...it's a need.
When Jay and Josh came home from snowmobiling on Saturday my boys confiscated the helmets. They ran around looking like bobble heads for a good half hour.
After the first few minutes Adam ran back to his room and came out with his tool goggles. He asked for help with the helmet and the next time I looked he was doing this-
Yes, that's a toy snomobile he's sitting on. This boy needs his daddy to take him for a ride.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Lightening McQueen
Monday, December 22, 2008
Snow Globe
Today is one of those days that I love. A cozy fire in my living room stove, stuff baking in the kitchen, presents to wrap, and snow tumbling endlessly out of the sky. I can remember when I was a little girl and I would see one of those snow globes I would wish that I could somehow climb inside that tiny world. Today I feel like I'm the one in the snow globe. Instead of looking into the glass I'm looking out at the beautiful winter world around me.
Keeping in mind of course, that in about a month I'm gonna want to smash the pretty little snow globe to smithereens on the concrete of my sidewalk.
Anyhow, we had a party for Rowan on Saturday. It was fun but the poor guy had a hard time putting down one gift to open another. As I was busy helping open gifts Chad took over our camera. Thanks Chad!
The gifts.
The observers.
The cake.
It's a porcupine in case you're wondering.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Baby of Mine
Dear Rowan,
Today is your second birthday and I must admit that it is bittersweet for me. I have loved watching you grow and learn but I am sad that the days of your babyhood are nothing but a memory. If not for your chubby cheeks and adorable little voice as you learn to communicate with the "big folks" I fear I would dissolve into tears at the mere thought of you being two.
Today I remember your birth as if it were yesterday. Appearing after only three pushes, you seemed an easy child from the start. You came on your due date and weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. From the very beginning you were a content, easy-going baby.
As you began to grow, you became very happy and smiley. You have to-die-for dimples and you seemed to love showing them off.
You are a cuddler. Trains are one of your favorite things. Your favorite food seems to be peanut butter these days. You are also a huge fan of bananas. Immitating Daddy and Adam is one of your favorite games. Although you seem to be quite cheerful most of the time you also have a quiet, very serious side to you. You like to go around the grocery store saying, "Do you need a spankin?" in a very loud and gruff voice. At night you cuddle up to me while we sit and pray and are generally very happy to get into your bed. Cars is your all-time favorite movie.
In two short years you have gone from helpless baby to energetic, fun-loving boy. It has been a pleasure and a priveledge to be your mommy and I wouldn't trade one second of it. I once feared I would not, could not love you as I love your brother but I was mistaken. For I do love you, my precious boy. I love you as I love your brother and as I love no one else. I love you the same as him but different all at once. I thank the Lord every day for sharing you with us.
So, Happy Birthday, baby of mine.
All my love,
Mommy
Today is your second birthday and I must admit that it is bittersweet for me. I have loved watching you grow and learn but I am sad that the days of your babyhood are nothing but a memory. If not for your chubby cheeks and adorable little voice as you learn to communicate with the "big folks" I fear I would dissolve into tears at the mere thought of you being two.
Today I remember your birth as if it were yesterday. Appearing after only three pushes, you seemed an easy child from the start. You came on your due date and weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. From the very beginning you were a content, easy-going baby.
As you began to grow, you became very happy and smiley. You have to-die-for dimples and you seemed to love showing them off.
You are a cuddler. Trains are one of your favorite things. Your favorite food seems to be peanut butter these days. You are also a huge fan of bananas. Immitating Daddy and Adam is one of your favorite games. Although you seem to be quite cheerful most of the time you also have a quiet, very serious side to you. You like to go around the grocery store saying, "Do you need a spankin?" in a very loud and gruff voice. At night you cuddle up to me while we sit and pray and are generally very happy to get into your bed. Cars is your all-time favorite movie.
In two short years you have gone from helpless baby to energetic, fun-loving boy. It has been a pleasure and a priveledge to be your mommy and I wouldn't trade one second of it. I once feared I would not, could not love you as I love your brother but I was mistaken. For I do love you, my precious boy. I love you as I love your brother and as I love no one else. I love you the same as him but different all at once. I thank the Lord every day for sharing you with us.
So, Happy Birthday, baby of mine.
All my love,
Mommy
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Cookies
Last Wednesday we all ventured over to Terah's house to make Christmas cookies. This was an annual tradition when we were growing up and my mom really wanted to continue it with her grandchildren. This is the first year that the kids have been big enough. It was quite fun. The only downfall was my boys dumping whole containers of sprinkles on the table. Unfortunately I was too busy trying to salvage them that I didn't get any pictures. Then my camera batteries died so I din't get many anyway. Here are the ones I did end up with.
As most children, Adam was more interested in eating his creations than making them.
Gwyneth was our die-hard. She is quite the artist.
Some of the final product. Rowan's are the half eaten ones. Speaking of Rowan....
...After a short while(when I told him to stop eating cookies) he'd had enough and disappeared upstairs to play with his cousins' beloved train set.
I'm very excited to say my boys are getting one for Christmas!
As most children, Adam was more interested in eating his creations than making them.
Gwyneth was our die-hard. She is quite the artist.
Some of the final product. Rowan's are the half eaten ones. Speaking of Rowan....
...After a short while(when I told him to stop eating cookies) he'd had enough and disappeared upstairs to play with his cousins' beloved train set.
I'm very excited to say my boys are getting one for Christmas!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Live & Learn...Hopefully
As I am planning birthdays and Christmas I realize that there are many mistakes I make every.single.year. I always get frustrated and that bothers me as this is my favorite time of year. So in the hope of learning from my mistakes and doing it different next year I am going to document what I am learning.
