This is a picture I took a few days ago of some quality time we were spending... it's starting too early. Husband on the laptop, both kids on the cell phone. Oh, me.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thankful Thursday
- the last hug at night. when I go in & wake up my kids and give them one more squeeze.
- Starbucks' Vivanno protein smoothie things. Ugh - my new fave.
- our sweet Glory-girl getting dedicated this Sunday! Sad that family can't be here, but so thankful we have such great friends to share it with.
- fall colors, on fire here.
- my husband surprising me and doing all of the kids laundry today! Is he for real?
- our bed. If you've never seen it, it's the greatest thing ever. Our whole marriage we've had dopey little mattresses and when we moved here, Nick decided to do it right. So we have a king size bed with mattresses made in heaven and every time I sit or lay on it, I feel at peace. Thanks Nick & Jesus.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
oh they places you'll puke.
WARNING: do not read the following if you can't handle a little pregnancy puking stories. I figure if I have to live through it, I may as well laugh about it.
- The other day we had a team of people working at our home, like for a service project. There were a few adults, but mostly middle school aged preteens. Coincidentally, the same morning - all our water was broken which left me without a toilet to puke in. Right after breakfast, I felt it coming on and felt a little panicked - where to puke? WHERE TO PUKE? All of a sudden, I'd waited too long and I burst outside to relieve myself. When I looked up, about six prepubescent teens were staring at me. Nice.
- I usually stop puking around four or five p.m., which is a nice little gift from the Lord. But two nights ago, at 10:30 pm, I was feeling horrible and trying to ignore it until it overcame me. The only problem is that I was tucked in bed and our toilet is around 15 feet away. I think I actually made it in two large bounds and walked back into our bedroom to hear Nick laughing. So much for "morning" sickness.
- Today I was at Kelly's with the kids having a nice little playdate. After changing two poopy diapers, I knew my ticket was up. I preemptively made my way to her guest bathroom and did my business. When I made my way back out, I commented on how nice her fall bathroom decorations looked. She said something to the extent of, "Men could never do this!" Now my husband is TOUGH, but yeah - I don't think he could puke & simultaneously admire a friend's decorating.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
do bai dooooo
I'm not quite sure about half of what Elias says, but we've finally figured out another phrase.
"Do bai dooo" can be heard around our house when Elias is climbing up the stairs, getting ready to throw the football, or when he wants to jump off the counter into our arms.
Nick kept saying Elias was talking about going to Dubai, but we still couldn't figure it out.
This weekend, mystery solved - Do bai dooo is his "one, two, three." Hilarious & Weird.
Friday, October 24, 2008
fashion friday for my new niece!
So this is a double post! One welcoming our new niece - Haley - into the world! Nick's brother, Leland became a daddy yesterday morning when he and Megan met their new little girl. So here is a sweet first picture of her and the kind of blanket I'd like to find for her! (This one is from Etsy) Another girl friend for glor-glor and another baby to buy pink for! yay!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thankful Thursday
2. caffeine free diet coke & popcorn - nothing makes me feel better when I'm pukey in the afternoon.
3. Lauren Hogan.
4. Glory's "ugly smile". I can't even describe it - she tips her head back and closes her eyes and smiles really, really wide.
5. The team of workers that is coming to volunteer at our house this weekend.
6. My thyroid medicine finally kicking in.
7. This picture from the greatest day ever.
8. That we're eating Wendy's for dinner tonight because I swore it off two years ago when I was pregnant with Elias... welcome back old friend.
9. That at Glory's doctor's appointment today we found out she is in the 40th percentile for weight, all the way up from zero! Praise God!
10. For Friday's and a few hours to myself tomorrow, and date night. Friday is a wonderful day in general.
How about ya'll?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Calling all inept mamas - or inept women in general.
It was Wednesday at lunch time.
I had two babies to feed, one acting really horribly, and I had just thrown up a few minutes ago. I felt it coming again. I hadn't left the house since Sunday and while I needed to get the kids out and distracted, the idea of getting them both to the car left me exhausted. A few times a week I get to a yucky place where I start feeling beyond inept - more like utterly incapable of living at all. Shouldn't I be able to handle a random Wednesday without tears? Mine, that is.
I cried to my husband, then pulled myself away before I could distract him anymore and called my mom on the way to the grocery store and was glad she didn't answer. The last thing she needed was me whining to her about the job she's already done for the past twenty-six years. So I walked around the grocery store with my babes saying things like, "Elias - maybe it isn't a great idea to pour the parsley in your mouth" and "Sis - please don't rip up mama's grocery list" and I was thinking all the while - is this place of utter exhaustion where Christ wants me? No. Is it helpful in getting me to where I need to be? Probably.
This morning in a matter of a few minutes, I had to spank my sweet handsome man five times. In just a short span of time, he threw something on his sister, yelled, and hit me with a long stick. While I was disciplining him, I reminded him that my goal was to break his will, not his spirit... but I had to stop him in his tracks to help him see his sin and to turn from it.
