I've been bitten by the bug.
I turned on the radio during my drive today and I'm seriously, utterly, overcome with Christmas. I promptly called Nick to inform him and I quote him directly when I tell you his response to my glee was, "bah humbug". My husband loves some Jesus, but he couldn't hate holidays and commercialism more. I love it all - I say bring on the eggnog and the nativities, Starbucks Christmas cups and overpriced advent calendars, presents and wrapping and reading the Christmas story by candelight. Birthday cakes for Jesus and talking about St. Nicholas (not Santa Claus, mind you). I love it all. This is the one time of the year where I allow myself to be overtly cheesy in any way I please and in general, not much can bring me down.
So, thus - the new blog background. I'm going for it. Also - I updated some other stuff on my blog and I wanted you to note - I changed my link list and added some blogs I've been meaning to do it for a while, but that made my have like 30 links so now it will only show the last updated ten. If you don't see your blog, I didn't delete it - you'll just have to update to see it:) This seems much tidier to me.
So, while I'm talking about Christmas - I'm also going to share with you probably the most embarrassing and awesome piece of information you'll hear all week. Don't go telling everybody. Nick, Lauren, and I are going to truly EARN our Christmas gift money this year. So, at the Puyallup Fair Grounds, every Christmas season there is a week called: Victorian Country Christmas. Every year, the staff of New Beginnings runs a booth selling raffle tickets to win a handmade Amish quilt. Then, we split all the money and use it to buy Christmas gifts for our family since our support doesn't really cover extras like that.
What's so crazy about that, you ask? Well, when we work the booth - we must all dress in FULL victorian clothing, even Nick. Think this. Also, don't worry - Debi has clothes that fit preggos too. If you ask me, it's worth driving to Puyallup and making a donation to come see us all done up. If not, well - I'll DEFINITELY post some pictures.
So - what do you guys want for Christmas?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
ahhhhh..... are you ready for Christmas?
So - Nick & I have talked a good deal about how this is our First Thanksgiving doing just one meal - just one celebration... Well, so much for that.
We did do our one big meal. We cooked and cooked and arranged and plated and served and warmed and the last hour was hectic. Around 1pm, twenty or so people bustled in - we prayed, babies cried and kids ran around, we sat and mumbled between baby food & rewarming food, and then cleaned and twenty or so people rustled right out the door.
An hour or so later, Lauren, Nick, and I decided we felt a little gypped. Nick put it best when he said, "That wasn't Thanksgiving - that was a soup kitchen!" We decided to do round two, sit down with just the three of us and have some meaningful conversation, actually eat our food, talk about the things we're thankful for and the things to come.
As for the food, here is a quick recap:
Turkey: it was Nick's first and you couldn't tell. He cooked a 25 pound mammajamma that was DELICIOUS. Lauren's stuffing: ya'll have got to get in on this. It was the best I've ever had. Lauren's Mac & Cheese, Veggie Casserole, & Sweet Potato Souffle: amazing. She rocked the house. Congealed Salad: Seriously, she changed my mind. It was also delicious. Brie Pastry: I amazed myself, no lie. That was great. My first try at gravy: consistency was good, tasted like butter though. Pumpkin Soup: I loved it, everyone commented on how spicy it was... but it was still good to me:) Mashed Potatoes: can any Paula Deen recipe be bad? Tapas tray: olives, crostini, pickles, mozzarella, all good to me. Pear & Goat Cheese Salad: I ate about six servings tonight alone. Espresso Brownies: the batter is still uncooked in the fridge, I may have bit off more than I could chew. Roasted Garlic: I never got to it, but it looked delicious.
We did do our one big meal. We cooked and cooked and arranged and plated and served and warmed and the last hour was hectic. Around 1pm, twenty or so people bustled in - we prayed, babies cried and kids ran around, we sat and mumbled between baby food & rewarming food, and then cleaned and twenty or so people rustled right out the door.
An hour or so later, Lauren, Nick, and I decided we felt a little gypped. Nick put it best when he said, "That wasn't Thanksgiving - that was a soup kitchen!" We decided to do round two, sit down with just the three of us and have some meaningful conversation, actually eat our food, talk about the things we're thankful for and the things to come.
So when the kids were down and the preggos were in a turkey induced coma, we pulled out some wine and some beer for Nick, reheated the food we didn't really get to enjoy, and had Thanksgiving. It was really awesome and just what we all needed. Don't get me wrong - we were thankful for the company that surrounded us today and we are always thankful to put on a little show, but a private dinner for three was just what the doctor ordered.
As for the food, here is a quick recap:
Turkey: it was Nick's first and you couldn't tell. He cooked a 25 pound mammajamma that was DELICIOUS. Lauren's stuffing: ya'll have got to get in on this. It was the best I've ever had. Lauren's Mac & Cheese, Veggie Casserole, & Sweet Potato Souffle: amazing. She rocked the house. Congealed Salad: Seriously, she changed my mind. It was also delicious. Brie Pastry: I amazed myself, no lie. That was great. My first try at gravy: consistency was good, tasted like butter though. Pumpkin Soup: I loved it, everyone commented on how spicy it was... but it was still good to me:) Mashed Potatoes: can any Paula Deen recipe be bad? Tapas tray: olives, crostini, pickles, mozzarella, all good to me. Pear & Goat Cheese Salad: I ate about six servings tonight alone. Espresso Brownies: the batter is still uncooked in the fridge, I may have bit off more than I could chew. Roasted Garlic: I never got to it, but it looked delicious.
And of course, a few pictures... but just for reference: I didn't eat the whole turkey leg.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
we're halfway there.
Lauren started at 10am.
I took the last grocery trip with the kiddos at 10:30am.
(I thought it was the last, I'm going back once more in the a.m.)
Lauren spent all day cooking & I think so far, she got down the mac & cheese, veggie casserole, congealed salad (which actually looks delicious), cornbread sausage dressing, sweet potato souffle, banana chocolate bread, & the raspberry/strawberry cobbler.
I think she finished around 11pm.
Nick and I started at 6:30 when the kids were passed out.
Between the two of us we got one turkey prepped, pumpkin soup made, pastry brie spread constructed, roasted garlic prepped, tapas tray prepped, & espresso brownie batter mixed. We also assisted in the cleaning and recleaning of the kitchen, decorating two tables, and setting 16 places at two separate tables.
Tomorrow the turkey goes in at 7am, the oven starts a cookin' at 8am.
I've got mashed red potatoes, pear & goat cheese salad, & gravy still to conquer.
Here are some pictures to get you excited, we sure are.
I took the last grocery trip with the kiddos at 10:30am.
(I thought it was the last, I'm going back once more in the a.m.)
Lauren spent all day cooking & I think so far, she got down the mac & cheese, veggie casserole, congealed salad (which actually looks delicious), cornbread sausage dressing, sweet potato souffle, banana chocolate bread, & the raspberry/strawberry cobbler.
I think she finished around 11pm.
Nick and I started at 6:30 when the kids were passed out.
