I loved this song sung in worship today. I really appreciated the perspective and prayer it provides for the desert and fire experiences that many of us can personally relate to and deeply remember. The chorus especially pre-encourages me for whatever the next particularly hard time ahead is - I imagine the frustrating and discouraging moments and growing pains we will face after the adoption takes place. My mantra will be "I will rejoice, I will declare, God is my victory and He is here." Even more, I am challenged to train my children to claim this promise.
The Desert Song by Hillsong United
VERSE 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
VERSE 2:
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
CHORUS:
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
VERSE 3:
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
BRIDGE:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
VERSE 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
The last verse about the harvest is my favorite. Its reminder is one that is less obvious; it reminds us that it is just not enough to sit back and say "Thank you, Lord!" for the good fortunes we receive. Although gratitude will always be in order, it's important to put feet to our gratitude. To be a channel for them to flow, rather than a dead-end; grateful, but still dead-ended. The challenge is to recognize that when things are great for us, or when we look over our lives and like the hand we have been dealt, or feel satisfied by what we have accomplished, that we need to keep that feeling in check and balance it with the responsibility to use what blessings we have to bless others. That the blessings we receive have not met their end in just our being blessed. "I know I'm filled to be emptied again. The seed I've received I will sow."
Aug 30, 2009
Aug 29, 2009
Starstruck
We took in a Wiggles concert today in Nashville.
To say Noah was starstruck is an understatement. This was Noah the entire hour and a half.
Except for when he was having to keep his Light Wand away from the lurker standing in the aisle beside him. Notice his eyes do not leave the stage.
From the moment we got him that souvenir on the way in, that wand never left his hand. Not to point, not to clap, not to follow the leader, not to dance, not even to eat/drink. He did it all one handed and he took in the show without one false glance away from the stage. We took a million pics and few videos. Just a few shots of the fun...
Anna was not amused in the least by the Wiggles and cried for much of the show from the prison that was Josh's backpack. We had decent seats, though, so not only did we get a great view and plenty of elbow room but Josh was able to stand right beside us with Toot-head til she finally zonked out.
Does not bode well for our Disney trip that is a month away. She's gonna have to toughen up. Thankfully, we have plans for her to stay with Memaw for the first half of our trip. But I digress.
The Wiggles were a blast. It was a great show. And if I am being honest, I was a little starstruck, too. It was so neat to see those four famous faces in real time, real life. Or if you are Noah, it was beyond neat to see those 4 oversized characters - Henry the Octopus (hoppapus), Dorothy the Dinosaur (Dautty), Wags the Dog, and Captain Feathersword (I can't at the moment remember how he says this one but I assure it sounds nothing like it should). Anyhow, Noah is already asking when we can "go Weegos again." He must have taken that cue from the less-than-2-year old girl near the front that held up a poster proclaiming her love for the Wiggles and telling all that this was her 3rd concert and that she was on her way to the next in Roanoke. Wow! Who knew the Wiggles had groupies?
To say Noah was starstruck is an understatement. This was Noah the entire hour and a half.
Except for when he was having to keep his Light Wand away from the lurker standing in the aisle beside him. Notice his eyes do not leave the stage.
From the moment we got him that souvenir on the way in, that wand never left his hand. Not to point, not to clap, not to follow the leader, not to dance, not even to eat/drink. He did it all one handed and he took in the show without one false glance away from the stage. We took a million pics and few videos. Just a few shots of the fun...
Anna was not amused in the least by the Wiggles and cried for much of the show from the prison that was Josh's backpack. We had decent seats, though, so not only did we get a great view and plenty of elbow room but Josh was able to stand right beside us with Toot-head til she finally zonked out.
Does not bode well for our Disney trip that is a month away. She's gonna have to toughen up. Thankfully, we have plans for her to stay with Memaw for the first half of our trip. But I digress.