I don't need more than a minute to begin listing the million issues I have in my heart and I don't need more than a second to understand I need the Lord to discipline me and correct me. I know that is what this season has to be for me - stopping me in my tracks and helping me to see my main sin - which is mostly the thought that I can do this on my own. It may take the next few years for me to to see my weakness made perfect in His strength... or the rest of my life.
So if you're inept, or imperfect, or just plain sucky in your sin: sit & stay awhile. I'll be relying on Christ for any kind of positive change or growth in my life for a long while & you better believe I'll be writing about it.
I had two babies to feed, one acting really horribly, and I had just thrown up a few minutes ago. I felt it coming again. I hadn't left the house since Sunday and while I needed to get the kids out and distracted, the idea of getting them both to the car left me exhausted. A few times a week I get to a yucky place where I start feeling beyond inept - more like utterly incapable of living at all. Shouldn't I be able to handle a random Wednesday without tears? Mine, that is.
I cried to my husband, then pulled myself away before I could distract him anymore and called my mom on the way to the grocery store and was glad she didn't answer. The last thing she needed was me whining to her about the job she's already done for the past twenty-six years. So I walked around the grocery store with my babes saying things like, "Elias - maybe it isn't a great idea to pour the parsley in your mouth" and "Sis - please don't rip up mama's grocery list" and I was thinking all the while - is this place of utter exhaustion where Christ wants me? No. Is it helpful in getting me to where I need to be? Probably.
This morning in a matter of a few minutes, I had to spank my sweet handsome man five times. In just a short span of time, he threw something on his sister, yelled, and hit me with a long stick. While I was disciplining him, I reminded him that my goal was to break his will, not his spirit... but I had to stop him in his tracks to help him see his sin and to turn from it.
I don't need more than a minute to begin listing the million issues I have in my heart and I don't need more than a second to understand I need the Lord to discipline me and correct me. I know that is what this season has to be for me - stopping me in my tracks and helping me to see my main sin - which is mostly the thought that I can do this on my own. It may take the next few years for me to to see my weakness made perfect in His strength... or the rest of my life.
So if you're inept, or imperfect, or just plain sucky in your sin: sit & stay awhile. I'll be relying on Christ for any kind of positive change or growth in my life for a long while & you better believe I'll be writing about it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
my little romantic
It's been one of those days.
For whatever reason, Elias actually cried from 5am to 8am. He was crazy all day, crazy at night. Nothing is really wrong with him - we think he's just tired because we finally made the switch to both babes in the same nursery. It's been nutty, but we're sticking with it. The major trials are that Glory has recessed to taking a bottle at 5am because I suppose E's breathing wakes her up, and Elias - in true protector form - just sort of seems to stay awake and watch her. Anyhow, both kids are tired and that means that mom is extra tired.
But Glory - my little ball of sunshine, never ceases to amaze me. When we brought her home from the hospital and in the weeks that followed, I was really truly scared of her. Other people confirmed it too, she was scary to be around. She cried for no understandable reason and she could not be consoled - the only way to make her the slightest bit nicer was for me to hold her, 24 hours a day. I spent all day with her and there was so much time I worried I was neglecting Elias.
Now, my glor glor is like a bomb of happy. She actually can go days without crying now and most of the time - she wants her Daddy to hold her, but only so she can smile stupidly at him. The other night she woke up in the middle of the night and wanting to do nothing but be in her Dad's arms... smiling at him so big that her eyes close. I love that she is enamored with him, mostly because I think it testifies to the fact that he is so amazing and pursuing and loving to me, she sees him as the epitome of romance and love. Such a picture of Christ, he is.
But there are days like today when the big boy is needy all day, and my hands are constantly upon him, somewhere in the very back back back part of my weirdo head - for a miniscule slice of a second, I miss the screaming little girl who needed her mama. Not really, but just a little bit.
For whatever reason, Elias actually cried from 5am to 8am. He was crazy all day, crazy at night. Nothing is really wrong with him - we think he's just tired because we finally made the switch to both babes in the same nursery. It's been nutty, but we're sticking with it. The major trials are that Glory has recessed to taking a bottle at 5am because I suppose E's breathing wakes her up, and Elias - in true protector form - just sort of seems to stay awake and watch her. Anyhow, both kids are tired and that means that mom is extra tired.
But Glory - my little ball of sunshine, never ceases to amaze me. When we brought her home from the hospital and in the weeks that followed, I was really truly scared of her. Other people confirmed it too, she was scary to be around. She cried for no understandable reason and she could not be consoled - the only way to make her the slightest bit nicer was for me to hold her, 24 hours a day. I spent all day with her and there was so much time I worried I was neglecting Elias.