Between the two of us we got one turkey prepped, pumpkin soup made, pastry brie spread constructed, roasted garlic prepped, tapas tray prepped, & espresso brownie batter mixed. We also assisted in the cleaning and recleaning of the kitchen, decorating two tables, and setting 16 places at two separate tables.
Tomorrow the turkey goes in at 7am, the oven starts a cookin' at 8am.
I've got mashed red potatoes, pear & goat cheese salad, & gravy still to conquer.
Here are some pictures to get you excited, we sure are.
The following is what happens when you need to distract yourself from being away from extended family at Thanksgiving, and when your helpful son & husband gather materials for your table - GOOD JOB BOYS!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thankful thoughts, part 2
... & we keep on going....
21. My sweet friends across the United States. Here, in North & South Carolina, up and down the East Coast.... oh, and there is one in Slovakia, too. They make life sweet.
22. For all my friends that are pregnant! What a joy! It is about 50 times sweeter to share this experience with you ladies. I hope all of you will make official announcements soon so I can blog about your bebes!But, no pressure.
23. Hospital scrubs. I'm not a nurse, but sometimes I want to be - just to wear those cuties.
24. My big old fake diamond earrings. I wear them 6/7 days a week and they make me feel BEAUTIFUL. I've actually been writing a blog in my head for weeks about the history of my relationship with earrings. Stay tuned.
25. That my husband is always trying to teach me, in a really Godly way. He sends me emails around every other day with titles like, "My thoughts on homeschooling" or "Knowing God's Will" with research he has done and wants to share with me. Even if I don't ask for it or expect it.
26. I'm ready to out myself on another one: I am thankful for the Twilight books. I love them. I haven't blogged about them, but I read all four in a matter of a week and barely slept during those days. They aren't freaky or spiritually weird and I actually think they're a good cultural picture of romance & protection.
27. That my husband was gracious enough to go see the movie with me last week! And we both loved it! Well, I loved it - he didn't hate it.
28. For 40,000 hits in general. Seriously? You talk long enough & apparently people will read it.
29. My writing group, we met for the first time last week and it was so great to meet women who I've only gotten to read words from. Very sweet.
30. Music & great musicians. A really good worship song or some nice Beyonce makes my day.
31. hot sauce.
32. Really good breakfast places, like Harvester in Tacoma or Melanie's in Boone. Kalle and I would drive 2 and 1/2 hours for some Melanie's when we lived in Charlotte. no lie.
33. Having a boy & a little girl. That's a blessing I can't even believe.
34. My husband says I'm thankful for PTI, the show on ESPN.
35. That I have a really tidy man. He makes his side of the bed, helps me with laundry, & picks up after himself - always.
36. naps.
37. The pumpkin soup I'm making tomorrow... and Laurens' sausage & cornbread stuffing. And the pastry brie wheel... and the espresso brownies... ugh. I should stop myself.
38. That both kids slept till 8:05 this morning.
39. For my extended family & that they all know & love Jesus.
40. Lastly, I'm thankful for this entire year. Moving across the country, having a second baby, running a ministry, meeting new friends, growing as a married couple & solidifying our family. Jesus has blessed & sustained us. Thanks, Lord.
21. My sweet friends across the United States. Here, in North & South Carolina, up and down the East Coast.... oh, and there is one in Slovakia, too. They make life sweet.
22. For all my friends that are pregnant! What a joy! It is about 50 times sweeter to share this experience with you ladies. I hope all of you will make official announcements soon so I can blog about your bebes!But, no pressure.
23. Hospital scrubs. I'm not a nurse, but sometimes I want to be - just to wear those cuties.
24. My big old fake diamond earrings. I wear them 6/7 days a week and they make me feel BEAUTIFUL. I've actually been writing a blog in my head for weeks about the history of my relationship with earrings. Stay tuned.
25. That my husband is always trying to teach me, in a really Godly way. He sends me emails around every other day with titles like, "My thoughts on homeschooling" or "Knowing God's Will" with research he has done and wants to share with me. Even if I don't ask for it or expect it.
26. I'm ready to out myself on another one: I am thankful for the Twilight books. I love them. I haven't blogged about them, but I read all four in a matter of a week and barely slept during those days. They aren't freaky or spiritually weird and I actually think they're a good cultural picture of romance & protection.
27. That my husband was gracious enough to go see the movie with me last week! And we both loved it! Well, I loved it - he didn't hate it.
28. For 40,000 hits in general. Seriously? You talk long enough & apparently people will read it.
29. My writing group, we met for the first time last week and it was so great to meet women who I've only gotten to read words from. Very sweet.
30. Music & great musicians. A really good worship song or some nice Beyonce makes my day.
31. hot sauce.
32. Really good breakfast places, like Harvester in Tacoma or Melanie's in Boone. Kalle and I would drive 2 and 1/2 hours for some Melanie's when we lived in Charlotte. no lie.
33. Having a boy & a little girl. That's a blessing I can't even believe.
34. My husband says I'm thankful for PTI, the show on ESPN.
35. That I have a really tidy man. He makes his side of the bed, helps me with laundry, & picks up after himself - always.
36. naps.
37. The pumpkin soup I'm making tomorrow... and Laurens' sausage & cornbread stuffing. And the pastry brie wheel... and the espresso brownies... ugh. I should stop myself.
38. That both kids slept till 8:05 this morning.
39. For my extended family & that they all know & love Jesus.
40. Lastly, I'm thankful for this entire year. Moving across the country, having a second baby, running a ministry, meeting new friends, growing as a married couple & solidifying our family. Jesus has blessed & sustained us. Thanks, Lord.
40 thankful thoughts (part 1)
In honor of Thanksgiving & the old blog hitting 40,000 hits, and because in general - thankfulness is a good thing to have, here it goes.
1. Jesus. Worthless without him.
2. Diet Coke. Obviously, we aren't going in order of importance here.
3. That Elias is sort of turning into a Mama-lover again. Not a Mama's boy, because he can still wrestle and go nuts with Daddy, but he likes me a lot again.
4. That airline prices have reduced a lot, so we might get to make a quick trip back East for the holidays. Keep praying about that one, though!
5. The book of Hebrews in the Bible, it's always been my favorite.
6. That I've almost perfected my imitation of Nene from the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
7. That my husband is HOT. I still don't quite understand how I snagged that one.
8. That Glory crawls without using her legs, which makes us laugh.
9. I'm finally liking where my hair is headed these days. Where it's headed, I said.
10. For the three new black "tops" Nick bought me from Target this weekend. Black is a preggo's best friend, ever.
11. Baby monitors, nice invention. Yeah - I just looked around & made that one up.
12. That ya'll are starting to comment more on my blog! I mean, I know people read it, more than three people should comment. However, I stink at commenting on others blogs - so....