The Wiggles were a blast. It was a great show. And if I am being honest, I was a little starstruck, too. It was so neat to see those four famous faces in real time, real life. Or if you are Noah, it was beyond neat to see those 4 oversized characters - Henry the Octopus (hoppapus), Dorothy the Dinosaur (Dautty), Wags the Dog, and Captain Feathersword (I can't at the moment remember how he says this one but I assure it sounds nothing like it should). Anyhow, Noah is already asking when we can "go Weegos again." He must have taken that cue from the less-than-2-year old girl near the front that held up a poster proclaiming her love for the Wiggles and telling all that this was her 3rd concert and that she was on her way to the next in Roanoke. Wow! Who knew the Wiggles had groupies? Aug 26, 2009
Aug 25, 2009
Goood Grefe
I got Anna an early birthday present today. It's a Disney Tigger & Pooh 4-in-1 Rockin' Ride Activity Ride-on toy made by Kiddieland. Cute, lots of musical touch toys, parent push handle, safety rail, and open/shut seat lid for storage.
But, as I unpacked it from the box, I noticed two egregious spelling errors. Printed and mass-produced right there on the box! In special star and magnifying glass locations, no less! They are as follows, and I quote:
"inludes bonus safety cushion" INLUDES? INLUDES?!
"over 10 fun-filled activities with ligths and sounds!" LIGTHS? LIGTHS?!
I have one thing to say about the state of product editing and printing/publishing affairs in this country, and that is this - goood grefe!
I even found a typo in my Bible this week. So much for infallibility.
Kidding. Totally kidding. I know the word of God is infallible. American quality editing and publishing, however, is not.
But, as I unpacked it from the box, I noticed two egregious spelling errors. Printed and mass-produced right there on the box! In special star and magnifying glass locations, no less! They are as follows, and I quote:
"inludes bonus safety cushion" INLUDES? INLUDES?!
"over 10 fun-filled activities with ligths and sounds!" LIGTHS? LIGTHS?!
I have one thing to say about the state of product editing and printing/publishing affairs in this country, and that is this - goood grefe!
I even found a typo in my Bible this week. So much for infallibility.
Kidding. Totally kidding. I know the word of God is infallible. American quality editing and publishing, however, is not.
Aug 23, 2009
FriSatSun Stuff
Noah went to his My Gym class again. This time I remembered to bring a camera.
Josh and Noah rode bikes in the cul-de-sac and it is too adorable. The helmets are still a little goofy to me, but are definitely overshadowed by the degree of adorable.
Started the messload of paperwork for the adoption. Headache ensued.
Watched NFL and Nascar every chance we got.
Headed down to the Wilson County Fair.
Went to the park.
We joined our church (via the Newcomer's Class that makes me roll my eyes a little).
The nursery lost the cap to Anna's bottle today and I got so irritated over it. But a short nap and a couple migraine pills later, I was thinking a little more clearly and feeling much more reasonable. So I deleted the dumb rant I originally posted in this very spot before I bored anyone else with it and/or embarrassed myself any more. You ever just feel moody? That was me - Guilty for sure!
Noah had a rough go of it today with disobedience, short-tempered screaming fits, and messing up his pants again. Maybe my moody rubbed off on him.
Josh and Noah rode bikes in the cul-de-sac and it is too adorable. The helmets are still a little goofy to me, but are definitely overshadowed by the degree of adorable.
Started the messload of paperwork for the adoption. Headache ensued.
Watched NFL and Nascar every chance we got.
Headed down to the Wilson County Fair.
Went to the park.
We joined our church (via the Newcomer's Class that makes me roll my eyes a little).
The nursery lost the cap to Anna's bottle today and I got so irritated over it. But a short nap and a couple migraine pills later, I was thinking a little more clearly and feeling much more reasonable. So I deleted the dumb rant I originally posted in this very spot before I bored anyone else with it and/or embarrassed myself any more. You ever just feel moody? That was me - Guilty for sure!
Noah had a rough go of it today with disobedience, short-tempered screaming fits, and messing up his pants again. Maybe my moody rubbed off on him.