Now, my glor glor is like a bomb of happy. She actually can go days without crying now and most of the time - she wants her Daddy to hold her, but only so she can smile stupidly at him. The other night she woke up in the middle of the night and wanting to do nothing but be in her Dad's arms... smiling at him so big that her eyes close. I love that she is enamored with him, mostly because I think it testifies to the fact that he is so amazing and pursuing and loving to me, she sees him as the epitome of romance and love. Such a picture of Christ, he is.
But there are days like today when the big boy is needy all day, and my hands are constantly upon him, somewhere in the very back back back part of my weirdo head - for a miniscule slice of a second, I miss the screaming little girl who needed her mama. Not really, but just a little bit.
Monday, October 20, 2008
5 wishes
So Lauren and I were inspired by watching Aladdin tonight (don't ask) and made each other name five wishes. We stuck to the genie's rules about not killing anyone, not raising anyone from the dead, and not causing anyone to fall in love.
Judge them all you want, but here are my five. And mind you; I made my wishes up on the spot - so don't hate.
1. That no one in my immediate family would die in the next 40 years.
2. That all of my kids would come to know Christ.
3. That I could eat whatever I want without gaining weight, ever. Yeah - I said it.
4. That I could have a billion dollars, tax free, with no questions asked from the government.
5. That I could give birth vaginally - just once, all natural - grunt grunt, push push.
Now I'd like to hear YOURS. Give em. Let them be a little bit shallow.
Judge them all you want, but here are my five. And mind you; I made my wishes up on the spot - so don't hate.
1. That no one in my immediate family would die in the next 40 years.
2. That all of my kids would come to know Christ.
3. That I could eat whatever I want without gaining weight, ever. Yeah - I said it.
4. That I could have a billion dollars, tax free, with no questions asked from the government.
5. That I could give birth vaginally - just once, all natural - grunt grunt, push push.
Now I'd like to hear YOURS. Give em. Let them be a little bit shallow.
Friday, October 17, 2008
how I told him he was a daddy thrice
Forgot to add this to the last blog. When Nick got in from school at 1am the night I found out I was pregnant, I had been taking these pictures all day long. I told him I wanted him to look at them and the last one on the roll was ....
Thursday, October 16, 2008
three under three
March 14th: Gloriana Eloise Connolly is born. Ah-mazing.
Around April 1st: Realize sweet Glory has colic and reflux and decide - while she is amazing - two children is enough.
summer of 2008: feel quite sure the baby maker is closed, for now. Jesus teaches me a lot about patience and timing and asking Him what He wants. Am also terrified of taking care of three kids.
August 9, 2008: my entire heart shifts in one day. While Nick and I are on a date night, he gets teary eyed talking about how much he likes our kids - what good people they are. After praying, we decide the Lord is saying the baby maker is not closed... if we really believe scripture, than we believe children in our youth is a blessing. Confused though, because I don't seem to be ovulating at all. Begin praying for twins. Post about said prayer here.
September 23, 2008: get diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease and am told probably not ovulating and should not get pregnant - too risky until levels are normal. Make appointment to meet with OB to discuss natural but reliable birth control options. Feel excited about this decision sort of being made for me.
September 29, 2008: night before the ob appointment. Nick is away at school and I have the weirdest night ever. The night before I had a dream that is only recurring for me when pregnant and I also am praying all day about why I'm so obsessed with Jon & Kate plus 8. I tell Lauren about the dream at 10pm and realize during our conversation - I don't need a test to tell me, I'm definitely pregnant. Test does confirm and I wait up until 1am to tell Nick. He's thrilled - thanks God. I'm scared to death but read this scripture and feel some peace.
September 30th, 2008: Go to OB appointment made for birth control conversation and tell them it's just not necessary. Hormones confirm I'm definitely pregnant. Have ultrasound - no baby found. Told I'm most likely having a ectopic pregnancy - will miscarry & maybe need surgery. Told to go home & wait.
Following days: pray a lot, cry a little. Feel confused and then ultimately a lot of peace. I have two kids - they are amazing blessings. I want to have open hands - take them when I can and know that God will take them when He needs to. Have a hard time talking about the future - is a surgery ahead? A baby? Is this our twins? Is it 17? Throw up about three times a day and wonder, and wonder, and wonder.
October 16th, 2008: It's the night before the ultrasound. I can't even think straight I'm so excited. I don't really have any fear about it being ectopic. I hope I'm not being naive - I just don't think it's going to happen. Either way - God is good. Either way - I'm already extremely blessed. Either way - I kind of need to go puke right now.
Around April 1st: Realize sweet Glory has colic and reflux and decide - while she is amazing - two children is enough.
summer of 2008: feel quite sure the baby maker is closed, for now. Jesus teaches me a lot about patience and timing and asking Him what He wants. Am also terrified of taking care of three kids.
August 9, 2008: my entire heart shifts in one day. While Nick and I are on a date night, he gets teary eyed talking about how much he likes our kids - what good people they are. After praying, we decide the Lord is saying the baby maker is not closed... if we really believe scripture, than we believe children in our youth is a blessing. Confused though, because I don't seem to be ovulating at all. Begin praying for twins. Post about said prayer here.