13. For our camera, I really like it & I'm glad my husband decided to override me on that one.
14. FOR THANKSGIVING!
15. Northwest weather. Most people hate it, I can't get enough of it.
16. General Hospital, the soap opera.
17. That I have learned to own my love for General Hospital.
18. Tylenol PM and it's non-habit forming goodness.
19. Our idea for a Christmas card, I'm really excited! Will you email me your address if you'd like one: jessiconnolly@gmail.com
20. Our church - Mars Hill Bellevue. A really sweet gift from the Lord.
1. Jesus. Worthless without him.
2. Diet Coke. Obviously, we aren't going in order of importance here.
3. That Elias is sort of turning into a Mama-lover again. Not a Mama's boy, because he can still wrestle and go nuts with Daddy, but he likes me a lot again.
4. That airline prices have reduced a lot, so we might get to make a quick trip back East for the holidays. Keep praying about that one, though!
5. The book of Hebrews in the Bible, it's always been my favorite.
6. That I've almost perfected my imitation of Nene from the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
7. That my husband is HOT. I still don't quite understand how I snagged that one.
8. That Glory crawls without using her legs, which makes us laugh.
9. I'm finally liking where my hair is headed these days. Where it's headed, I said.
10. For the three new black "tops" Nick bought me from Target this weekend. Black is a preggo's best friend, ever.
11. Baby monitors, nice invention. Yeah - I just looked around & made that one up.
12. That ya'll are starting to comment more on my blog! I mean, I know people read it, more than three people should comment. However, I stink at commenting on others blogs - so....
13. For our camera, I really like it & I'm glad my husband decided to override me on that one.
14. FOR THANKSGIVING!
15. Northwest weather. Most people hate it, I can't get enough of it.
16. General Hospital, the soap opera.
17. That I have learned to own my love for General Hospital.
18. Tylenol PM and it's non-habit forming goodness.
19. Our idea for a Christmas card, I'm really excited! Will you email me your address if you'd like one: jessiconnolly@gmail.com
20. Our church - Mars Hill Bellevue. A really sweet gift from the Lord.
right now...
- I'm thankful yesterday is over. For some reason, neither child took a nap and both cried from 5:30-7:30 pm. Elias got more "discipline" than my hand could take, much less his bottom.
- I'm on my way to Kelly's for mommy day-care. It makes life with four under two a lot more tolerable when we do it together.
- I'm so glad my husband tries to make me feel loved even at 3am. He got in from school last night at 1am, answered emails, then pulled me right over to him and cuddled the mess out of me.
- I'm planning a blog to write 40 things I'm thankful to commemorate hitting 40,000 hits sometime this week.
- I'm wearing the same outfit as yesterday. I know you're judging me, but I'm thirteen weeks pregnant, have two pairs of maternity pants and very little looks good on me. The first thing I said when I put this outfit on yesterday was, "OOOOh I feel pretty!", and so it returns. I'll change it up tomorrow, hopefully.
- I have no makeup on for the second day in a row, the outfit is that good.
- am laughing at myself for carrying (running) Elias half-naked to the potty today because he looked at me with surprise & said "poo-poo potty???". It was a no-go. He was totally freaked out by the cold porcelain.
-I'm wishing my husband would let us fry one of our turkeys. He says we'll burn the house down.
that's all for now.
- I'm on my way to Kelly's for mommy day-care. It makes life with four under two a lot more tolerable when we do it together.
- I'm so glad my husband tries to make me feel loved even at 3am. He got in from school last night at 1am, answered emails, then pulled me right over to him and cuddled the mess out of me.
- I'm planning a blog to write 40 things I'm thankful to commemorate hitting 40,000 hits sometime this week.
- I'm wearing the same outfit as yesterday. I know you're judging me, but I'm thirteen weeks pregnant, have two pairs of maternity pants and very little looks good on me. The first thing I said when I put this outfit on yesterday was, "OOOOh I feel pretty!", and so it returns. I'll change it up tomorrow, hopefully.
- I have no makeup on for the second day in a row, the outfit is that good.
- am laughing at myself for carrying (running) Elias half-naked to the potty today because he looked at me with surprise & said "poo-poo potty???". It was a no-go. He was totally freaked out by the cold porcelain.
-I'm wishing my husband would let us fry one of our turkeys. He says we'll burn the house down.
that's all for now.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
cravings & such
This being my third pregnancy, you think I'd be getting used to how it works. I have to say, this time around, it's such an unexpected blessing to have most of my friends here pregnant with me! Kelly understood when I needed to puke mid-sentence, Kalle & I can rejoice over finding a food that makes us feel good, and even though Lauren isn't pregnant, she knows all about the subject so she can laugh with me. It's a nice little gift.
So tonight I'm just overwhelmed with my crazy cravings - I really would think that this would feel normal by now. But it's still weird to me. I have a handful of foods that I can eat and I want them all the time. All the time. Here's my crazy list:
- Red meat of any kind. Preferably pretty stinking rare. Tonight I got a craving for steak that was so intense, I went to Fred Meyer to buy some just for myself. I'm not going to describe it because it will sick you out. I will tell you that as strongly as I knew I needed steak, I knew I needed to eat it with sour cream & hot sauce.
- That brings me to sour cream. I like that on everything. Veggies, chips, or by the spoonful. I started giving it to Elias with all his meals & then realized he wasn't as weird as me.
- I need orange juice like an addict needs drugs. And I only like to drink it in wine glasses. If I've already had a big glass and want to watch my sugar, I just take a shot of it. Sad.
- I was on a hilarious baked-potato kick and ate one a day, with shredded pepper-jack cheese, salsa, & of course - sour cream. Now I've made myself sick of them and I've traded in my baked-potatoes for chips, nachos style.
- For breakfast I eat an egg on toast with pepper-jack, hot sauce, and mustard. I've eaten this for like three weeks in row solid and am now sick of it, so I'm on to peanut butter toast.
- I'm back to my pregnancy ice obsession. It kicks in around now and doesn't go away till I'm in the hospital and the baby is out. It annoys the poop out of my husband & is probably killing my teeth. I just don't care.
- So that's me - anything that is bloody, has hot sauce, pepper-jack, ice, sour cream, or mustard involved in it: BRING IT ON.
What are your cravings? Pregnant or normal - I want to hear them all. Make me feel better.
it's not every day...
... that one of your best friends finds out she is having twins!
I'm so glad Kalle & Shawn finally broke the news! They are having some sweet twinsies! YAY!
I've told Kal this week, they are definitely a couple that deserves double blessings. They've been really faithful to the Lord in so many ways and I'm so glad that they know what a treat and special honor they've been given. Children in general, are such a gracious gift, and two at once - wow. Thanks, Jesus.
For whatever reason, the Lord has let us be together for this season & I couldn't be more grateful. I'll probably be about to pop when those little babies make their appearance but I am going to be there, be there, be there. Love you guys!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Are you ready for this?
The 1st Annual Connolly/Hogan/Musick New Beginnings Thanksgiving Menu:
(appetizers)
tapas tray
traditional salad
pear & blue cheese salad
brie wrapped in pastry with fruit garnish & Carrs crackers
pumpkin soup
roasted & stuffed garlic cloves
(main dinner)
TWO 25 pound turkeys: one stuffed, one unstuffed
cornbread sausage dressing
sweet potato souffle
veggie casserole
homemade macaroni
congealed salad
red smashed potatoes with goat cheese
cranberry relish
yeast rolls
creamed corn
traditional sweet potatoes
gravy, duh.