Aug 22, 2009
Shameless
Noah, tonight right after you went potty one last time, but before you headed upstairs for bedtime, you ran to me without any pants on and jutted your little hips out and announced with all the humor, delight, and pride a 3 year old boy can express,
"Mommy! Naked boogee (bootie), giant pee pee!"
And then you proceeded to grab yourself and point ... yourself ... at me. And wiggle and giggle. I have to admit, your daddy and I crack up at your innocence and fascination with your many body parts ... but it might be time for us to have a little talk. Soon. We just have to find a way to get through that conversation with a straight face first.
Still, we love you, our little exhibitionist.
"Mommy! Naked boogee (bootie), giant pee pee!"
And then you proceeded to grab yourself and point ... yourself ... at me. And wiggle and giggle. I have to admit, your daddy and I crack up at your innocence and fascination with your many body parts ... but it might be time for us to have a little talk. Soon. We just have to find a way to get through that conversation with a straight face first.
Still, we love you, our little exhibitionist.
You Don't See That Everyday
We went to the Wilson County Fair today and had a blast. We also saw some things you don't see everyday. A Volkswagon Beetle Police Cruiser. Prize winning rabbits with perfect stripes down their backs...mules, too for that matter, just hatched chicks, some terribly furry/feathery poultry, and on and on. I really should have taken more pictures. Alas, only one thing compelled me to videotape it for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.
That, my friends, is a horse-making ice cream contraption. And you just don't see that everyday.
Noah rode as many rides as we could fit in before Anna expired on us. Well, that, and as many as we could get him on with his not-exactly-36"-but-really-really-close height. I may or may not have instructed him to stand as tall as he could by stretching his legs and his back and wearing his cap a little higher than normal. And he may or may not have stood on his tippy toes when suspicious carnie workers made him stand against the measuring stick. Even then, only one disgruntled lady called our bluff and made me ride with him ... hence the busy bee w/mommy ride.
Noah even rode the giant ferris wheel with me, as Josh would not even go near it. We didn't get any pics of that, though, because Josh was off grabbing some funnel cake and changing Anna which, btw, they provided entire enclosed air-conditioned tents for that purpose alone. Many thanks, Wilson County Fair! Not only that, but they had the cleanest bathrooms at a public event that I have ever seen - complete with an attendant stationed there to maintain them the entire time. Another thing we really appreciated about the event was the crews patrolling the grounds for constant clean-up and the child i.d. booth right there at the entrance where you could register your kiddo for a bracelet/number that would prove useful if your baby got separated from you. And that was important for people like us, you know, who can lose a child in 5 seconds flat in Wal-Mart. :) Finally, the best part of the day was the wonderful breeze that blew without end and the 73 degree weather.
And as it turns out, Anna and Josh are still a big hit in public with the backpack. We got many, many grins, points, coos, and "Look, look!" along our way today. Who knew?
That, my friends, is a horse-making ice cream contraption. And you just don't see that everyday.
Noah rode as many rides as we could fit in before Anna expired on us. Well, that, and as many as we could get him on with his not-exactly-36"-but-really-really-close height. I may or may not have instructed him to stand as tall as he could by stretching his legs and his back and wearing his cap a little higher than normal. And he may or may not have stood on his tippy toes when suspicious carnie workers made him stand against the measuring stick. Even then, only one disgruntled lady called our bluff and made me ride with him ... hence the busy bee w/mommy ride.
Noah even rode the giant ferris wheel with me, as Josh would not even go near it. We didn't get any pics of that, though, because Josh was off grabbing some funnel cake and changing Anna which, btw, they provided entire enclosed air-conditioned tents for that purpose alone. Many thanks, Wilson County Fair! Not only that, but they had the cleanest bathrooms at a public event that I have ever seen - complete with an attendant stationed there to maintain them the entire time. Another thing we really appreciated about the event was the crews patrolling the grounds for constant clean-up and the child i.d. booth right there at the entrance where you could register your kiddo for a bracelet/number that would prove useful if your baby got separated from you. And that was important for people like us, you know, who can lose a child in 5 seconds flat in Wal-Mart. :) Finally, the best part of the day was the wonderful breeze that blew without end and the 73 degree weather.