What NOT to do:
* Do not wait until five days before to start planning my kid's birthday party.
* Do not wait until a week and a half before Christmas to realize that it is now too late to order any gifts online.
* Do not buy my son's Christmas presents and then notice way later that I forgot about his birthday present. This is especially important as his birthday is before Christmas.
* Do not get grouchy and start nit-picking my husband about, well, everything.
* Do not wait until two weekends before the holiday (right about the time of the first storm of the year) to go shopping. Too many people. Too many bad roads.
* Do not print my own pictures. They never come out as clear and it sucks up a lot of money in ink.
* Do not have a baby right at Christmas. Yay! Props to me, I nailed that one this year.
What to do:
* Do send Christmas cards out at the beginning of December. It is NOT too early.
* Do invest in some new Christmas music. I love my Bing but I need variety people.
* Do have my lovely and talented sister take a family photo. In November when It's at least above freezing outside.
* Do start giving more homemade gifts. They are the most fun and thoughtful.
* Do help Jay to get his major projects done looooong before the holidays. This could also be translated: Do STOP whining and let him get to work in the summer time!
* Do cheer up. We are blessed and God has been working miraculously in our lives. He is to be praised for all things!
I almost forgot! Today I am in my second tri-mester. Yipee! One-third of the way through. I have also beeen feeling my baby from time to time which is always exciting.
What NOT to do:
* Do not wait until five days before to start planning my kid's birthday party.
* Do not wait until a week and a half before Christmas to realize that it is now too late to order any gifts online.
* Do not buy my son's Christmas presents and then notice way later that I forgot about his birthday present. This is especially important as his birthday is before Christmas.
* Do not get grouchy and start nit-picking my husband about, well, everything.
* Do not wait until two weekends before the holiday (right about the time of the first storm of the year) to go shopping. Too many people. Too many bad roads.
* Do not print my own pictures. They never come out as clear and it sucks up a lot of money in ink.
* Do not have a baby right at Christmas. Yay! Props to me, I nailed that one this year.
What to do:
* Do send Christmas cards out at the beginning of December. It is NOT too early.
* Do invest in some new Christmas music. I love my Bing but I need variety people.
* Do have my lovely and talented sister take a family photo. In November when It's at least above freezing outside.
* Do start giving more homemade gifts. They are the most fun and thoughtful.
* Do help Jay to get his major projects done looooong before the holidays. This could also be translated: Do STOP whining and let him get to work in the summer time!
* Do cheer up. We are blessed and God has been working miraculously in our lives. He is to be praised for all things!
I almost forgot! Today I am in my second tri-mester. Yipee! One-third of the way through. I have also beeen feeling my baby from time to time which is always exciting.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Better not Pout; Better not Cry
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Bible Retold
Last night at dinner I decided to read Scripture to the boys while they were eating. Jay wasn't home yet and this was something I had been doing at breakfast a while back. I figure, even if they don't fully understand what they're hearing at least it's being heard and someday they will begin to comprehend. So I usually just read where ever I have been reading from in my personal time. However, last night Adam requested that I read about baby Jesus. So I started at the beginning of Luke where it tells about Zechariah and Elizabeth. Of course there are always lots of questions: "Why did the angel talk to him?" "Why can he not talk now?" "Where is the angel?" "Can I see one?" And so on and so forth.
A while later Adam went and got his Bible story book and asked if he could read to me. Obviously he can't really read, he doesn't even recognize the letters of the alphabet. (Hey now, I know he's almost four but seriously, you try to get him to hold still long enough to learn even one letter. It's very, very difficult. I know they would tell me he has A.D.D. if he went to public school.) Anyhow, of course I said yes because I thought it should be very interesting. I was not disappointed.
So here is the Bible retold by Adam.
Adam and Eve
"They used to be able to pet the animals but then they were naughty and couldn't anymore."
Esther
"The guy said, 'What is this?' And then the lady said,'Have a drink of water and some fruit.' Then they got married and had their first kiss."
Daniel in the Lions Den
"The bad guys put Daniel in there and the lions ate him because they were hungry."
John the Baptist's birth Foretold
"Then the angel told the old guy to speak clearly."
Apparently it's been sinking in a little less than I thought. I think I am going to have to read these stories a little more often. Oh! I forgot to mention that there are little drawings with some of the stories and he gleaned a lot of his information from that. Such as Adam and Eve petting animals.
A while later Adam went and got his Bible story book and asked if he could read to me. Obviously he can't really read, he doesn't even recognize the letters of the alphabet. (Hey now, I know he's almost four but seriously, you try to get him to hold still long enough to learn even one letter. It's very, very difficult. I know they would tell me he has A.D.D. if he went to public school.) Anyhow, of course I said yes because I thought it should be very interesting. I was not disappointed.
So here is the Bible retold by Adam.
Adam and Eve
"They used to be able to pet the animals but then they were naughty and couldn't anymore."
Esther
"The guy said, 'What is this?' And then the lady said,'Have a drink of water and some fruit.' Then they got married and had their first kiss."
Daniel in the Lions Den
"The bad guys put Daniel in there and the lions ate him because they were hungry."
John the Baptist's birth Foretold
"Then the angel told the old guy to speak clearly."
Apparently it's been sinking in a little less than I thought. I think I am going to have to read these stories a little more often. Oh! I forgot to mention that there are little drawings with some of the stories and he gleaned a lot of his information from that. Such as Adam and Eve petting animals.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Ultrasound
This morning I told Adam that Aunt Tessie was going to come watch him and Rowan while Mommy went to the doctor. He said,"Oh. Do you hafta pee in a cup again?" I laugh because this has become his standard question every time I mention the word doctor. He has had to come into the office with me before, mostly when I was pregnant with Rowan, so I am guessing that he still remembers or he has just heard me talking about it before. It's cute because he scrunches up his nose and squints his eyes like it's the most detestible thing he can imagine. I kinda feel the same way.