(desserts)
banana bread
apple pie
pumpkin pie
southern pecan pie
cheesecake
espresso brownies
ALL a la mode.
It's hard for Lauren & I to imagine our first Thanksgiving away from home, so we're focusing on making our mamas proud from the other coast.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
the goose & the lamb cage fight
So our kids have really become obsessed with one another in the past few days... it's been really sweet to watch. Glory has been hooked on Elias for some time now, but he is just starting to see what fun she can be. The past few days have been filled with them yelling (shreaking) at one another and Elias yelling "GOOOOEEEEY!", lots of wrestling matches, and not a few laughs. As you'll see in the following pictures, Elias' favorite new move is to stand behind Glor when she is laying on her stomach and flop onto her back. You'd think she might cry or feel uncomfortable, but usually she flops over (still underneath him), claws his face like a madwoman, and a wrestling match begins! Dear Jesus, please let this baby be a boy so our little lamb isn't stuck wrestling with our handsome silly goose. However... if it is a girl, the two of them could definitely take him!
handsome
I don't even know what to do with this smile....
... and he got her...
...and she got away....
but he got her again!
This is my view.
And Nick relaxing...
Getting some glor-glor love.
& fighting over a magazine!
ENJOY!
Monday, November 17, 2008
confessions
So, my sweet friend Kelly has insinuated that I'm less than forthcoming on the old blog. Apparently, I list my many endeavors and don't exactly communicate when I lack on the completion. So, here it goes - Kelly better follow through with her end of the bargain (to list her own confessions) and I'd like if all of you did as well:)
- I did move the kids into the same room and about a week later, we moved them back out. Glory was regressing and taking a 4am bottle so we kicked her out of the nursery while she broke the habit.
- After Elias' daddy day and subsequent passy overdose, I haven't actually taken it back yet. He had it for his nap & bedtime yesterday and today. When I work up the dedication to take it away, maybe the Lord will help me once again.
- Elias eats veggie chicken nuggets around three times a week. Mac & Cheese atleast twice a week. I'm not a creative meal mommy.
- The other day, I called a poop embargo and decided I wouldn't change another stinky diaper - I had already done one for each kid by noon and they were both filling up their tanks again. So, I did what any respectable mother would do & bribed our assistant Lauren with a coffee to change one of the stinkers.
- I don't brush Elias' teeth twice a day, every day. Between Nick and I, I think we hit him once a day - maybe, but it's not my forte. Please no lectures here, I'm working on it.
- I quit making my own baby food when my nausea flared up and didn't start back up when it went away. I really want to, but man - it takes so long.
- I only wash my hair every three days and I usually only cleanse my face with baby wipes. My hair is high maintenance and my skin is low maintenance & I take advantage.
- I like christian rap music.
(that last one was for free)
- I did move the kids into the same room and about a week later, we moved them back out. Glory was regressing and taking a 4am bottle so we kicked her out of the nursery while she broke the habit.
- After Elias' daddy day and subsequent passy overdose, I haven't actually taken it back yet. He had it for his nap & bedtime yesterday and today. When I work up the dedication to take it away, maybe the Lord will help me once again.
- Elias eats veggie chicken nuggets around three times a week. Mac & Cheese atleast twice a week. I'm not a creative meal mommy.
- The other day, I called a poop embargo and decided I wouldn't change another stinky diaper - I had already done one for each kid by noon and they were both filling up their tanks again. So, I did what any respectable mother would do & bribed our assistant Lauren with a coffee to change one of the stinkers.
- I don't brush Elias' teeth twice a day, every day. Between Nick and I, I think we hit him once a day - maybe, but it's not my forte. Please no lectures here, I'm working on it.
- I quit making my own baby food when my nausea flared up and didn't start back up when it went away. I really want to, but man - it takes so long.
- I only wash my hair every three days and I usually only cleanse my face with baby wipes. My hair is high maintenance and my skin is low maintenance & I take advantage.
- I like christian rap music.
(that last one was for free)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
connolly kids do eating out
When Elias was a baby, we'd eat out at casual restaurants every once in a while - for lunch after church or the occasional weeknight. Here, in Puyallup, things are a little different. There aren't a ton of kid-friendly restaurants & Nick has a church class right after our Sunday service so the kids & I just jet on home. So, we end up never taking them out to eat, I think it's actually been months since we all went to lunch or dinner somewhere other than our house.
Tonight I asked Nick if we could try to take the kids to dinner and it really was a special little treat... Elias is big enough to eat real adult human (kids menu) food really well and Glory can eat her baby food & actually act really interested in being outside of the home. We went to Casa Mia, a casual little italian place here in sleepy town. I have to say, those cuties did VERY well. Elias housed a salad and some pasta and Glory was thankful for little bits of garlic bread in between her bites. Nick and I shared a ceasar salad & a veggie pizza - it was awesome.
The wrap up:
- Elias only shreiked 4 times
- Glory only squealed 5 times
- Zero tears
- no big spills (thank you Jesus)
- and a $40 tab reminded us we won't be doing family dining until we live near an even more kid friendly place. I mean Chik-fil-A, Qdoba, Panera - throw us a bone in Puyallup, please! That's okay, I don't mind eating at home!
Tonight I asked Nick if we could try to take the kids to dinner and it really was a special little treat... Elias is big enough to eat real adult human (kids menu) food really well and Glory can eat her baby food & actually act really interested in being outside of the home. We went to Casa Mia, a casual little italian place here in sleepy town. I have to say, those cuties did VERY well. Elias housed a salad and some pasta and Glory was thankful for little bits of garlic bread in between her bites. Nick and I shared a ceasar salad & a veggie pizza - it was awesome.
The wrap up:
- Elias only shreiked 4 times
- Glory only squealed 5 times
- Zero tears
- no big spills (thank you Jesus)
- and a $40 tab reminded us we won't be doing family dining until we live near an even more kid friendly place. I mean Chik-fil-A, Qdoba, Panera - throw us a bone in Puyallup, please! That's okay, I don't mind eating at home!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Daddy Days
So, today was such a fun & busy day.
This morning started with a retrieval trip to Lexi's to get Elias' lovey that we had left at group yesterday. I felt so bad putting him down for a nap and bedtime last night with no lovey and no passy - but I was so proud of him when did well without both. (He did cling to a stuffed puppy for dear life) After that I had a fun day by myself, with only one really hectic hour in the midst of it when I lost my keys in between spa appointments. Found the keys, finished up, raced home to see the kids before bed. Nick, Elias, and Glory had an amazing day and the three of them were all smiles when I got in. Nick put Elias to bed - who was thrilled to have his sweet lovey back and I spent a last few minutes with my girl before she passed out.
Nick and I went to The Harmon in Tacoma for dinner and ate like stinking KINGS.
Onion rings for appetizers, sandwiches & garlic fries for dinner, and a 22 oz. chocolate cake for dessert.
We brought plenty of leftovers home with notes written on our take-out box reading, "EAT & DIE". We're serious about leftovers.