And as it turns out, Anna and Josh are still a big hit in public with the backpack. We got many, many grins, points, coos, and "Look, look!" along our way today. Who knew?
Aug 21, 2009
To Our Next Child
Alright, Kiddo,
The countdown started last night that will end in our meeting you somewhere down the line. Nothing gets me as excited as thinking and talking about this, about adoption, about you. We just cannot wait to bring you home, grow you up, and make memories with you like we have already started with Noah and Anna. I hope you like the idea of having a little brother and sister who think you are the greatest. :)
Josh went to AGAPE last night and got all the information we need to get started on the mountain of paperwork we have to complete and the matching hoops we have to jump through. But this time doesn't feel as overwhelming as it did the first time around four years ago. In fact, today we decided to go ahead and start the PATH training next week, rather than wait til the January class. Something just wouldn't let us sit still til then. We won't know why the timing and choices worked out like this until it's all over, but I am sure it will be a great story. I am certain the Lord is involved. His love for you drives our love for you. And we love you already.
In the time between now and when we finally meet, my prayer for you is not unlike the one I prayed over Noah and his birthmother; I beg the Lord to protect your mind and to bend your heart to His. And for you specifically, I pray you know that you are worthy and lovable and wanted. Here's hoping that by this time next year we can tell you this in person over and over again. Just. Can't. Wait.
The countdown started last night that will end in our meeting you somewhere down the line. Nothing gets me as excited as thinking and talking about this, about adoption, about you. We just cannot wait to bring you home, grow you up, and make memories with you like we have already started with Noah and Anna. I hope you like the idea of having a little brother and sister who think you are the greatest. :)
Josh went to AGAPE last night and got all the information we need to get started on the mountain of paperwork we have to complete and the matching hoops we have to jump through. But this time doesn't feel as overwhelming as it did the first time around four years ago. In fact, today we decided to go ahead and start the PATH training next week, rather than wait til the January class. Something just wouldn't let us sit still til then. We won't know why the timing and choices worked out like this until it's all over, but I am sure it will be a great story. I am certain the Lord is involved. His love for you drives our love for you. And we love you already.
In the time between now and when we finally meet, my prayer for you is not unlike the one I prayed over Noah and his birthmother; I beg the Lord to protect your mind and to bend your heart to His. And for you specifically, I pray you know that you are worthy and lovable and wanted. Here's hoping that by this time next year we can tell you this in person over and over again. Just. Can't. Wait.
Aug 20, 2009
MDO Commencement
So today was the first day of Mother's Day Out for Noah and Anna. Notice the smile on mommy's, I mean, the kiddies' faces.
For Anna, it was a first in all ways, as she has never been before. I wondered about her all day long, praying to God in heaven that she was not screaming her head off because she was hungry or sleepy. Thankfully, she did not. She was cool with the teacher and her three new boy-friends (she is the only girl in her class). She was not cool with napping anywhere new, so she did not sleep a wink. I fully expected that. She was thrilled with the freedom of not eating in a high chair and with having an actual plate of food instead of the few pieces I usually give her at a time. So thrilled, in fact, that she flung it off the table. I feared that. Ms. Leanna said, when we picked her up, that she wishes she could wrap Anna in bubble wrap because she is just so tiny. I imagine Anna will get lots of love and sympathy for being the only girl in her class. I think, as her doting Mommy, I am very OK with that. :)
For Noah, today was much like summer MDO: same friends (plus a few new faces), same room, same backpack, and same summer teacher, Ms. Kristie, who is friendly and perky and good with boys as she has two of her own. This was a real boon in terms of the potty training support he got all summer long when he was there. However, Noah kicked off the first day back at school by wetting his pants BIG TIME after they came in from their nature walk. This must have really thrown him off, because he came home today and pooped/peed up his pants AGAIN! I was more than a little stern with him about it. But I think he got the point. He does not get by on cuteness anymore. Well, except for when he does.