The answer to his question was, "No." Today I had an ultrasound and they like you to suffer from a full bladder during this procedure. However, they always tell me that I'm dehydrated because mine is always empty. I am skeptical about this as I had to run to the potty six, yes, SIX times in the first hour I was home. I think that I just need to drink my water sooner than they tell me to. I am promising to do this for my next ultrasound sometime in February.
Anyway, she said everything looks healthy. There is nothing that concerned her. Although I was confident that everything was okay, it is still nice to have it confirmed. The exciting part was that the baby is measuring at 12 weeks gestation which would put my due date 5 days earlier than I had thought. They said they won't change it though since it's within a week of what we originally thought. I had both of the boys on their due dates without being induced so I guess I'm generally right on target. The only thing I've ever been on time for in my life!
The cleaning has gone fairly well this week. I have not gotten as far as I would like but have made some noticeable progress. I was asking Jay yesterday why even when I was a teenager, did the days seem so much longer. Do you have any idea what I could get accomplished before noon? I would shower, get dressed, do hair and makeup, clean the entire house(Mom & Dad's is much bigger than mine by the way), watch t.v., and get some school work done. I can remember being exasperated because I would do all of this and look at the clock, I would groan and complain, "It's only 12:00! This day is never going to end." So I ask, what in the world was wrong with me? Now I get up and put on sweats, go potty, throw my hair back, go potty, fix breakfast for the kids, go potty, get them dressed, go potty, look at the clock and nearly scream because it's already time to make lunch and I've accomplished nothing! Well, Jay's answer, "Kids, Honey. Kids consume your life. They suck all of the life giving energy out of your body and then they spit it on the floor for you to clean up." Okay, I added the part about sucking and spitting but he said the first part. I think he must be right. I never realized how much time it takes to take care of kids. It's not that I don't enjoy it, I do. But they really do take up a good chunk of time.
Hmmmmm.........................
So, I was reading over this and I've come to one conclusion.
I think that maybe it's blogging and not the kids.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
The answer to his question was, "No." Today I had an ultrasound and they like you to suffer from a full bladder during this procedure. However, they always tell me that I'm dehydrated because mine is always empty. I am skeptical about this as I had to run to the potty six, yes, SIX times in the first hour I was home. I think that I just need to drink my water sooner than they tell me to. I am promising to do this for my next ultrasound sometime in February.
Anyway, she said everything looks healthy. There is nothing that concerned her. Although I was confident that everything was okay, it is still nice to have it confirmed. The exciting part was that the baby is measuring at 12 weeks gestation which would put my due date 5 days earlier than I had thought. They said they won't change it though since it's within a week of what we originally thought. I had both of the boys on their due dates without being induced so I guess I'm generally right on target. The only thing I've ever been on time for in my life!
The cleaning has gone fairly well this week. I have not gotten as far as I would like but have made some noticeable progress. I was asking Jay yesterday why even when I was a teenager, did the days seem so much longer. Do you have any idea what I could get accomplished before noon? I would shower, get dressed, do hair and makeup, clean the entire house(Mom & Dad's is much bigger than mine by the way), watch t.v., and get some school work done. I can remember being exasperated because I would do all of this and look at the clock, I would groan and complain, "It's only 12:00! This day is never going to end." So I ask, what in the world was wrong with me? Now I get up and put on sweats, go potty, throw my hair back, go potty, fix breakfast for the kids, go potty, get them dressed, go potty, look at the clock and nearly scream because it's already time to make lunch and I've accomplished nothing! Well, Jay's answer, "Kids, Honey. Kids consume your life. They suck all of the life giving energy out of your body and then they spit it on the floor for you to clean up." Okay, I added the part about sucking and spitting but he said the first part. I think he must be right. I never realized how much time it takes to take care of kids. It's not that I don't enjoy it, I do. But they really do take up a good chunk of time.
Hmmmmm.........................
So, I was reading over this and I've come to one conclusion.
I think that maybe it's blogging and not the kids.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Back on Track
I must apologize for the rather dreary and negelectful nature of my blog as of late. I haven't really been into the computer much these days and although my life is typically uneventful it seems to have been especially so lately. My kids seem to scream and run in the opposite direction when they see a camera so there haven't even been my unprofessional quality photos to look at. I hear that my sister has a disc of delectable autumn pictures to admire if ever we remember to ask for\hand it over. I am excited to see them.
Anyway, I'm sorry. And the good news? I think I'm coming out of it. At 11 weeks pregnant, only two(or is it three?) weeks away from the second trimester, I believe I am officially over my bouts of nausea. I do feel a certain cheerfulness emerging as well and I am beginning to feel a little ambitious. Jay is still working hard on the shed and making a little progress. I believe he may have it mostly finished before Christmas. This is an exciting prospect as every spare minute is spent working on it.
Jay's nephew Josh is supposed to be arriving in the next couple of weeks. He will be staying with us for the month of December to work the Christmas season at UPS. I know, you probably envision a 10-year-old when I say nephew but Josh is actually 20, a mere six years younger than us. Strange. I struggle to remember that he is my boys' cousin and not their uncle. His mom is Jay's oldest sister.
Well, this visit and the upcoming holidays have suddenly created an urge to have my house in ship-shape order. So this week will be dedicated to doing just that. My closet needs to be mucked out. Clothes that are becoming too tight will be stored until next fall when they might actually fit me once again. The boys' closets need to be cleaned out as well. Toys will be gone through. Clothes washed and ironed. Pictures hung on walls. Gunk and dust bunnies cleared out from under beds. Furniture and cabinets dusted. Floors vacuumed and scrubbed. Bathrooms scrubbed. Fresh sheets on beds. Kitchen cabinets organized. The works. I think I might actually have the energy to do it! If only my kids cooperate, I'll be all set.