When we got in after dinner, I went and took a last glance at the kiddos. Glory - passed out.
Imagine my surprise when I saw Elias sleeping peacefully - WITH HIS PASSY. When he saw me standing over his crib, he immediately slammed his hand over his passy so I couldn't take it. WHAT?! I ran to our room and asked Nick how in the world did he find that passy? Apparently, Daddy was trying to win some brownie points and Elias had it for his nap AND bedtime tonight. If my husband wasn't so handsome, I'd give him a piece of my mind. The two of them together were too cute for me to make a big fuss about it, so we'll just start over tomorrow. Gotta love Daddy days.
This morning started with a retrieval trip to Lexi's to get Elias' lovey that we had left at group yesterday. I felt so bad putting him down for a nap and bedtime last night with no lovey and no passy - but I was so proud of him when did well without both. (He did cling to a stuffed puppy for dear life) After that I had a fun day by myself, with only one really hectic hour in the midst of it when I lost my keys in between spa appointments. Found the keys, finished up, raced home to see the kids before bed. Nick, Elias, and Glory had an amazing day and the three of them were all smiles when I got in. Nick put Elias to bed - who was thrilled to have his sweet lovey back and I spent a last few minutes with my girl before she passed out.
Nick and I went to The Harmon in Tacoma for dinner and ate like stinking KINGS.
Onion rings for appetizers, sandwiches & garlic fries for dinner, and a 22 oz. chocolate cake for dessert.
We brought plenty of leftovers home with notes written on our take-out box reading, "EAT & DIE". We're serious about leftovers.
When we got in after dinner, I went and took a last glance at the kiddos. Glory - passed out.
Imagine my surprise when I saw Elias sleeping peacefully - WITH HIS PASSY. When he saw me standing over his crib, he immediately slammed his hand over his passy so I couldn't take it. WHAT?! I ran to our room and asked Nick how in the world did he find that passy? Apparently, Daddy was trying to win some brownie points and Elias had it for his nap AND bedtime tonight. If my husband wasn't so handsome, I'd give him a piece of my mind. The two of them together were too cute for me to make a big fuss about it, so we'll just start over tomorrow. Gotta love Daddy days.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
days like this.
My spring semester of my junior year was one of the funnest and busiest times of my life. I was engaged to marry my luverrrr & I was living in a fun little house with my three best friends. My typical days were full, full, full. I woke up each morning around 4:30 and went to the gym to do cardio. After that I came home to shower then met Nick for coffee and we walked to our 8am classes together. We were done by noon and went on to work as interns at the church we attended and usually had some sort of youth event/hangout after work. As soon as we were done with that, I went back to the gym for weights and then on to study with my friends at our favorite coffee shop until around 11 or 12, when we'd collapse on and start all over. On the weekends we did church stuff, tried to see family, and I also had a part-time job at an art gallery. Nick and I were overbooked and stretched crazy thin - taking 21 hours each to graduate early and going, going, going. But I never felt stretched thin or really tired from what I remember... it was just normal life.
This is NOT me boasting, because I am not that woman anymore. I don't really even know who that was - but she kind of freaks me out, she atleast makes me exhausted. I'm glad life was like that for a season - it was nice to feel so productive before marriage and babies came along, but I'm even more glad it's not like that anymore. Yesterday I counted as REALLY productive because I took a shower, did three loads of laundry, cleaned Glory's bottles, and emptied the diaper pile. Unless you count going next door for a staff meeting, I actually didn't go anywhere at all.
Tomorrow my plan is to drive to Renton & stop by Lexi's and pick up Elias' lovey that I forgot today, drive on to Kirkland to visit Sara in the hospital, maybe stop by and see Kalle if I have time, then back down to Redmond to go to all my little appointments. When I get home, I'll play with the kids (since I will have missed them terribly) and go on a date with my husband (since I can't get enough of him). Saturday my plan is to take the kiddos and hang out with Marilee, since our husbands have a conference together, and hopefully during that time we'll visit a gift fair event thingy at our church. Once I get home and get the kids to bed, I'll drive back out to Issaquah for Kelly's craft night. I won't even talk about Sunday.
These are not normal days for me, they kind of make me want to cry and they kind of exhilirate me all at once. Today I was playing the coming events over and over again and anticipating each step, and I thought about crazy psycho busy Jessi from the spring of 2005 and knew she'd laugh at such a simple day. Funny how things change.
This is NOT me boasting, because I am not that woman anymore. I don't really even know who that was - but she kind of freaks me out, she atleast makes me exhausted. I'm glad life was like that for a season - it was nice to feel so productive before marriage and babies came along, but I'm even more glad it's not like that anymore. Yesterday I counted as REALLY productive because I took a shower, did three loads of laundry, cleaned Glory's bottles, and emptied the diaper pile. Unless you count going next door for a staff meeting, I actually didn't go anywhere at all.
Tomorrow my plan is to drive to Renton & stop by Lexi's and pick up Elias' lovey that I forgot today, drive on to Kirkland to visit Sara in the hospital, maybe stop by and see Kalle if I have time, then back down to Redmond to go to all my little appointments. When I get home, I'll play with the kids (since I will have missed them terribly) and go on a date with my husband (since I can't get enough of him). Saturday my plan is to take the kiddos and hang out with Marilee, since our husbands have a conference together, and hopefully during that time we'll visit a gift fair event thingy at our church. Once I get home and get the kids to bed, I'll drive back out to Issaquah for Kelly's craft night. I won't even talk about Sunday.
These are not normal days for me, they kind of make me want to cry and they kind of exhilirate me all at once. Today I was playing the coming events over and over again and anticipating each step, and I thought about crazy psycho busy Jessi from the spring of 2005 and knew she'd laugh at such a simple day. Funny how things change.
thankful... you know.
... that my husband is driving me & the kids to small group today since he has a meeting in the area. Chauffeur, nice.
... for my old small group who gave me a gift certificate to a local spa a few months ago.
... that today I booked a mani, pedi, and haircut to use that gift certificate for TOMORROW!
... that I figured out what I'm getting my husband for Christmas and I'm SO excited. It's all I can think about! I will NOT tell him, though.
... that next Wednesday Lauren, Debi, & I are having a planning meeting to talk about Thanksgiving dinner. I'm gonna make some name cards that would make Martha quit her job and make my Mama proud. And I'll set one for Jesus, too, Mom - just to be like you.
... did I mention I'm getting my hair cut? Oh, did I mention it hasn't seen a pair of scissors since March. I cannot wait. I'm going to have them use the thinning shears for like 45 minutes straight.
... that we're about 2 hours into our first night passy-less. Small victories.
(I will mention for honesty sake that I caved and gave Elias his passy for 30 minutes today. Can you believe me? I made a big deal about making him throw them all away, but when he woke up early from his nap and his crying threatened to wake up #2, I stuck my spare one right in is mouth. I should be ashamed, but I'm not - it worked.)
... for salvation. It sounds trite, but man - what would we do without it? What would we do without Jesus? I would be an ax-murderer for sure if it weren't for grace and sanctification. He just makes everything worth it.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
seriously, who has been holding out on me?!