September 23, 2008: get diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease and am told probably not ovulating and should not get pregnant - too risky until levels are normal. Make appointment to meet with OB to discuss natural but reliable birth control options. Feel excited about this decision sort of being made for me.
September 29, 2008: night before the ob appointment. Nick is away at school and I have the weirdest night ever. The night before I had a dream that is only recurring for me when pregnant and I also am praying all day about why I'm so obsessed with Jon & Kate plus 8. I tell Lauren about the dream at 10pm and realize during our conversation - I don't need a test to tell me, I'm definitely pregnant. Test does confirm and I wait up until 1am to tell Nick. He's thrilled - thanks God. I'm scared to death but read this scripture and feel some peace.
September 30th, 2008: Go to OB appointment made for birth control conversation and tell them it's just not necessary. Hormones confirm I'm definitely pregnant. Have ultrasound - no baby found. Told I'm most likely having a ectopic pregnancy - will miscarry & maybe need surgery. Told to go home & wait.
Following days: pray a lot, cry a little. Feel confused and then ultimately a lot of peace. I have two kids - they are amazing blessings. I want to have open hands - take them when I can and know that God will take them when He needs to. Have a hard time talking about the future - is a surgery ahead? A baby? Is this our twins? Is it 17? Throw up about three times a day and wonder, and wonder, and wonder.
October 16th, 2008: It's the night before the ultrasound. I can't even think straight I'm so excited. I don't really have any fear about it being ectopic. I hope I'm not being naive - I just don't think it's going to happen. Either way - God is good. Either way - I'm already extremely blessed. Either way - I kind of need to go puke right now.
October 17th, 2008: Just got home from the ultrasound where we saw one sweet little baby. Not two, not seventeen - just one. Due in June - hmm... good time for family to come and visit.
I am thankful beyond words.
Family is all told. Despite all my talk about not making a big deal about it, Lauren just came home with a stuffed animal, maternity shirt, target giftcard, nausea medicine, dark chocolate & shredded wheat - my favorite post-puking food. She said it best - when else do you find out you're having a third baby?
Three under three, Lord - let's do this.
Three under three, Lord - let's do this.
Thankful Thursday
I mentioned earlier that I want to do something for breast cancer awareness - either with my family, or with the girls before this month is over.
Today I was made a little bit more passionate by a piece of news I received.
Around last year, when we announced we were going to move here to New Beginnings and start raising support, a girl I had never really met responded to my blog saying that she wanted to help support us financially. Her name was Kanika (Nika) Wade and she is to this day the only individual who supported us monthly. She wasn't crazy rich, she wasn't really well established - she was in her 20's, like us, and just wanted to give to people who were trying to do something for the Lord.
We only really got to meet her once before we moved and she told us on that day that she had breast cancer and was hoping to have surgery soon. We tried to keep up with her and her with us, but each month when we faithfully got her check - Nick threatened to send it back. Here she was - struggling with medical bills and still, still giving to us. It was a huge honor and also a huge sense of accountability.
A few months ago she let us know things weren't going well and wow - I wish we had done more for her. Even then she had a crazy servant's heart and was promising to pray for our ministry while she couldn't financially give.
Today I got an email from her brother letting us know she lost her fight with breast cancer. Her funeral was this past Monday. Ugh - Nick and I are both a little overcome with thoughts and feelings. Nick lost his mom to breast cancer after a long fight and that was hard - really hard - but it was a long fight and at the end of it, it felt slightly understandable. Nika is our age - she loved Jesus and she was crazy full of potential. She literally had what we believe is our whole life ahead of her. But in her struggle and in her death, she glorified God.
So today I'm really thankful for Nika.
I'm thankful for what I'm learning about the Lord and about giving from her.
I'm thankful for all that she accomplished while here.
I'm thankful she is with Jesus right now.
I'm thankful this will be true one day:
Today I was made a little bit more passionate by a piece of news I received.
Around last year, when we announced we were going to move here to New Beginnings and start raising support, a girl I had never really met responded to my blog saying that she wanted to help support us financially. Her name was Kanika (Nika) Wade and she is to this day the only individual who supported us monthly. She wasn't crazy rich, she wasn't really well established - she was in her 20's, like us, and just wanted to give to people who were trying to do something for the Lord.
We only really got to meet her once before we moved and she told us on that day that she had breast cancer and was hoping to have surgery soon. We tried to keep up with her and her with us, but each month when we faithfully got her check - Nick threatened to send it back. Here she was - struggling with medical bills and still, still giving to us. It was a huge honor and also a huge sense of accountability.
A few months ago she let us know things weren't going well and wow - I wish we had done more for her. Even then she had a crazy servant's heart and was promising to pray for our ministry while she couldn't financially give.
