saying his stomach hurt "so bad," Jack fighting to dive out of my arms, and Ella screaming on the floor because her pee-pee was coming out before she could get to the bathroom; this was all while I was trying to pay our bill. I think they will be telling stories about me in that office for months to come.
Ella's UTI is confirmed, but the $120 liquid gold she's taking really seems to be helping.
Bo hasn't complained about his ears or tummy since we left the doctor.
The car is being fixed-a $250 fix and it should be good as new :)
And I've been exhausted, recovering, confessing my bad attitude and unkindness toward my husband.
I'm definitely spoiled!
Friday, April 17
Offline
I've been feeling a little overextended this past week, which is one of the reason for my lack of posts! I think the reality that we are going to be out of town for over a month finally became a reality. There's a lot to do to get five people ready for all that travel!
That's why my bed looked like this for most of the day...
Anyways, we will be offline the next few days as we travel, and then we should have Internet access once we make it to DC, so I will do my best to post as we adventure. I will not be able to post pictures, but I'm sure there will be lots of stories.
I've got a few more things to do here, but I just have to mention that tomorrow is Jack's birthday. How is it possible that he is one?? I still can't believe he's going to have to spend his birthday in the car, but we're going to do our best to have a great time.
Oh, and I couldn't help but notice today how vacumming brings out the differences in my kids personalities!
Bo: Removes himself to another room and is glad when I am finished.
Ella: Right behind me with her vacuum making sure she gets her turn.
Jack: As close to the vacuum as possible. I think he would ride on it if I would let him!
I'm out!
Thursday, April 16
April Showers?
We've been enjoying some seriously beautiful weather here. I know the rain is headed our way, but we love the sunshine!
Wednesday, April 15
We had a dog once
We've had many conversations around here about when/if we will get a dog.
It's not that I don't like dogs; it's that my husband and I have very different thoughts about the "ideal" dog. We've reached a few compromises here and there, but we're not ready to commit to anything just yet.
Small children coupled with several out of town rotations last year and this year meant that it was not something we could do at this point.
The other day I had this conversation with Bo:
Mom, when are we going to get a dog?
I don't know Bo. Hopefully we can get one soon.
We had a dog once. **sigh** She was such a good dog.
Bo, are you talking about Lucky? [a neighborhood dog who wandered into the backyard one day for about 3 minutes while we had the gate open to the fence-the kids took turns petting her while J called the owners but she bounded out of the backyard before we could even contact them]
Yeah, she was such a good dog. She was black and white and she let me pet her. I really miss that good dog. How about we get another dog just like Lucky?!
Maybe soon, Bo. Maybe soon.
It's not that I don't like dogs; it's that my husband and I have very different thoughts about the "ideal" dog. We've reached a few compromises here and there, but we're not ready to commit to anything just yet.
Small children coupled with several out of town rotations last year and this year meant that it was not something we could do at this point.
The other day I had this conversation with Bo:
Mom, when are we going to get a dog?
I don't know Bo. Hopefully we can get one soon.
We had a dog once. **sigh** She was such a good dog.
Bo, are you talking about Lucky? [a neighborhood dog who wandered into the backyard one day for about 3 minutes while we had the gate open to the fence-the kids took turns petting her while J called the owners but she bounded out of the backyard before we could even contact them]
Yeah, she was such a good dog. She was black and white and she let me pet her. I really miss that good dog. How about we get another dog just like Lucky?!
Maybe soon, Bo. Maybe soon.
Tuesday, April 14
Egg huntin'
I have not posted here lately because I've really been mulling over some words that I wanted to say about Easter. Now here it is Tuesday, and I'm still mulling. I know there's a great post here; you'll just have to enjoy some pictures while you wait!
All ready for the egg hunt.
How about that black eye? The details are a bit fuzzy and suspicious, but the confirmed details of the incident include a bridge from his train set and a wrestling match with Ella!
All ready for the egg hunt.
How about that black eye? The details are a bit fuzzy and suspicious, but the confirmed details of the incident include a bridge from his train set and a wrestling match with Ella!
Ella found a frog egg and was SO fascinated by it!
Jack did a lot of this...
...and this.
Thankfully his older sister stepped in and collected a few eggs for him :)
Thankfully his older sister stepped in and collected a few eggs for him :)
Saturday, April 11
Wait, that's not Ryan?