I know I should have figured this out on my own, but I didn't.
Why haven't you all told me about kid tv? It's the greatest stuff around. Of course Elias doesn't give a rip about The View when I have it on in the background while he is playing, but throw on Nick Jr. and he is ENTHRALLED. I guess Kelly kind of gave me a hint, here, but it takes me a while to catch on. Seriously - I've been missing out.
Right now we're tuned into The Backyardigans and I think we've found a new morning routine to let mommy do some laundry, having a quiet time, and not be so exhausted while sis has her first nap. Thank you Jesus for kid tv.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
state of the heart
I reread a bunch of blogs from earlier this year - just before Glory was born and just after we became a family of four. I know you're not supposed to like what you've written, and I didn't so much enjoy my lack of eloquence due to sleep deprivation, but I did think - I'm so glad my kids will have this to read in coming years. With bloodshot eyes and tired fingers, I was able to pound out what was going on in my heart and for that, I'm thankful. So I was reading and thinking, where am I right now? What's the state of my heart?
So much has changed this year - we moved across the nation, added a baby, found out we were adding another baby, felt overwhelmed, missed family, made friends, really began to solidify our marriage, and got a small step closer to figuring out who we are supposed to be in Christ. My life looks really mundane from the outside - I am literally a "stay at home" mom. I don't leave the house everyday. Outside of walking to the trash can, taking the kids on walks, or watching Elias play in puddles - some days I literally stay inside these four walls. I've started to make some amazing friends, been in two awesome womens groups - but I'm far enough away from them that seeing them is a hard process sometimes. If this all sounds like one big complaint - it certainly isn't. The mundane for me has always been thrilling & patterns are really comforting in my life.
But there is a struggle to find and pay attention to the grace and power of Christ all day - a struggle to find purpose when your children won't remember this day and you still have to be on your toes each minute. It might seem like there isn't much to do, but day by day I feel overwhelmed with how much still needs to happen and how the list starts over each morning. Laundry, meals, naps, crawling, toys, words, books, nutrition, walks, stairs, schedules, coughs, rashes, baby food, teeth, hair, fingernails, baths, diapers, diapers, diapers, and poop.
So here is where my heart is... I'm praying to understand two really powerful things I heard at my bible study last week and I hope I quote the right women. First, Jackie challenged us all to continually place God on the throne, instead of ourselves, daily. That way, however the day goes - you know who is in control and who should be getting the glory. That is freeing in so many ways for me. If I live in this - when my kids only nap for thirty minutes, Glory poops all over me and our bed, I feel lonely and miss friends, I massacre an entire dinner & have to throw it out - I know who is on the throne, who is in control and I don't feel the weight of all of this on me.
The second great word I have been praying about came from Elizabeth, I'm pretty sure. She said she wants to be intentional about working to be the kind of mom she wants to be when her daughter reaches the end of infancy. That got me thinking - sometimes I feel like these next few years are pretty much going to be a wash, if I just get through them - I'll get to the good part soon enough. Soon, I'll have my body back, I'll have some sleep, my hands won't always be so full. But I know - this is the good part. This is the good day and I need to be intentional NOW about how I want my life, my heart to look like at the end of this day, this month, this season. And that takes more than intentionality, it takes execution. So I'm praying through that... praying through what that looks like.
... and that is the state of my heart.
So much has changed this year - we moved across the nation, added a baby, found out we were adding another baby, felt overwhelmed, missed family, made friends, really began to solidify our marriage, and got a small step closer to figuring out who we are supposed to be in Christ. My life looks really mundane from the outside - I am literally a "stay at home" mom. I don't leave the house everyday. Outside of walking to the trash can, taking the kids on walks, or watching Elias play in puddles - some days I literally stay inside these four walls. I've started to make some amazing friends, been in two awesome womens groups - but I'm far enough away from them that seeing them is a hard process sometimes. If this all sounds like one big complaint - it certainly isn't. The mundane for me has always been thrilling & patterns are really comforting in my life.
But there is a struggle to find and pay attention to the grace and power of Christ all day - a struggle to find purpose when your children won't remember this day and you still have to be on your toes each minute. It might seem like there isn't much to do, but day by day I feel overwhelmed with how much still needs to happen and how the list starts over each morning. Laundry, meals, naps, crawling, toys, words, books, nutrition, walks, stairs, schedules, coughs, rashes, baby food, teeth, hair, fingernails, baths, diapers, diapers, diapers, and poop.
So here is where my heart is... I'm praying to understand two really powerful things I heard at my bible study last week and I hope I quote the right women. First, Jackie challenged us all to continually place God on the throne, instead of ourselves, daily. That way, however the day goes - you know who is in control and who should be getting the glory. That is freeing in so many ways for me. If I live in this - when my kids only nap for thirty minutes, Glory poops all over me and our bed, I feel lonely and miss friends, I massacre an entire dinner & have to throw it out - I know who is on the throne, who is in control and I don't feel the weight of all of this on me.
The second great word I have been praying about came from Elizabeth, I'm pretty sure. She said she wants to be intentional about working to be the kind of mom she wants to be when her daughter reaches the end of infancy. That got me thinking - sometimes I feel like these next few years are pretty much going to be a wash, if I just get through them - I'll get to the good part soon enough. Soon, I'll have my body back, I'll have some sleep, my hands won't always be so full. But I know - this is the good part. This is the good day and I need to be intentional NOW about how I want my life, my heart to look like at the end of this day, this month, this season. And that takes more than intentionality, it takes execution. So I'm praying through that... praying through what that looks like.
... and that is the state of my heart.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mommy Mandate
So - this is the week.
I'm making an executive decision and we're ridding ourselves of the passy THIS WEEK.
Glory could care less, she thinks the passy is a toy.
Elias - on the other hand - his "sass" is like his right hand.
We've let him have it only in the crib and in hairy situations (going to the nursery or riding in the car), but this week we're saying goodbye.
Any suggestions?
I'm thinking tomorrow I might try the trick of cutting the tip off the passy and still letting him try to suck it. I heard that makes them not want it. Either way - Wednesday, I'm throwing them all out. Not even saving an emergency one.
Pray for us.
I'm making an executive decision and we're ridding ourselves of the passy THIS WEEK.
Glory could care less, she thinks the passy is a toy.
Elias - on the other hand - his "sass" is like his right hand.
We've let him have it only in the crib and in hairy situations (going to the nursery or riding in the car), but this week we're saying goodbye.
Any suggestions?
I'm thinking tomorrow I might try the trick of cutting the tip off the passy and still letting him try to suck it. I heard that makes them not want it. Either way - Wednesday, I'm throwing them all out. Not even saving an emergency one.
Pray for us.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
stranger danger
One night in college, I got a yucky feeling as I was going to bed. I lived in a house with five girls, but Meredith (who shared my room with me), was out of town. A few minutes later, Laura (another roommate) walked in and asked if I was ok because there had just been a peeping tom outside my window. Our little peeping tom soon became a reoccurring nuisance. We even named him Blake. For some reason, this freaked me out but it didn't terrify me... it became more of a joke than a real threat.