The other exciting event this week is that I have an ultrasound on Wednesday. They were a little concerned as I have had some bleeding and they wanted to check things out. It feels a little silly and unnecessary to me but Jay thought we should go ahead and do it. I am excited about seeing the little one though. If Jay can't start a little late at work I will be canceling as I don't want to do it without him. I figure, if there is some problem, it would not do good for me to hear about it alone.
Yes, I am definitely feeling back on track.
Have a good evening, everyone!
Anyway, I'm sorry. And the good news? I think I'm coming out of it. At 11 weeks pregnant, only two(or is it three?) weeks away from the second trimester, I believe I am officially over my bouts of nausea. I do feel a certain cheerfulness emerging as well and I am beginning to feel a little ambitious. Jay is still working hard on the shed and making a little progress. I believe he may have it mostly finished before Christmas. This is an exciting prospect as every spare minute is spent working on it.
Jay's nephew Josh is supposed to be arriving in the next couple of weeks. He will be staying with us for the month of December to work the Christmas season at UPS. I know, you probably envision a 10-year-old when I say nephew but Josh is actually 20, a mere six years younger than us. Strange. I struggle to remember that he is my boys' cousin and not their uncle. His mom is Jay's oldest sister.
Well, this visit and the upcoming holidays have suddenly created an urge to have my house in ship-shape order. So this week will be dedicated to doing just that. My closet needs to be mucked out. Clothes that are becoming too tight will be stored until next fall when they might actually fit me once again. The boys' closets need to be cleaned out as well. Toys will be gone through. Clothes washed and ironed. Pictures hung on walls. Gunk and dust bunnies cleared out from under beds. Furniture and cabinets dusted. Floors vacuumed and scrubbed. Bathrooms scrubbed. Fresh sheets on beds. Kitchen cabinets organized. The works. I think I might actually have the energy to do it! If only my kids cooperate, I'll be all set.
The other exciting event this week is that I have an ultrasound on Wednesday. They were a little concerned as I have had some bleeding and they wanted to check things out. It feels a little silly and unnecessary to me but Jay thought we should go ahead and do it. I am excited about seeing the little one though. If Jay can't start a little late at work I will be canceling as I don't want to do it without him. I figure, if there is some problem, it would not do good for me to hear about it alone.
Yes, I am definitely feeling back on track.
Have a good evening, everyone!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
My Six
Okay, I've done this before. A while ago but I have been asked again. I will try to think of six different things than last time. As I do not have six more people to tag I will simply post mine.
1) I also am not a "social person" but can be quite good at faking it if need be.
2) I can barely whistle. Can't whistle a tune. Can barely get a noise out at all.
3) I love early morning. My favorite time of day is just before sunrise, unfortunately I hardly ever see it these days.
4) One of my favorite movies is the newest Little Women.
5) I could easily be a pyro. Something about flame is beautiful to me.
6) Reading is my absolute favorite past time. Other than my kids.
Sorry, Heather, I'm not very interesting. But hey, you asked for it! =)
1) I also am not a "social person" but can be quite good at faking it if need be.
2) I can barely whistle. Can't whistle a tune. Can barely get a noise out at all.
3) I love early morning. My favorite time of day is just before sunrise, unfortunately I hardly ever see it these days.
4) One of my favorite movies is the newest Little Women.
5) I could easily be a pyro. Something about flame is beautiful to me.
6) Reading is my absolute favorite past time. Other than my kids.
Sorry, Heather, I'm not very interesting. But hey, you asked for it! =)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Miracle
So I had my first appointment for the baby today and it went well. The nurse just asked me all of my family history and how the pregnancy was going so far and then drew some blood. I do fine with that as long as I don't watch.
The most exciting part was I got to hear the baby's heartbeat. The count was in the 170's. This is always so much fun the first time because it actually starts to feel real. It helps me to realize what a miracle a baby actually is. Only 9 weeks in the making and it has a beating heart! Wow. Our God is an awesome God.
On a more sour note, I also had to weigh. Is it a bad sign that this is the most dreadful part to me? Of course I weighed even more than I was expecting. Now I'm on this down-in-the-dumps-wanna-quit-eating-sugar-but-can't kick. You know, when it's very apparrent what your supposed to do but your too discouraged to actually do it.My biggest problem is I'm starving ALL the time! It's like, "Well, golly-gee-willikers. I'm already too overweight so I might as well enjoy it for the next 7 months and just pig out!"
Plus it's really hard to get out and walk when it's dark when Jay leaves and when he gets home and raining every minute in between. Not very motivating when you think of dragging two water-logged and freezing kiddos up and down the road in a wagon. I do however have Slim-in-Six videos that I actually enjoy when I buckle down and do it. So I'm enlisting you guys to hold me accountable. I am going to get up early and do this five days a week and if I happen to sleep in, I'm doing it at nap. You guys gotta check up on me every so often and make sure I'm sticking to it. I am determined not to look like the GoodYear Blimp when I have this baby!
The most exciting part was I got to hear the baby's heartbeat. The count was in the 170's. This is always so much fun the first time because it actually starts to feel real. It helps me to realize what a miracle a baby actually is. Only 9 weeks in the making and it has a beating heart! Wow. Our God is an awesome God.