Today I got an email from her brother letting us know she lost her fight with breast cancer. Her funeral was this past Monday. Ugh - Nick and I are both a little overcome with thoughts and feelings. Nick lost his mom to breast cancer after a long fight and that was hard - really hard - but it was a long fight and at the end of it, it felt slightly understandable. Nika is our age - she loved Jesus and she was crazy full of potential. She literally had what we believe is our whole life ahead of her. But in her struggle and in her death, she glorified God.
So today I'm really thankful for Nika.
I'm thankful for what I'm learning about the Lord and about giving from her.
I'm thankful for all that she accomplished while here.
I'm thankful she is with Jesus right now.
I'm thankful this will be true one day:
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Breast Cancer Awareness
I've been meaning all month to do something serious for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and still haven't pegged anything down. So Elias and I made edible pink playdough this afternoon to get our creative juices flowing. I would post a picture, but it was pitiful so we just took this picture instead. Enjoy.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
a funny story for you.
I've been meaning to blog about this for a few days but felt overwhelmed with trying to describe it in words. It's much better when we act it out!
On Friday after Elias' nap, I let him come snuggle with me and he was particularly snuggly and still and I actually dozed off. I assumed he did the same and when I woke up, Nick was sitting beside us. After we got our bearings and started playing on the bed, Nick said....
"you know - he was really sweet, he almost fell asleep with you."
me: "oh really, I thought he did fall asleep?!"
Nick: "No, but he just laid there and let you rest. The funniest part was when you started snoring. Without moving or taking out his passy - he just started imitating you."
me: (now hysterically laughing) "Seriously? I don't snore!"
Nick: "oh yes you do! Elias, show her what she was doing! Show her how she was snoring!"
At this point, Elias - who had been quietly playing with something on our bed, came over - stuck his passy in his mouth, laid his head on my chest, closed his eyes and pretended to SNORE! UGH! Also - to make matters worse, in the last three days, everytime Nick mentiones snoring, Elias comes and snuggles up to me, does his best fake-sleeping, and makes a sound like a dead animal. Gotta love some kids.
On Friday after Elias' nap, I let him come snuggle with me and he was particularly snuggly and still and I actually dozed off. I assumed he did the same and when I woke up, Nick was sitting beside us. After we got our bearings and started playing on the bed, Nick said....
"you know - he was really sweet, he almost fell asleep with you."
me: "oh really, I thought he did fall asleep?!"
Nick: "No, but he just laid there and let you rest. The funniest part was when you started snoring. Without moving or taking out his passy - he just started imitating you."
me: (now hysterically laughing) "Seriously? I don't snore!"
Nick: "oh yes you do! Elias, show her what she was doing! Show her how she was snoring!"
At this point, Elias - who had been quietly playing with something on our bed, came over - stuck his passy in his mouth, laid his head on my chest, closed his eyes and pretended to SNORE! UGH! Also - to make matters worse, in the last three days, everytime Nick mentiones snoring, Elias comes and snuggles up to me, does his best fake-sleeping, and makes a sound like a dead animal. Gotta love some kids.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
a plea
I've written this blog about 18 times.
I keep rewriting it and rewriting it because I don't want to sound pushy or like I know what is best for everyone in the whole world.
So I'll just write in plain facts and I'll encourage you to pray about it.
We forget a lot of times what it is we are doing here at New Beginnings and why it is important. On Saturday night we went to the Adoption Ministry Banquet and I was astounded at the way God revived my heart for our cause.
Some statistics:
- there are 143 million orphans worldwide
- there are 2 billion people who profess to be believers
- if 7 percent of the believers in this world adopted one child, there would be no orphans
My sister used to say, "orphans and widows are where it's at."
The speaker at the banquet said, "we have to get behind the issues that God has always been behind".
James 1:27 says, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
For us - we've always had an open door policy about babies and God is teaching us more and more daily that while children are a blessing, he longs for us to be intentional about family and when to build it. So a year or so ago, I may have gone to the banquet and said, "we have to adopt NOW" but I know it's not that season for us. And it might not be that season for you, either. I think the key is to really ask the Lord what role we are suppose to play in the lives of orphans and widows. Are we supposed to take one in, ready ourselves for that task, donate to those who are helping them, commit to pray for organizations that are taking care of them?
The stories were astounding that we heard on Saturday night. Some that I've gotten to see unfold myself - some that I couldn't even believe. Women, worldwide, leaving babies on doorsteps, drowning their babies because they couldn't care for them. It was really insane and it just reminded me - orphans and widows really are where it's at.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fashion Friday
edition #3
ANY OTHER PROJECT RUNWAY FANS? HOLLA!
No pictures this week, other than the beloved Tim Gunn, but seriously is anyone else pumped for the finale on Wednesday? Delurk fashion lurvers! Say your favorite!
.... we could make it interesting & make some wagers on the winner......