Last night, there was a prowler outside of our house. The crazy part was, for some insane reason, we (Lauren, Nick, and I) were all semi-awake at 2:30am when he made his little appearance. Lauren actually saw him out the window & Beulah scared him off, bless her heart. Nick promptly took care of the situation, called the police (twice), and inspected the property with his weapon of choice - a flashlight. We checked on the kids repeated times, eventually pulled Elias into bed with us because he was freaked out from all the noise, and Nick stayed up until 5:30am keeping guard.
For whatever reason, our one little encounter terrified me about six gagillion times more than our ever-present Blake in college. I think it's the kids - I went all Mama Wolf last night. It's been a tumultuous few weeks at New Beginnings and we've actually had to ask two girls to leave in the past few weeks because of some serious behavioral and mental issues. In the scary part of my mind last night, I thought one of them might be coming to get us - yikes. I'm glad I have one true Protector in Christ, and one strong stinking husband to sleep beside me. But I still think I'm going to set a loud booby trap at the top of our stairs tonight - seriously.
Last night, there was a prowler outside of our house. The crazy part was, for some insane reason, we (Lauren, Nick, and I) were all semi-awake at 2:30am when he made his little appearance. Lauren actually saw him out the window & Beulah scared him off, bless her heart. Nick promptly took care of the situation, called the police (twice), and inspected the property with his weapon of choice - a flashlight. We checked on the kids repeated times, eventually pulled Elias into bed with us because he was freaked out from all the noise, and Nick stayed up until 5:30am keeping guard.
For whatever reason, our one little encounter terrified me about six gagillion times more than our ever-present Blake in college. I think it's the kids - I went all Mama Wolf last night. It's been a tumultuous few weeks at New Beginnings and we've actually had to ask two girls to leave in the past few weeks because of some serious behavioral and mental issues. In the scary part of my mind last night, I thought one of them might be coming to get us - yikes. I'm glad I have one true Protector in Christ, and one strong stinking husband to sleep beside me. But I still think I'm going to set a loud booby trap at the top of our stairs tonight - seriously.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Fashion Friday
We're back.....
So Lauren showed me these awhile ago and now I'm obsessed with them! This fashion friday is in honor of Sara Brinton, a mama & friend who is in my small group & our writing circle, in the hospital on bedrest. She's been on bedrest for the better part of her pregnancy and is working super hard to keep her little boy inside of her. If I had an extra $80, this would be hers today!
So my suggestion for today is a designer hospital gown. This one snaps down both shoulders for easy breastfeeding and snaps all the way up the back so you don't get that windy feeling. Also, it comes with a coordinating ribbon so you can not look so much like a massive whooshing wilderbeast. Seriously - the day I had Glory, they had me walk to the OR myself and I was half hyperventilating because everyone could see my wobbly bits and have not caring because I looked like an inflated kite flying down the hospital hallway.
But seriously, I'm going to be saving my pennies till June for one of these puppies. I hate hospital gowns and since I have c-sections, it's usually a while before I can get up and put clothes on after having my babes and then - there is nothing worse than putting pants on right over your fresh cut. I found this cutey hospital gown on Etsy but if you google "designer hospital gown", see what you come up with!
So Lauren showed me these awhile ago and now I'm obsessed with them! This fashion friday is in honor of Sara Brinton, a mama & friend who is in my small group & our writing circle, in the hospital on bedrest. She's been on bedrest for the better part of her pregnancy and is working super hard to keep her little boy inside of her. If I had an extra $80, this would be hers today!
So my suggestion for today is a designer hospital gown. This one snaps down both shoulders for easy breastfeeding and snaps all the way up the back so you don't get that windy feeling. Also, it comes with a coordinating ribbon so you can not look so much like a massive whooshing wilderbeast. Seriously - the day I had Glory, they had me walk to the OR myself and I was half hyperventilating because everyone could see my wobbly bits and have not caring because I looked like an inflated kite flying down the hospital hallway.
But seriously, I'm going to be saving my pennies till June for one of these puppies. I hate hospital gowns and since I have c-sections, it's usually a while before I can get up and put clothes on after having my babes and then - there is nothing worse than putting pants on right over your fresh cut. I found this cutey hospital gown on Etsy but if you google "designer hospital gown", see what you come up with!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
thankful thursday
... STARBUCKS CHRISTMAS CUPS. I could right a whole blog on this - wait - I did last year.
... that the election is over.
... that Elias' personality & vocabulary seemed to have BLOSSOMED with his recent haircut. Words we've added: gentle, blue, red, yellow, purple, coke, & spoon. Seriously? All in one day?! Also I was inspired by Angie's blog about femininity & we taught him to softly rub my cheek when he says gentle. aaaahh - my heart melts.
... diet coke. beverages are really important to me, and now that coffee is out - I need diet coke to get thru the day again.
... that my hair is finally growing out. thank you pregnancy hormones.
... that I get to name another baby. I looooooove baby names, love them. I already have a running list but will not be sharing the final pick this time. Here are some that are starting to build in my head: Rose, Margaret, Esme, Ines, Adele, Hogan, Simeon, Porter, Boaz, Joaquin. That's only the beginning of my list - I read the 50,000 baby names book in bed each night.
... my husband. He's been psycho busy with tons of school, ministry, and new church volunteering stuff - but he is being such a trooper. One of the main reasons we moved out here was because he was so overbooked, but this is totally different and every new task he takes on, he flourishes with. He's still carving out time for the kids, for me, and surprising me every step of the way.
... that tomorrow is Friday. I say that every week, but I really love it. This Friday I'm doing breakfast with girlfriends, the rest of the day with the whole fam, & date night - as usual.
... that the election is over.
... that Elias' personality & vocabulary seemed to have BLOSSOMED with his recent haircut. Words we've added: gentle, blue, red, yellow, purple, coke, & spoon. Seriously? All in one day?! Also I was inspired by Angie's blog about femininity & we taught him to softly rub my cheek when he says gentle. aaaahh - my heart melts.
... diet coke. beverages are really important to me, and now that coffee is out - I need diet coke to get thru the day again.
... that my hair is finally growing out. thank you pregnancy hormones.
... that I get to name another baby. I looooooove baby names, love them. I already have a running list but will not be sharing the final pick this time. Here are some that are starting to build in my head: Rose, Margaret, Esme, Ines, Adele, Hogan, Simeon, Porter, Boaz, Joaquin. That's only the beginning of my list - I read the 50,000 baby names book in bed each night.
... my husband. He's been psycho busy with tons of school, ministry, and new church volunteering stuff - but he is being such a trooper. One of the main reasons we moved out here was because he was so overbooked, but this is totally different and every new task he takes on, he flourishes with. He's still carving out time for the kids, for me, and surprising me every step of the way.
... that tomorrow is Friday. I say that every week, but I really love it. This Friday I'm doing breakfast with girlfriends, the rest of the day with the whole fam, & date night - as usual.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
elias becomes a man
If anyone needs a distraction from politics - yet again - here is a great one.