For Josh's and my part, we had a fabulous mother's (and father's) day out driving around and just seeing what we wanted to see followed by a relaxing lunch at Shane's Rib Shack. Josh celebrated a full month of not having tea (or coke) by having tea. Go figure.
For Anna, it was a first in all ways, as she has never been before. I wondered about her all day long, praying to God in heaven that she was not screaming her head off because she was hungry or sleepy. Thankfully, she did not. She was cool with the teacher and her three new boy-friends (she is the only girl in her class). She was not cool with napping anywhere new, so she did not sleep a wink. I fully expected that. She was thrilled with the freedom of not eating in a high chair and with having an actual plate of food instead of the few pieces I usually give her at a time. So thrilled, in fact, that she flung it off the table. I feared that. Ms. Leanna said, when we picked her up, that she wishes she could wrap Anna in bubble wrap because she is just so tiny. I imagine Anna will get lots of love and sympathy for being the only girl in her class. I think, as her doting Mommy, I am very OK with that. :)
For Noah, today was much like summer MDO: same friends (plus a few new faces), same room, same backpack, and same summer teacher, Ms. Kristie, who is friendly and perky and good with boys as she has two of her own. This was a real boon in terms of the potty training support he got all summer long when he was there. However, Noah kicked off the first day back at school by wetting his pants BIG TIME after they came in from their nature walk. This must have really thrown him off, because he came home today and pooped/peed up his pants AGAIN! I was more than a little stern with him about it. But I think he got the point. He does not get by on cuteness anymore. Well, except for when he does.
For Josh's and my part, we had a fabulous mother's (and father's) day out driving around and just seeing what we wanted to see followed by a relaxing lunch at Shane's Rib Shack. Josh celebrated a full month of not having tea (or coke) by having tea. Go figure.
Aug 19, 2009
Anna's Rap Sheet at Present
Eating stuff she finds on the floor
Climbing on top of Noah's picnic table
Touching the TV
Grabbing Noah's trains while he is playing with them
Grabbing stuff off the end table
Playing with the remote
Pulling up on the toilet
Getting into trash cans
Standing up in the bath tub
Standing up in buggy seats and high chairs
Trying to roll over while you change her diaper
Grabbing herself while you try to change her diaper
Pulling the child-proofing foam pieces off the fireplace
Climbing on top of Noah's picnic table
Touching the TV
Grabbing Noah's trains while he is playing with them
Grabbing stuff off the end table
Playing with the remote
Pulling up on the toilet
Getting into trash cans
Standing up in the bath tub
Standing up in buggy seats and high chairs
Trying to roll over while you change her diaper
Grabbing herself while you try to change her diaper
Pulling the child-proofing foam pieces off the fireplace
Some Today Things
Anna has a green and runny nose. Ick. Thankfully, she is playful and happy, instead of pitiful and grumpy. Noah tells me that a giant banana is chasing him today. My last favorite word was "dreamer." I am moving on to another favorite word: steadfast. Josh and I are going out to eat tomorrow and going to check out several stores (just because we can) after we take Noah and Anna to Day 1 of MDO. CANNOT WAIT! But even with my excitement about my free time, I feel a little anxious about how Anna will respond to the change of routine, naps, meals, etc. We shall see. I am fully prepared to take her out of it if it doesn't work out. Speaking of Anna, she ate Desitin yesterday. Double ick. Tomorrow night Josh is going to our first meeting with AGAPE to get the ball rolling on our next adoption. And the plan is to start PATH training in October after we get back from Disney. Cannot wait for that either! Yesterday I watched Noah and Josh race around trying to catch the leaves as they fell to the ground in the wind. It was so picturesque with them both looking up, arms outstretched, grins across faces, leaves all around in the air like confetti. I would have snapped a picture had my camera's batteries not just died on me. Anna sat in the grass, mesmerized by all of Noah screams and squeals and her Daddy running around like a kid. And she got bit by an ant. I talked to Noah today about his adoption, and his birthmother, and really tried to explain that relationship. Anna had been crawling around with the pic of Noah and Tania, so it was a good conversation starter. Noah tried to say birthmother. It came out "bitmudder." And he said something about wanting to go back to baby Noah again. And then he changed his mind. I look forward to better understanding his understanding of the topic one day soon. We plan to see Tania in October again. When Noah got up this morning, he brought me one of his monkeys and laid it in front of me and told me his monkey was "sick, sick, sick." He does that a lot lately...use a word in repetition. He seems to hurt his toe on a daily basis. Which means I hear this, "My toe hurts, hurts, hurts." Yesterday when we went to meet Noah and Anna's teachers, on the way there Noah told Josh to drive "faster, faster, faster!"