I'll be the first to divulge: My favorite is Leann from Portland. She is super talented and her collection looks beautifully made and thought out, HOWEVER, I don't think she is going to win. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be the prickly Kenley-bear. I do think her 50's inspired designs are creative and fun-looking, I just personally prefer Leann a bit more. But who knows - Heidi & Tim, that's who!
ANY OTHER PROJECT RUNWAY FANS? HOLLA!
No pictures this week, other than the beloved Tim Gunn, but seriously is anyone else pumped for the finale on Wednesday? Delurk fashion lurvers! Say your favorite!
.... we could make it interesting & make some wagers on the winner......
I'll be the first to divulge: My favorite is Leann from Portland. She is super talented and her collection looks beautifully made and thought out, HOWEVER, I don't think she is going to win. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be the prickly Kenley-bear. I do think her 50's inspired designs are creative and fun-looking, I just personally prefer Leann a bit more. But who knows - Heidi & Tim, that's who!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
thankful thursday
No sappy list today. You know when you have a rough day and you're glad the day is over? That was me yesterday. You know when you wake up and you have a feeling it's going to be your second rough day in a row? That was me today.
Not many particular reasons - just life. I just wanted to sleep or be with my husband or sit and read the Word all day to get some sense in my crazy brain, but alas - babies had to be fed and played with, hair had to be dyed, laundry had to be done, preggos had to be entertained, and life had to go on.
So I'm just crazy thankful for grace, today. The kind of grace that saves my soul and gives me hope when I have two less than stellar days in a row and the kind of grace that allows me to feel like God isn't totally fed up with me for still being human. The kind of grace that makes my husband see I need him to quit studying for the afternoon and help me take the kids to target. The kind of grace where Jesus supernaturally drugs my kids and they take a two hour nap at the same time so I can just sit and stare into space.
I'm not even slightly saying I don't have a lot to be thankful for because that list would go on forever - but I'm most thankful for grace today.
And oh - tomorrow - couldn't be better!
Morning with kiddos
Afternoon off/girl time with Marilee
Dinner and bedtime with kiddos
DATE.NIGHT.
Not many particular reasons - just life. I just wanted to sleep or be with my husband or sit and read the Word all day to get some sense in my crazy brain, but alas - babies had to be fed and played with, hair had to be dyed, laundry had to be done, preggos had to be entertained, and life had to go on.
So I'm just crazy thankful for grace, today. The kind of grace that saves my soul and gives me hope when I have two less than stellar days in a row and the kind of grace that allows me to feel like God isn't totally fed up with me for still being human. The kind of grace that makes my husband see I need him to quit studying for the afternoon and help me take the kids to target. The kind of grace where Jesus supernaturally drugs my kids and they take a two hour nap at the same time so I can just sit and stare into space.
I'm not even slightly saying I don't have a lot to be thankful for because that list would go on forever - but I'm most thankful for grace today.
And oh - tomorrow - couldn't be better!
Morning with kiddos
Afternoon off/girl time with Marilee
Dinner and bedtime with kiddos
DATE.NIGHT.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
one --------- away
I always tell Nick I'm one ----- away from being a fair mom.
By being a fair mom, I mean the ones you see at the state fair with six dirty kids trailing behind her, more rolls on her body than kids, and the same pair of sweat pants she's had on since 1993. But really - it's not her physical appearance that is most daunting - it's her harsh tone and the extremely pissed off looks she is shooting her husband. Now, I mean no particular offense to the fair mom. It works for her, but I'm trying to avoid that fate. Not only for my sake, but for Nick's.
Today I've been in a yucky place, listing all the ways of how close I am.
If I go one more week without a good workout, eat one more skinny cow, rip one more pair of jeans, lose one more night of sleep. She's inside of me, but I'm determined not to let her get out. In my heart of hearts I do believe it is possible to raise the amount of kids the Lord calls us to, affectively minister where we are at, and still work hard to remain lovely or attractive for one another and in the end, pretty much still enjoy each other's company in Jesus' name. Amen.
Anyhow - I'm trying to list my other "I'm one ----- away's" for positivity sake. So hear it goes.
- I'm one night away from sleeping through the night. For real. (it COULD happen)
- I'm one short brisk walk outside from feeling refreshed. (check)
- I'm one encouraging email away from feeling well - encouraged. (check - Thanks Mrs. Vaughn)
- I'm one click away from some beautiful pictures.
- I'm one piece of Lauren's double chocolate banana cake away from bliss.
- I'm one webcam session away from family.
- and lastly... I'm one coffee date with my husband away from a little more peace.
By being a fair mom, I mean the ones you see at the state fair with six dirty kids trailing behind her, more rolls on her body than kids, and the same pair of sweat pants she's had on since 1993. But really - it's not her physical appearance that is most daunting - it's her harsh tone and the extremely pissed off looks she is shooting her husband. Now, I mean no particular offense to the fair mom. It works for her, but I'm trying to avoid that fate. Not only for my sake, but for Nick's.
Today I've been in a yucky place, listing all the ways of how close I am.