On a more sour note, I also had to weigh. Is it a bad sign that this is the most dreadful part to me? Of course I weighed even more than I was expecting. Now I'm on this down-in-the-dumps-wanna-quit-eating-sugar-but-can't kick. You know, when it's very apparrent what your supposed to do but your too discouraged to actually do it.My biggest problem is I'm starving ALL the time! It's like, "Well, golly-gee-willikers. I'm already too overweight so I might as well enjoy it for the next 7 months and just pig out!"
Plus it's really hard to get out and walk when it's dark when Jay leaves and when he gets home and raining every minute in between. Not very motivating when you think of dragging two water-logged and freezing kiddos up and down the road in a wagon. I do however have Slim-in-Six videos that I actually enjoy when I buckle down and do it. So I'm enlisting you guys to hold me accountable. I am going to get up early and do this five days a week and if I happen to sleep in, I'm doing it at nap. You guys gotta check up on me every so often and make sure I'm sticking to it. I am determined not to look like the GoodYear Blimp when I have this baby!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Dreams
I am on my hands and knees scrubbing a bathroom of solid white tile. I am crying because I cannot get the grout clean and another maid (who looks a lot like Shelby's mom but is not) is telling me to hurry and get it clean. I know the consequences of not doing a good enough job and I am very afraid.
Suddenly I am summoned to his office and I am shaking but trying my hardest to look pleasant. I am a slave and I know my very life depends on how good of a slave I can be. I also know that my entire family was brutally murdered in concentration camps because they were Christians. And most of all I know being called to his office is a very bad thing.
I follow a man through the door and stand at a desk. I can't really tell what the man behind it looks like but he is speaking to the others in the room. I realize what they are talking about and I start to panic. They want to use me to bear his offspring. I don't know what to do, what to say. I am sent back to finish cleaning the bathroom and told I will be summoned that night. I am crying again and the Aunt Cindy look-a-like tells me I should feel blessed that he didn't want me killed. I tell her that I would rather die than do this. She tells me to be quiet and we hear footsteps in the hallway.
In a bizzarre twist my dad steps in and tells me he has someone who will get me out of there. I ask how he is even alive and he doesn't have time to explain but tells me how I must get out.
That night a man comes to get me and I am afraid that he has summoned me for him. But instead he takes me outside of the large building I am in and to an old abandoned factory full of refugees. I understand that these people are Christians. He then tells me that he is the brother of the man who is now in charge of our country. No one knows about him. He became a Follower of Christ because of the great faith of those being slaughtered in the "correctional camps".
It is at this point that I notice a girl with dark hair and brown eyes among the group. I start weeping and rush to embrace her when I recognize that she is my little sister, Tessa. I cannot believe she is alive and they tell me how this man told the camp officials that he had killed her when he had actually spared her and brought her to this place. We all rejoice and start praising God.
Then there is confusion and men start filing in with guns. One of them is the man's brother and he grabs my sister. He is going to take her away. I start screaming and praying all at once. I tell him to leave her alone. He says he's going to kill her on the spot.
The brother who loves God steps forward and says that he will turn himself in if they let the rest of us go. People all around start crying. I say that it is because of me that they were all found. He explains that he is what his brother really wants because he is viewed as his biggest threat. The man in charge agrees to this arrangement and lets go of my sister.
Then this man, this one who had rescued me and my sister turns to hug me good-bye. I hear a shot and he stiffens briefly then goes limp. I stumble under his weight and he falls to the floor where blood pools beneath him. He tells me not to lose faith and then he dies.
* * * * * * *
This was the point in my dream where I woke up. I had tears streaming out of my eyes and my throat was on fire. I crawled out of bed and went downstairs. My mom was in the bathroom getting ready for work and she asked me what was wrong. I sobbed out my dream and she told me it was only a dream. I went to the living room and sat in the dark. I simply could not stop crying. I sat there bawling my eyes out for a half an hour before my mom told me to stop and go get ready for school.
Well, I didn't stop crying just then but I did go and get ready for school. I was about fifteen at the time and the dream still upsets me to this day. It was so vivid and real to me. I honestly felt like it was going to happen.
I have only had two other dreams that have felt this real to me. One was that Adam was kidnapped when he was a baby and I woke up crying. I told Jay to go check on him because I was afraid he wasn't going to be there.
In the Bible many people had dreams that actually meant something. I took the kidnapping one to mean that I had to trust God to take care of my baby even when I couldn't and to watch him super close while shopping at Costco! =) I don't know what the other dream means if anything at all. I remember my mom laughing and saying that it was only a dream but I've often wondered, was it only a dream?
By the way, this guy's brother was half black.
Yeah.
I can only assume that if his brother, unknown of brother, is half black, then so is he.
(Twilight Zone music starts)
Suddenly I am summoned to his office and I am shaking but trying my hardest to look pleasant. I am a slave and I know my very life depends on how good of a slave I can be. I also know that my entire family was brutally murdered in concentration camps because they were Christians. And most of all I know being called to his office is a very bad thing.
I follow a man through the door and stand at a desk. I can't really tell what the man behind it looks like but he is speaking to the others in the room. I realize what they are talking about and I start to panic. They want to use me to bear his offspring. I don't know what to do, what to say. I am sent back to finish cleaning the bathroom and told I will be summoned that night. I am crying again and the Aunt Cindy look-a-like tells me I should feel blessed that he didn't want me killed. I tell her that I would rather die than do this. She tells me to be quiet and we hear footsteps in the hallway.
In a bizzarre twist my dad steps in and tells me he has someone who will get me out of there. I ask how he is even alive and he doesn't have time to explain but tells me how I must get out.
That night a man comes to get me and I am afraid that he has summoned me for him. But instead he takes me outside of the large building I am in and to an old abandoned factory full of refugees. I understand that these people are Christians. He then tells me that he is the brother of the man who is now in charge of our country. No one knows about him. He became a Follower of Christ because of the great faith of those being slaughtered in the "correctional camps".