It was a long time coming - a few of you are going to be upset, but you need to trust our leadership and guidance and know that we counted the votes a few times. Elias' hair was too long, had to be washed constantly, and honestly - we were worried he couldn't see.
So it started with a trim...
that got a little botched...
but now we can see all those great faces...
and he looks just as handsome as ever,
and looking more like his daddy by the second -
I'll miss running my hands through those golden locks, but all good things must come to an end.
It was a long time coming - a few of you are going to be upset, but you need to trust our leadership and guidance and know that we counted the votes a few times. Elias' hair was too long, had to be washed constantly, and honestly - we were worried he couldn't see.
So it started with a trim...
that got a little botched...
but now we can see all those great faces...
and he looks just as handsome as ever,
and looking more like his daddy by the second -
I'll miss running my hands through those golden locks, but all good things must come to an end.
as if anyone is reading blogs today
So I know you're all probably glued to the tv or news websites today but if anyone ventures to my little old blog - here is some entertainment for you.
I am mildly obsessed with big families - specifically ones on reality tv! I don't think the Lord is calling Nick and I have to have eighteen kids, but woo - do I like to watch them work! My two favorite shows of all time are 17 & counting (The Duggar Family) and Jon & Kate plus 8 (The Gosselins). Here are both of the websites - if you need some relief from serious matters, check them out:
Gosselins
Duggars
I am mildly obsessed with big families - specifically ones on reality tv! I don't think the Lord is calling Nick and I have to have eighteen kids, but woo - do I like to watch them work! My two favorite shows of all time are 17 & counting (The Duggar Family) and Jon & Kate plus 8 (The Gosselins). Here are both of the websites - if you need some relief from serious matters, check them out:
Gosselins
Duggars
Monday, November 3, 2008
public opinion
It only takes an election for me to turn into an actual wuss.
I am such a middle child when it comes to stuff like conflict over politics & presidents. When I read everyone's facebook statuses or watch The View, I sort of inwardly coward and stick my fingers in my ears. It's not that I don't think politics are important - or that the issues don't totally mean something to me - but when I see humans, and believers at that, arguing and ridiculing one another - instead of talking like adults, I feel cornered and frightened.
There are so many issues I'm passionate about when it comes to politics, but I'm not scared to go public and say - the issue of Jesus Christ is the only one I'm really willing to die for. He's the only one whose character I know and support, He is the only one who can fix this country - or this world for that matter. He appoints Kings and Rulers of this world, but He will always be the King and Ruler of my heart.
Whatever happens tomorrow, He will still be in control. Whoever gets elected, I will pray for.
I appreciate people who are passionate about politics and use a humble and patient voice to try and educate others about what is going on, but maybe as believers we should recommit to acting Christlike in these next few days and weeks - no matter what happens. Sometimes acting Christlike means being extreme in our opinions and sometimes it means being extreme in our grace and peace. If you're a wuss like me, I'll be praying for you - maybe we can just ignore all the yelling tomorrow and provide some comic relief. If you're on the louder side of politics, I'll being praying peace and trust for your heart too.
I am such a middle child when it comes to stuff like conflict over politics & presidents. When I read everyone's facebook statuses or watch The View, I sort of inwardly coward and stick my fingers in my ears. It's not that I don't think politics are important - or that the issues don't totally mean something to me - but when I see humans, and believers at that, arguing and ridiculing one another - instead of talking like adults, I feel cornered and frightened.
There are so many issues I'm passionate about when it comes to politics, but I'm not scared to go public and say - the issue of Jesus Christ is the only one I'm really willing to die for. He's the only one whose character I know and support, He is the only one who can fix this country - or this world for that matter. He appoints Kings and Rulers of this world, but He will always be the King and Ruler of my heart.
Whatever happens tomorrow, He will still be in control. Whoever gets elected, I will pray for.
I appreciate people who are passionate about politics and use a humble and patient voice to try and educate others about what is going on, but maybe as believers we should recommit to acting Christlike in these next few days and weeks - no matter what happens. Sometimes acting Christlike means being extreme in our opinions and sometimes it means being extreme in our grace and peace. If you're a wuss like me, I'll be praying for you - maybe we can just ignore all the yelling tomorrow and provide some comic relief. If you're on the louder side of politics, I'll being praying peace and trust for your heart too.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
big day for Glory girl
So today we had baby dedication at Mars Hill & we dedicated our little lamby to the Lord. Sweet day, really. We started off with breakfast with friends then hopped up on stage at church where Nick spoke Colossians 1:9-12 over our sweet baby love.
Nick also added that we pray Glory finds a godly husband - when she's thirty. That's when I made this face.
We came home to play with brother, watch this sweet video our family sent Glory, and have a dinner in Glor's honor at Debi & Miles house. Wait, wait! There was time for more - Glory even cut her first tooth today! I noticed she hadn't taken a bottle in almost a whole day and a conversation with my mom prodded me to check - and sure enough, there was a sweet little tooth popping out her little baby gum!
Glory - there is so much I could say about you. You were the surprise of a lifetime - in all the right ways. I expected to lose you, and didn't. I thought you were going to cry for the rest of your life, and you abruptly stopped. We were pretty sure you were going to be the high-need child, and now we're constantly afraid we're going to leave you somewhere because you are so low maintenance. You show me the glory of God like no other human on this planet, because you love so simply and so abundantly already. You love your Daddy like he's your boyfriend, your brother like he's your clown, and your mama like she's your bff. And... you love your reflection like nothing else!
I do pray all of those things, understanding and that you'd be pleasing to God. That you'd experience His full power & you would share in this amazing inheritance we have as daughters and sons adopted by God. I pray that you'd learn from me - and not have to make all my mistakes, but more than that I pray you'd accept God's grace when you make your own. I love you, little lamb, and I'm so proud of you already.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Nick also added that we pray Glory finds a godly husband - when she's thirty. That's when I made this face.
We came home to play with brother, watch this sweet video our family sent Glory, and have a dinner in Glor's honor at Debi & Miles house. Wait, wait! There was time for more - Glory even cut her first tooth today! I noticed she hadn't taken a bottle in almost a whole day and a conversation with my mom prodded me to check - and sure enough, there was a sweet little tooth popping out her little baby gum!
Glory - there is so much I could say about you. You were the surprise of a lifetime - in all the right ways. I expected to lose you, and didn't. I thought you were going to cry for the rest of your life, and you abruptly stopped. We were pretty sure you were going to be the high-need child, and now we're constantly afraid we're going to leave you somewhere because you are so low maintenance. You show me the glory of God like no other human on this planet, because you love so simply and so abundantly already. You love your Daddy like he's your boyfriend, your brother like he's your clown, and your mama like she's your bff. And... you love your reflection like nothing else!
I do pray all of those things, understanding and that you'd be pleasing to God. That you'd experience His full power & you would share in this amazing inheritance we have as daughters and sons adopted by God. I pray that you'd learn from me - and not have to make all my mistakes, but more than that I pray you'd accept God's grace when you make your own. I love you, little lamb, and I'm so proud of you already.
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