If I go one more week without a good workout, eat one more skinny cow, rip one more pair of jeans, lose one more night of sleep. She's inside of me, but I'm determined not to let her get out. In my heart of hearts I do believe it is possible to raise the amount of kids the Lord calls us to, affectively minister where we are at, and still work hard to remain lovely or attractive for one another and in the end, pretty much still enjoy each other's company in Jesus' name. Amen.
Anyhow - I'm trying to list my other "I'm one ----- away's" for positivity sake. So hear it goes.
- I'm one night away from sleeping through the night. For real. (it COULD happen)
- I'm one short brisk walk outside from feeling refreshed. (check)
- I'm one encouraging email away from feeling well - encouraged. (check - Thanks Mrs. Vaughn)
- I'm one click away from some beautiful pictures.
- I'm one piece of Lauren's double chocolate banana cake away from bliss.
- I'm one webcam session away from family.
- and lastly... I'm one coffee date with my husband away from a little more peace.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
pictures of the day
so the kids and I had a little fun on photobooth waiting for Nonny to get her webcam working.
tentative.
having fun.
and what Nick says is our classic personalities. squirrely, too cool, and weird.
tentative.
having fun.
and what Nick says is our classic personalities. squirrely, too cool, and weird.
Sunday night meetings
So our little ministry is filling back up.
When this week is said and done, we'll probably have four girls living with us.
I don't know how to even begin to describe them all - they are all SO different and pretty hilarious.
we love those little crazies.
so if you want a glimpse into our lives - here are a few topics we had to bring up at our weekly meeting, these are verbatim words from our house notes:
"- we should not have to bang on your door. ever. enough said. "
"- clean up after yourself. seriously."
"- watch your serving sizes. a jumbo bulk size jar of hummus should last more than a day."
"- we will ask when we want your opinion on our driving, cooking, child-rearing, or lifestyle."
you can infer how fun it can be. seriously though - we love em.
When this week is said and done, we'll probably have four girls living with us.
I don't know how to even begin to describe them all - they are all SO different and pretty hilarious.
- one is from Kenya and speaks very little English - tonight she demonstrated how the word 'beach' can be mistaken for a different word with her accent.
- one is basically from the streets (but not at all) and uses the phrase, "that's bomb" quite often.
- the other is a self-proclaimed hippie and has a mild obsession with fruit. one of her favorite phrases is "right on". not even kidding.
we love those little crazies.
so if you want a glimpse into our lives - here are a few topics we had to bring up at our weekly meeting, these are verbatim words from our house notes:
"- we should not have to bang on your door. ever. enough said. "
"- clean up after yourself. seriously."
"- watch your serving sizes. a jumbo bulk size jar of hummus should last more than a day."
"- we will ask when we want your opinion on our driving, cooking, child-rearing, or lifestyle."
you can infer how fun it can be. seriously though - we love em.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
some light reading for ya
One thing I've found myself saying a lot lately is how thankful I am for the heart God has given me for the issue of babies and raising children in general. I'm not saying how to raise children - because I'm years at least from understanding that, but I feel like my mind is beginning to grasp what the Word says about these little gifts. I find myself using the words, "open hands" a good deal because I feel like we are supposed to openly receive the blessing of children and all at once, hold them open to the Lord, vulnerable to the way he chooses to glorify Himself through them.
I started writing about my journey to having open hands and realized then it was way too long to just post on a regular old blog. So I've cut it up into pieces and I'm posting it unedited on my writing blog. I may eventually get my writing group to read and critique it, but for now I feel like the main purpose was me documenting the process of going from haphazardly jumping into motherhood to daily learning to appreciate this crazy gift.
I would love it if was helpful or even familiar for the mothers-yet-to-be or the ones in the thick of it. Feel free to read it here and throw me a bone and write about your journey so I can read that when Glory wakes up at 4am for a bottle or when Nick is gone on Monday night for school. Our experiences (and mistakes) are so much more valuable when we share them with others.
Thanks friends! Jessi
I started writing about my journey to having open hands and realized then it was way too long to just post on a regular old blog. So I've cut it up into pieces and I'm posting it unedited on my writing blog. I may eventually get my writing group to read and critique it, but for now I feel like the main purpose was me documenting the process of going from haphazardly jumping into motherhood to daily learning to appreciate this crazy gift.
I would love it if was helpful or even familiar for the mothers-yet-to-be or the ones in the thick of it. Feel free to read it here and throw me a bone and write about your journey so I can read that when Glory wakes up at 4am for a bottle or when Nick is gone on Monday night for school. Our experiences (and mistakes) are so much more valuable when we share them with others.
Thanks friends! Jessi
Friday, October 3, 2008
Fashion Friday
So... edition #2 of fashion fridays is dedicated to the most fashionable woman I know -
Gloriana Eloise Connolly.