It is at this point that I notice a girl with dark hair and brown eyes among the group. I start weeping and rush to embrace her when I recognize that she is my little sister, Tessa. I cannot believe she is alive and they tell me how this man told the camp officials that he had killed her when he had actually spared her and brought her to this place. We all rejoice and start praising God.
Then there is confusion and men start filing in with guns. One of them is the man's brother and he grabs my sister. He is going to take her away. I start screaming and praying all at once. I tell him to leave her alone. He says he's going to kill her on the spot.
The brother who loves God steps forward and says that he will turn himself in if they let the rest of us go. People all around start crying. I say that it is because of me that they were all found. He explains that he is what his brother really wants because he is viewed as his biggest threat. The man in charge agrees to this arrangement and lets go of my sister.
Then this man, this one who had rescued me and my sister turns to hug me good-bye. I hear a shot and he stiffens briefly then goes limp. I stumble under his weight and he falls to the floor where blood pools beneath him. He tells me not to lose faith and then he dies.
* * * * * * *
This was the point in my dream where I woke up. I had tears streaming out of my eyes and my throat was on fire. I crawled out of bed and went downstairs. My mom was in the bathroom getting ready for work and she asked me what was wrong. I sobbed out my dream and she told me it was only a dream. I went to the living room and sat in the dark. I simply could not stop crying. I sat there bawling my eyes out for a half an hour before my mom told me to stop and go get ready for school.
Well, I didn't stop crying just then but I did go and get ready for school. I was about fifteen at the time and the dream still upsets me to this day. It was so vivid and real to me. I honestly felt like it was going to happen.
I have only had two other dreams that have felt this real to me. One was that Adam was kidnapped when he was a baby and I woke up crying. I told Jay to go check on him because I was afraid he wasn't going to be there.
In the Bible many people had dreams that actually meant something. I took the kidnapping one to mean that I had to trust God to take care of my baby even when I couldn't and to watch him super close while shopping at Costco! =) I don't know what the other dream means if anything at all. I remember my mom laughing and saying that it was only a dream but I've often wondered, was it only a dream?
By the way, this guy's brother was half black.
Yeah.
I can only assume that if his brother, unknown of brother, is half black, then so is he.
(Twilight Zone music starts)
Monday, November 10, 2008
My Turn!
Okay, so Lyle and Terah have got me hooked on the name thing so I had to do one too. Keep in mind that these are my picks, not Jay's. We simply can't agree on another boy name so I guess it's a blessing that we have 7 more months to come up with something. Terah jokes that we should name him GUY.
Boys:
Emery-industrious leader
Gresham-village in the pasture
Landry-ruler
Brandt-proud
Ambrose-immortal
Girls:
Averil- april; opening buds of spring
Danae-she who judges
Jaine-God is gracious
Lucile-light
Bella-beautiful
Well, those are my top picks. Before any of you get too critical, let me explain my choices. Emery is my all-time favorite boy name but Jay hates it so this will most likely not be happening. Jay likes Brandt, I like it more for a middle name. We already have our girl name picked out, I was just curious to hear your input. Lucile was my great-grandma's name and she was one of my favorite people. She really loved the Lord and it was evident. Her name and the meaning fit her perfectly. This would also most likely be a middle name.
Can't wait to hear your opinions!
Boys:
Emery-industrious leader
Gresham-village in the pasture
Landry-ruler
Brandt-proud
Ambrose-immortal
Girls:
Averil- april; opening buds of spring
Danae-she who judges
Jaine-God is gracious
Lucile-light
Bella-beautiful
Well, those are my top picks. Before any of you get too critical, let me explain my choices. Emery is my all-time favorite boy name but Jay hates it so this will most likely not be happening. Jay likes Brandt, I like it more for a middle name. We already have our girl name picked out, I was just curious to hear your input. Lucile was my great-grandma's name and she was one of my favorite people. She really loved the Lord and it was evident. Her name and the meaning fit her perfectly. This would also most likely be a middle name.
Can't wait to hear your opinions!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Curse
Well, I'm finally feeling it. The dreaded pregnancy curse a.k.a. "morning sickness". There are moments in my day, such as 11:59 a.m. and on, when I marvel at the fact that it is called morning sickness. I mean, when it turns noon it's no longer morning and therefore the sickness should go away, right? Apparently not.
The last two weeks I have had nausea from the time I get up until the time I go to bed. Most of the times it is a mild car-sick feeling but there are moments, boy are there ever moments, when it rages out of control. Like when I smell bacon or the corn chowder I made the other night. Or when I'm changing a stinky diaper (Hey! It makes me sick now. That's my story and I'm st-st-stickin' t-to it!). This week has been the hardest of all but I am feeling better today than I was yesterday, so that's a plus.
I realize that I'm quite whimpy when it comes to this. I have never handled the stomach thing well, even when I was little. Also, I did not have morning sickness with the boys so this is new to me. If I could lay on the couch all day and never get up, I think I'd feel fine. Really! However, I have two rowdy little boys that need to be tended to and so the seasickness continues.
Well, those afore mentioned chillins' are in bed so I'd better rest a bit too before they wake up.
The last two weeks I have had nausea from the time I get up until the time I go to bed. Most of the times it is a mild car-sick feeling but there are moments, boy are there ever moments, when it rages out of control. Like when I smell bacon or the corn chowder I made the other night. Or when I'm changing a stinky diaper (Hey! It makes me sick now. That's my story and I'm st-st-stickin' t-to it!). This week has been the hardest of all but I am feeling better today than I was yesterday, so that's a plus.