Aug 18, 2009
WPTM #15: That's My Cue
What Parenting Teaches Me #15: That's My Cue
Today Anna took a tumble off Noah's picnic table and bonked herself on the head on her way down. Josh and I immediately sprinted toward her from our respective places in the house. When she hit the floor, she took a few surprised gasping breaths, and immediately looked to Josh and myself to see what she should do next. To panic or not to panic? Since we were staring back at her, not freaking out, she didn't see any reason to freak out either. So she didn't.
And I was like, oh, that is such a picture of how we, as children of God, should handle the troubles and tumbles we face in life. We look to Heaven and see that our Father is not surprised by what has happened, nor is he shaken. And from that reassurance we can be steadied, be still. He isn't freakin' out, so we don't have to either.
Today Anna took a tumble off Noah's picnic table and bonked herself on the head on her way down. Josh and I immediately sprinted toward her from our respective places in the house. When she hit the floor, she took a few surprised gasping breaths, and immediately looked to Josh and myself to see what she should do next. To panic or not to panic? Since we were staring back at her, not freaking out, she didn't see any reason to freak out either. So she didn't.
And I was like, oh, that is such a picture of how we, as children of God, should handle the troubles and tumbles we face in life. We look to Heaven and see that our Father is not surprised by what has happened, nor is he shaken. And from that reassurance we can be steadied, be still. He isn't freakin' out, so we don't have to either.
Aug 17, 2009
Aug 16, 2009
Late Summer Weekend
Got a new and needed vacuum - Kenmore, wonderful!
Noah started back at My Gym-an independent Mighty Mites class
Got misty watching him participate in class-watching him grow up
Made a killing at a huge local semi-annual kids' consignment sale
We have tomatoes coming out our ears! We can't keep up!
Take down time: The pool and the tomato plants...til next year
Somehow, some wonderful how, we have the NFL Network now
We're on cloud 9 watching all these preseason football games
Anna's learned how to get off couches/seats without killing herself
Started some Christmas shopping already
Got Noah's Halloween costume in the mail: Alligator
Got Anna's Halloween costume at the sale: Pumpkin
Took Noah to pediatrician Sunday morning
I LUV that our pediatrician is open Sat/Sun!
I finished reading Burning Bright
Melted all weekend in the heat
Josh started a quarter collection of the 50 states
Noah officially finished potty training - only wearing pull-ups when sleeping!
Noah started back at My Gym-an independent Mighty Mites class
Got misty watching him participate in class-watching him grow up
Made a killing at a huge local semi-annual kids' consignment sale
We have tomatoes coming out our ears! We can't keep up!
Take down time: The pool and the tomato plants...til next year
Somehow, some wonderful how, we have the NFL Network now
We're on cloud 9 watching all these preseason football games
Anna's learned how to get off couches/seats without killing herself
Started some Christmas shopping already
Got Noah's Halloween costume in the mail: Alligator
Got Anna's Halloween costume at the sale: Pumpkin
Took Noah to pediatrician Sunday morning
I LUV that our pediatrician is open Sat/Sun!