Even when she was in utero, she made it clear to me that she was no wall flower. The normal pale pink layette would just not suffice. Purple is her color, anything animal print makes her shine, and sassy is her middle name! Well - not really. But baby girl, if I had all the money in the world - these are the items I would buy you pronto! Until then - we will more than make do and practice working with what we've got! I can't wait till you can help collaborate or be a guest blogger!
to begin - a chic sweater dress for rainy days
next, something to sleep in that helps us remember your wild side even when you look so peaceful in rest!
a onesie that you can spill sweet treats on...
some tights with sass since fashion is ALWAYS in bloom.
a ladylike hat for the everday...
and lastly, some bloomers with kick so the little boys in the nursery at church will be reminded of their fate if they try and touch you.
Love you sweet girl.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
thankful thursdays
Disclaimer: a TON of other mommy blogs that I read do this each week. I've always wanted to follow suit but I haven't because I have a small issue with feeling like a follower. Tonight, I'm swallowing my pride in an effort to bring a little gratefulness to the end of my day & hopefully to yours.
- Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
- Getting a call from my sister at 2:30am by accident. Anytime is a good time, Ruby. Maybe there's a little bit of sarcasm there.
- An extremely easy trip to the grocery store with both kids. Elias even said 'tais you' to the checkout lady.
- What happens in my head and heart when I rub my face up beside Glory's cheek.
- For having about an hour and half alone to clean our upstairs & work on our Engedi.
- For the banana chocolate bread that Lauren slipped up to me after said hour of cleaning.
- When Elias remember that half of the banana bread was still sitting beside my bed. He was approaching his crib for naptime, stopped dead in his tracks, ran back to my room & grabbed a bite, and then commenced naptime. I couldn't even correct him or stop him.
- That after about sixteen hours in the kitchen this afternoon cooking, Nick saw I was tired and gave me a spontaneous neckrub.
- For our hilarious interview today with a funny little Kenyan girl who tried to convince all of us to stop drinking Diet Coke before we get MS. not kidding.
- For a husband who is more of a time-management freak than even myself, but who will still drop almost anything to hear my heart on an issue or to worry about me.
- For pretty things like quilts & baby tutus.
- Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
- Getting a call from my sister at 2:30am by accident. Anytime is a good time, Ruby. Maybe there's a little bit of sarcasm there.
- An extremely easy trip to the grocery store with both kids. Elias even said 'tais you' to the checkout lady.
- What happens in my head and heart when I rub my face up beside Glory's cheek.
- For having about an hour and half alone to clean our upstairs & work on our Engedi.
- For the banana chocolate bread that Lauren slipped up to me after said hour of cleaning.
- When Elias remember that half of the banana bread was still sitting beside my bed. He was approaching his crib for naptime, stopped dead in his tracks, ran back to my room & grabbed a bite, and then commenced naptime. I couldn't even correct him or stop him.
- That after about sixteen hours in the kitchen this afternoon cooking, Nick saw I was tired and gave me a spontaneous neckrub.
- For our hilarious interview today with a funny little Kenyan girl who tried to convince all of us to stop drinking Diet Coke before we get MS. not kidding.
- For a husband who is more of a time-management freak than even myself, but who will still drop almost anything to hear my heart on an issue or to worry about me.
- For pretty things like quilts & baby tutus.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
come on ladies
Will anyone do THIS with me?
From what I understand we would:
- meet to pick a separate meal each
- make two of our particular meal for each person in the group
(so if my meal is chicken lasagna & there are 5 other women in the group - I make 10 chicken lasagnas)
- set a designated time to get it all done
- meet & divide up the costs of all the groceries
- give our our food
- look a LOT less stressed out at around 5:00pm on a random Tuesday
So here would seem to be the hard questions:
- family size. Would a casserole work for Kalle like it does for my hearty eating preggos?
- health factor. Could we be creative enough to make healthy, freezable dishes? I suppose it would take some creativity & special planning.
- people. Will anyone do it with me? Come on - lets give it one try at least.
Lauren - you don't count. You still have to make mexican lasagna and that yummy wheat pasta dish that I am convinced is healthy. Well, you don't have to - but I'd sure appreciate it, honey.
From what I understand we would:
- meet to pick a separate meal each
- make two of our particular meal for each person in the group
(so if my meal is chicken lasagna & there are 5 other women in the group - I make 10 chicken lasagnas)
- set a designated time to get it all done
- meet & divide up the costs of all the groceries
- give our our food
- look a LOT less stressed out at around 5:00pm on a random Tuesday
So here would seem to be the hard questions:
- family size. Would a casserole work for Kalle like it does for my hearty eating preggos?
- health factor. Could we be creative enough to make healthy, freezable dishes? I suppose it would take some creativity & special planning.
- people. Will anyone do it with me? Come on - lets give it one try at least.
Lauren - you don't count. You still have to make mexican lasagna and that yummy wheat pasta dish that I am convinced is healthy. Well, you don't have to - but I'd sure appreciate it, honey.
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