I realize that I'm quite whimpy when it comes to this. I have never handled the stomach thing well, even when I was little. Also, I did not have morning sickness with the boys so this is new to me. If I could lay on the couch all day and never get up, I think I'd feel fine. Really! However, I have two rowdy little boys that need to be tended to and so the seasickness continues.
Well, those afore mentioned chillins' are in bed so I'd better rest a bit too before they wake up.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Cloth
Good afternoon.
I think it's good. The weather is beautiful. Sun shining. Perfect temperatures. Pretty leaves. And so on. The boys and I even went out to rake leaves and play in them for about 45 minutes before nap. The only thing is I'm feeling nauseaous to the gills for the last couple of hours. So, if this post seems a little bizarre it's because my mind is elsewhere(in my stomach to be exact).
Last night I dreamed one of those weird pregnancy dreams. The last few weeks my night-time brain has been filled with spiders and billions of baby boys but last night it was all about cloth diapers. I had my precious baby to hold, although it never made an appearance, and disposable diapers just would not do! This was very strange as I have never used cloth diapers on my own children. In my dream the baby needed a diaper and I was seriously in a panic because we had no cloth ones. I absolutely refused to put a disposable on it.
Anyway, this got me to thinking about cloth diapers and I researched it somewhat when I got up this morning. I have to say, other than the long-run money issue, I don't understand why people use them. The idea of scraping or rinsing goopy-poopy off of a cloth 11tybillion times a week is just not appealing to me. I once threw away a pair of underwear that Adam pooed in simply because I refuse to wash them.(After the penny incident the underwear don't seem that awful) Plus, I've heard that you can't really bleach them and this bothers me almost more. I like my whites to be as white as possible and bodily fluid stains are yucky. The initial cost of them is much much more than disposables as well. Of course this is a one-time price for each size but it is still kinda spendy to start with.
The good things that I've heard are, like I said before, they are much cheaper in the long run, they are softer for baby to wear, and children seem to be easier to potty train when wearing cloth diapers.
I don't know, I am kicking around the idea of trying it this time. Rowan goes through about $40-$50 a month in diapers right now. I do plan on having him trained by June but he'll probably still need them at night. The real problem for me is that I don't think Jay will really be keen on the cloth diaper thing. He likes to wrap it all up and get rid of it! Also, I know that I won't be using them the first few weeks because of that delightful tar-like stuff and lack of energy to do extra washing. Nor will I be likely to use them while out and about.
I'm just thinking out loud and kicking around the idea of it.
A little funny:
Earlier today, Adam was looking at a photo album and telling Rowan who everybody was. Well, they stumbled across a picture of Jay's sister and Adam said, "That's Aunt Deanna, Ro." Rowan then began chanting, "An' Banana, An' Banana." I've tried correcting him a few times but she is just his An' Banana as far as he's concerned. =)
I think it's good. The weather is beautiful. Sun shining. Perfect temperatures. Pretty leaves. And so on. The boys and I even went out to rake leaves and play in them for about 45 minutes before nap. The only thing is I'm feeling nauseaous to the gills for the last couple of hours. So, if this post seems a little bizarre it's because my mind is elsewhere(in my stomach to be exact).
Last night I dreamed one of those weird pregnancy dreams. The last few weeks my night-time brain has been filled with spiders and billions of baby boys but last night it was all about cloth diapers. I had my precious baby to hold, although it never made an appearance, and disposable diapers just would not do! This was very strange as I have never used cloth diapers on my own children. In my dream the baby needed a diaper and I was seriously in a panic because we had no cloth ones. I absolutely refused to put a disposable on it.
Anyway, this got me to thinking about cloth diapers and I researched it somewhat when I got up this morning. I have to say, other than the long-run money issue, I don't understand why people use them. The idea of scraping or rinsing goopy-poopy off of a cloth 11tybillion times a week is just not appealing to me. I once threw away a pair of underwear that Adam pooed in simply because I refuse to wash them.(After the penny incident the underwear don't seem that awful) Plus, I've heard that you can't really bleach them and this bothers me almost more. I like my whites to be as white as possible and bodily fluid stains are yucky. The initial cost of them is much much more than disposables as well. Of course this is a one-time price for each size but it is still kinda spendy to start with.
The good things that I've heard are, like I said before, they are much cheaper in the long run, they are softer for baby to wear, and children seem to be easier to potty train when wearing cloth diapers.
I don't know, I am kicking around the idea of trying it this time. Rowan goes through about $40-$50 a month in diapers right now. I do plan on having him trained by June but he'll probably still need them at night. The real problem for me is that I don't think Jay will really be keen on the cloth diaper thing. He likes to wrap it all up and get rid of it! Also, I know that I won't be using them the first few weeks because of that delightful tar-like stuff and lack of energy to do extra washing. Nor will I be likely to use them while out and about.
I'm just thinking out loud and kicking around the idea of it.
A little funny:
Earlier today, Adam was looking at a photo album and telling Rowan who everybody was. Well, they stumbled across a picture of Jay's sister and Adam said, "That's Aunt Deanna, Ro." Rowan then began chanting, "An' Banana, An' Banana." I've tried correcting him a few times but she is just his An' Banana as far as he's concerned. =)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Sweet Moment
Well, my last post sounded desperate and whiney so I though that I'd try to cheer things up a bit.
Though Adam can be troublesome, he has his sweet moments too. This was a month or so ago. He picked me a boquet of pretty flowers and then posed nicely for a good ten minutes while I messed with my camera. It was quite adorable.