Ever had one of those "uh-oh" moments? I'm hoping someone has and can relate to this...
We had an egg hunt up at the church this morning for the kids. We invited another couple to go with us and the kids were all excited about the event.
Despite the fact that we showed up an hour early [oops!], we were all having a good time and good attitudes.
Later, as the kids were running around gathering eggs, the Easter Bunny appeared. Our friend's son was especially excited and ran to have his picture taken.
Now, let me just interject here that we're not really Easter Bunny people. We've never told the kids about the Easter Bunny and never pretended that he brings them candy. We don't do Santa Clause either, but I think that's probably another post. Back to the point...
As the Easter Bunny made his rounds, he came by to say hi to Jack and Ella who were crawling around at my feet. He said hi to Jack and I immediately recognized the voice of the church's youth pastor.
"Hey Ryan!" I said , "you get all the fun jobs, huh?"
What I failed to notice was that our friend's son was right next to me as I made the comment.
"Wait, is that Ryan," he exclaimed, "that can't be the Easter Bunny if it's Ryan!" And he ran off to his mother with a trembling chin.
Uh-oh. Damage control anyone?
His mom assured me no harm done. She simply informed her son that of course that was not the real Easter Bunny because he was certainly too busy today to be there.
Oh, my.
I guess I'll have a nice helping of foot in mouth for my Easter dinner!
We had an egg hunt up at the church this morning for the kids. We invited another couple to go with us and the kids were all excited about the event.
Despite the fact that we showed up an hour early [oops!], we were all having a good time and good attitudes.
Later, as the kids were running around gathering eggs, the Easter Bunny appeared. Our friend's son was especially excited and ran to have his picture taken.
Now, let me just interject here that we're not really Easter Bunny people. We've never told the kids about the Easter Bunny and never pretended that he brings them candy. We don't do Santa Clause either, but I think that's probably another post. Back to the point...
As the Easter Bunny made his rounds, he came by to say hi to Jack and Ella who were crawling around at my feet. He said hi to Jack and I immediately recognized the voice of the church's youth pastor.
"Hey Ryan!" I said , "you get all the fun jobs, huh?"
What I failed to notice was that our friend's son was right next to me as I made the comment.
"Wait, is that Ryan," he exclaimed, "that can't be the Easter Bunny if it's Ryan!" And he ran off to his mother with a trembling chin.
Uh-oh. Damage control anyone?
His mom assured me no harm done. She simply informed her son that of course that was not the real Easter Bunny because he was certainly too busy today to be there.
Oh, my.
I guess I'll have a nice helping of foot in mouth for my Easter dinner!
Thursday, April 9
A really bad SNL sketch
It's 7:01 PM and all the kids are in bed. Bo is already asleep, and Jack is sprawled out on his blanket, but I'm not sure he's completely out yet. Ella was "talking to herself in her room" last time I went in there, but she says she is so glad to be in bed because she is a "tired girl."
By 5:30 PM the kids were all a complete wreck. Everything caused a meltdown.
I'll be honest, transparent, sometimes that is really frustrating. When they are all whining and needy and unreasonable, I often loose my cool. I end up putting them [or myself] in timeout just so I don't get too flustered in the moment!
Tonight, it became comical. At one point, I was stifling a giggle!
For over an hour they whined and cried. Sometimes one at a time in a sort of tag-team rhythm and sometimes simultaneously in an awkward and shrill chorus. There was nothing else to do but laugh, and impose a strict 6:38 PM bedtime.
That's really early around here, but I certainly didn't hear any complaining.
By 5:30 PM the kids were all a complete wreck. Everything caused a meltdown.
I'll be honest, transparent, sometimes that is really frustrating. When they are all whining and needy and unreasonable, I often loose my cool. I end up putting them [or myself] in timeout just so I don't get too flustered in the moment!
Tonight, it became comical. At one point, I was stifling a giggle!
For over an hour they whined and cried. Sometimes one at a time in a sort of tag-team rhythm and sometimes simultaneously in an awkward and shrill chorus. There was nothing else to do but laugh, and impose a strict 6:38 PM bedtime.
That's really early around here, but I certainly didn't hear any complaining.
Wednesday, April 8
Eagle, Birdie, Bogie, Par
Hmmm, seems like there was something important going on this week?
Oh, yeah! Golf!
Frogs playing golf.
Oh, I am so silly! I crack myself up!
GOTCHA! Frogs aren't playing golf this week, but the pros are!
Happy Master's Week Papa and Uncle Andy!
Mommy put a green shirt on me to prime me for one day wearing that green jacket!
Happy Master's Week Papa and Uncle Andy!
Mommy put a green shirt on me to prime me for one day wearing that green jacket!
Monday, April 6
It's not a shampoo bottle now!
Sweet! I have been practicing acceptance speeches in the mirror for years, and I am suddenly left with nothing to say!
I'm learning that I often process things best in writing, so this "online journal" has been a great way to process the daily moments of motherhood. I love my brood, and I am excited to see how it will continue to grow!
Apparently, here are the rules:
1. When given the award, you list 7 things that you love, and then pass the award onto 7 bloggers that you love!
2. Be sure to tag them and let them know they've won.
[You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard.]
How easy is that?
So here are my 7...
1. Jesus
2. Chocolate, especially dark!
3. A husband who loves me and loves Jesus
4. Sunshine-brilliant and warm
5. Babies: having them, holding them, smelling them, teaching them, loving them, listening to them talk and pray and learn, watching them play and playing with them
6. Relationships
7. Bread
And I tag...
Carrie at Life is Beautiful
Jill at Not Narcissim
Amberly at The Deav Fam
Carey at Our Pumpkin Patch
Shelli at Sweet Pea Morrow
Gretchen at Down Home
Rachel at Miracle Mama
Sarah at Blog in your head needs to become a reality!
I'm learning that I often process things best in writing, so this "online journal" has been a great way to process the daily moments of motherhood. I love my brood, and I am excited to see how it will continue to grow!
Apparently, here are the rules:
1. When given the award, you list 7 things that you love, and then pass the award onto 7 bloggers that you love!
2. Be sure to tag them and let them know they've won.
[You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard.]
How easy is that?
So here are my 7...
1. Jesus
2. Chocolate, especially dark!
3. A husband who loves me and loves Jesus
4. Sunshine-brilliant and warm
5. Babies: having them, holding them, smelling them, teaching them, loving them, listening to them talk and pray and learn, watching them play and playing with them
6. Relationships
7. Bread
And I tag...
Carrie at Life is Beautiful
Jill at Not Narcissim
Amberly at The Deav Fam
Carey at Our Pumpkin Patch
Shelli at Sweet Pea Morrow
Gretchen at Down Home
Rachel at Miracle Mama
Sarah at Blog in your head needs to become a reality!
Where have you been all my life?
I love bread. I have always loved bread.
In fact, one of the things my mom always promised growing up was that there would always be something on my dinner plate that I liked. She didn't guarantee that I would have everything I liked every night, but there was always something that she knew I would be excited about. For me, it was most often bread: rolls, muffins, cornbread, crescent rolls. It didn't really matter; I loved bread.
For years my mom also made our family's sandwhich bread. It was the most amazing bread made from a mysterious "starter" that contained potato flakes. It may have been a little suspicious in starter form, but it was absolutely delicious when baked. I remember thinking it must have been like the manna God provided for the Israelites in the desert. I knew it was something I could have eaten all day, every day.
I've been experimenting with bread recipes here for a while now. Bo has decided he only likes the bread that is "brown," so I've been searching for a great whole-wheat bread recipe. And let me just tell you, there are a lot of not so great whole-wheat bread recipes.
But today, I baked a great loaf.
A little birdie introduced me to Thought for Food, and I finally got around to trying her wheat sandwhich bread recipe.
And let me just tell you, it didn't disappoint!
Even though I cheated a little bit on the loaf rising time and cut into the warm loaf-it was 12:30 and we were hungry for lunch-it was a big hit!
Bo sealed the deal with his lunchtime critique, "Mom, this is the best bread ever. I even love the cruncy side [crust]."
Success!
In fact, one of the things my mom always promised growing up was that there would always be something on my dinner plate that I liked. She didn't guarantee that I would have everything I liked every night, but there was always something that she knew I would be excited about. For me, it was most often bread: rolls, muffins, cornbread, crescent rolls. It didn't really matter; I loved bread.
For years my mom also made our family's sandwhich bread. It was the most amazing bread made from a mysterious "starter" that contained potato flakes. It may have been a little suspicious in starter form, but it was absolutely delicious when baked. I remember thinking it must have been like the manna God provided for the Israelites in the desert. I knew it was something I could have eaten all day, every day.