Though Adam can be troublesome, he has his sweet moments too. This was a month or so ago. He picked me a boquet of pretty flowers and then posed nicely for a good ten minutes while I messed with my camera. It was quite adorable.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Please Pray
I have been debating on whether or not to post this, but I feel that I am at a complete loss and need help, so here I go.
I am asking you all to please pray for me and for Adam. I don't know what is going on but I am having trouble with this guy a lot lately. He doesn't obey me and he is being very selfish and mean to other children. He is getting mouthy and sometimes will just stare at me and flat out tell me no when I tell him to do something. If his brother even thinks about touching one of his toys, he flips out and starts screaming at him. When he doesn't get his way he throws his head back and screams until his face is purple and nothing I do or say to him gets through.
Now, I don't want you all thinking that he is just some awful, undisciplined, bratty kid, because he is not. He is such a joy. I just feel as though I am failing him terribly. I don't know what to do. Jay helps as much as he can but Adam just doesn't act like that for him. He seems almost numb to my discipline. And I confess, I lose my temper a lot with him lately.
I don't even know what to say. I am just at a loss as to what to do. I feel like it is a lost cause. I do know that he needs more one on one time with me and I am doing my best to remedy that. Please pray for us. I want my son to grow up loving God and seeing Him in his mother, not resenting God and watching his mom lose it and freak out on him. It makes me just sick to think about the last few days. Please, if you have any advice, I'm willing to listen and try it. If you don't, please please pray for me and my precious boy.
Thanks for listening.
I am asking you all to please pray for me and for Adam. I don't know what is going on but I am having trouble with this guy a lot lately. He doesn't obey me and he is being very selfish and mean to other children. He is getting mouthy and sometimes will just stare at me and flat out tell me no when I tell him to do something. If his brother even thinks about touching one of his toys, he flips out and starts screaming at him. When he doesn't get his way he throws his head back and screams until his face is purple and nothing I do or say to him gets through.
Now, I don't want you all thinking that he is just some awful, undisciplined, bratty kid, because he is not. He is such a joy. I just feel as though I am failing him terribly. I don't know what to do. Jay helps as much as he can but Adam just doesn't act like that for him. He seems almost numb to my discipline. And I confess, I lose my temper a lot with him lately.
I don't even know what to say. I am just at a loss as to what to do. I feel like it is a lost cause. I do know that he needs more one on one time with me and I am doing my best to remedy that. Please pray for us. I want my son to grow up loving God and seeing Him in his mother, not resenting God and watching his mom lose it and freak out on him. It makes me just sick to think about the last few days. Please, if you have any advice, I'm willing to listen and try it. If you don't, please please pray for me and my precious boy.
Thanks for listening.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Pie
Well, apparently the pie was a hit yesterday at the church lunch. I had I think four people ask me for the recipe. Funny, I've never made it before. But alas, I cannot take credit because I found it in the Taste of Home magazine. All I did was follow instructions. But for those of you who asked and actually read the blog, here it is:
1 Sheet refrigerated pie pastry (I made my own)
3 eggs
1 can(15 oz.) pumpkin
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Streusel:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry. Transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, cream, sugars, cinnamon, salt, and spices. Pour into pastry shell. Bake at 350 for 40 min.
In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts and sprinkle gently over filling.
Bake 15-25 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.
1 Sheet refrigerated pie pastry (I made my own)
3 eggs
1 can(15 oz.) pumpkin
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Streusel:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry. Transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, cream, sugars, cinnamon, salt, and spices. Pour into pastry shell. Bake at 350 for 40 min.
In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts and sprinkle gently over filling.
Bake 15-25 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Gettin' There
My boys and I went grocery shopping this morning and I must say, other than the 11ty-billion people in town, it was the most pleasant grocery trip I think I've ever had with the two of them. They even got a new movie, I was so proud of them. It made me feel as though I actually stand a chance at managing three children 7.5 months from now.
There was one slight damper to my day, I am sorry to say. That was the fact that near the end and most of the way home, I was feeling a little woozy. I keep getting waves of nausea, nothing serious but enough to wonder if it's only the beginning of something far worse. I also suffer from terrible fatigue. I do not remember being this tired with the other two. Funny how you forget things between babies.
This weekend is cider weekend at our house. We are finally going to pick the apples and take them in to be pressed. Yum yum! We are going to have a whole freezer full of cider I imagine. I love this time of year.
Terah is coming over sometime this week to make pear butter with me as well. I have never done it before so if anyone has a good recipe let me know.
Well, the boys are sleeping and I am going to take this golden opportunity and see if I can get a little rest myself. See you all later.
There was one slight damper to my day, I am sorry to say. That was the fact that near the end and most of the way home, I was feeling a little woozy. I keep getting waves of nausea, nothing serious but enough to wonder if it's only the beginning of something far worse. I also suffer from terrible fatigue. I do not remember being this tired with the other two. Funny how you forget things between babies.
This weekend is cider weekend at our house. We are finally going to pick the apples and take them in to be pressed. Yum yum! We are going to have a whole freezer full of cider I imagine. I love this time of year.
Terah is coming over sometime this week to make pear butter with me as well. I have never done it before so if anyone has a good recipe let me know.
Well, the boys are sleeping and I am going to take this golden opportunity and see if I can get a little rest myself. See you all later.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Puffs
My kiddos love dandelion puffs and I must admit that I don't mind them so much myself when I watch their little lips pucker and they blow\spit them into the wind. There is just something about watcing them do this that seems almost magical to me. It brings back those fuzzy memories of my sister and I doing the same thing.
Unfortunately there aren't very many of Rowster because he runs away when he notices that I'm taking a picture so I only ever get one or two.
Unfortunately there aren't very many of Rowster because he runs away when he notices that I'm taking a picture so I only ever get one or two.
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