I've been experimenting with bread recipes here for a while now. Bo has decided he only likes the bread that is "brown," so I've been searching for a great whole-wheat bread recipe. And let me just tell you, there are a lot of not so great whole-wheat bread recipes.
But today, I baked a great loaf.
A little birdie introduced me to Thought for Food, and I finally got around to trying her wheat sandwhich bread recipe.
And let me just tell you, it didn't disappoint!
Even though I cheated a little bit on the loaf rising time and cut into the warm loaf-it was 12:30 and we were hungry for lunch-it was a big hit!
Bo sealed the deal with his lunchtime critique, "Mom, this is the best bread ever. I even love the cruncy side [crust]."
Success!
Friday, April 3
37 minutes **Updated**
We've done a lot of traveling this year. J's out of town moonlighting one weekend a month has kept us on the go. We've also had a couple of trips for other reasons, so I've become quite comfortable with the reality of packing up this family of five for a weekend out of town.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I got out of bed this morning and realized I had essentially done nothing for our weekend with J.
We had a morning out of the house for MOPS, so by the time I got the kids home, fed, and in the bed for naps, I had quite a bit to do to get ready.
Imagine my surprise as I packed for myself and three kids, gathered toys and potty chairs and travel beds, and loaded everything in the car in 37 minutes!
I couldn't believe it!
Woo-hoo!
And now it's time get everyone up and in the car because we're supposed to be at the hospital to pick up J in 30 minutes!
I'm out...
**Update: Apparently I wasn't quite as thorough as I thought. I forgot Jack's portable booster seat, which made dinner last night and breakfast this morning a bit more interesting! Looks like he's going to be eating most meals from my lap this weekend.
The positive side is that this might be a good opportunity to teach him to feed himself. Yes, I have an almost one year old who does not put food in his own mouth. We've tried teaching him from our laps before, but I guess he's going to get another crash course this weekend :)**
I couldn't help but chuckle as I got out of bed this morning and realized I had essentially done nothing for our weekend with J.
We had a morning out of the house for MOPS, so by the time I got the kids home, fed, and in the bed for naps, I had quite a bit to do to get ready.
Imagine my surprise as I packed for myself and three kids, gathered toys and potty chairs and travel beds, and loaded everything in the car in 37 minutes!
I couldn't believe it!
Woo-hoo!
And now it's time get everyone up and in the car because we're supposed to be at the hospital to pick up J in 30 minutes!
I'm out...
**Update: Apparently I wasn't quite as thorough as I thought. I forgot Jack's portable booster seat, which made dinner last night and breakfast this morning a bit more interesting! Looks like he's going to be eating most meals from my lap this weekend.
The positive side is that this might be a good opportunity to teach him to feed himself. Yes, I have an almost one year old who does not put food in his own mouth. We've tried teaching him from our laps before, but I guess he's going to get another crash course this weekend :)**
Thursday, April 2
No, No, No, No
Jack seems to be pretty typical with his verbal development at this point. [At least typical in terms of how myother kids vocalized and verbalized at his age.] Lots of babbling and "mama" or "dada" or "uh-oh" but I'm not certain he actually understands the true significance of those words.
I have noticed a consistent word/sound in his vocabulary lately. At first, I thought it was just coincidental. Then, as I listened, I realized that this word was very deliberate and very consistent.
The other day he was sitting with a toy and Ella sat down next to him. He immediately began grabbing her and yelling, "no, no, no, no." And then I started hearing him use it over and over.
He's not even a year old, and he's saying NO consistently. And I'm pretty sure he knows what it means and he likes using it. Ahhhhhh! I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Bo and Ella didn't start saying "no" until they were closer to 18 months.
It's a good thing he's so cute!
I have noticed a consistent word/sound in his vocabulary lately. At first, I thought it was just coincidental. Then, as I listened, I realized that this word was very deliberate and very consistent.
The other day he was sitting with a toy and Ella sat down next to him. He immediately began grabbing her and yelling, "no, no, no, no." And then I started hearing him use it over and over.
He's not even a year old, and he's saying NO consistently. And I'm pretty sure he knows what it means and he likes using it. Ahhhhhh! I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Bo and Ella didn't start saying "no" until they were closer to 18 months.
It's a good thing he's so cute!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