I finished reading Burning Bright
Melted all weekend in the heat
Josh started a quarter collection of the 50 states
Noah officially finished potty training - only wearing pull-ups when sleeping!
Aug 13, 2009
Aug 11, 2009
Recipe: Brown Rice
Next week, when Noah and Anna both head off to MDO, I am going to tackle a duty I have long neglected: Cooking meals for my family on a daily basis. You see, cooking has never been my thing and it really stresses me out. I need time, planning, and quiet (translate: no interruptions) to get it done without high levels of anxiety on my part. So each week from now on my goal is to plan a schedule of meals a week or two at a time. Then, while the kids are at school, buy all the groceries needed for all those meals, and hopefully, cook a few of those meals in advance. And the more I think about it, the more excited I am getting about my pending project. Josh is doubly excited about it. :)
Along the way when I find a good recipe, I am gonna post it here for anyone interested in super easy good stuff, b/c you know I won't be cooking it unless it is relatively easy. :)
Here is the first of some of my favorite recipes...Brown Rice (I got this one from Carol, my mother-in-law). And left alone in a house with a pot of this, I could eat the entire thing myself. It is that delicious to me. Carol says it's probably something to do with the stick of butter. :)
Brown Rice
Melt 1 stick of butter in a casserole dish. Add 1 cup of Uncle Ben's Converted Rice, 1 can of French Onion soup, 1 can Beef Consomme soup, and (optional) 1 can of mushrooms. Don't drain. Bake covered at 400 degrees about 40-45 minutes. Then gobble!
Along the way when I find a good recipe, I am gonna post it here for anyone interested in super easy good stuff, b/c you know I won't be cooking it unless it is relatively easy. :)
Here is the first of some of my favorite recipes...Brown Rice (I got this one from Carol, my mother-in-law). And left alone in a house with a pot of this, I could eat the entire thing myself. It is that delicious to me. Carol says it's probably something to do with the stick of butter. :)
Brown Rice
Melt 1 stick of butter in a casserole dish. Add 1 cup of Uncle Ben's Converted Rice, 1 can of French Onion soup, 1 can Beef Consomme soup, and (optional) 1 can of mushrooms. Don't drain. Bake covered at 400 degrees about 40-45 minutes. Then gobble!
Some Pet Peeves
When I had my grumpy gripe-fest the other day, I rode my mood into completion of a list of pet peeves. To Name a Few -
Lateness
Cars with that thumping bass
Inconsideration
Glenn Beck's sarcastic tone
Tangled hangers
How loud commercials are
Having to dig around in my purse
Slow drivers - or rather, being stuck behind them
How every cashier in every store hits you up to open a cc account
When I forget to use my coupons on a shopping trip
When I drop things - which is all the time
When pastors use their prayer to preach some more
When people take months to cash my check
When people say "but yet..." It should be said "and yet..."
Lateness
Cars with that thumping bass
Inconsideration
Glenn Beck's sarcastic tone
Tangled hangers
How loud commercials are
Having to dig around in my purse
Slow drivers - or rather, being stuck behind them
How every cashier in every store hits you up to open a cc account
When I forget to use my coupons on a shopping trip
When I drop things - which is all the time
When pastors use their prayer to preach some more
When people take months to cash my check
When people say "but yet..." It should be said "and yet..."
The Wait is Finally Over
After months and months and months of wondering/guessing if she was actually teething or just practicing to be the world's fussiest tyrant - Anna woke up this morning having cut her first tooth overnight! Woo Hoo, Anna!
I'm pretty excited to see that thing...well, not so much see it yet because she keeps sticking her tongue over it when I try to look. But you know what I mean. I am over the moon about sticking my finger in her mouth and feeling that little jagged thing has finally come through.
(even with all the waiting for her first tooth, she is still a month and half sooner than Noah's first one was at 12 mos. How is it that this wait felt a million times longer?)
I'm pretty excited to see that thing...well, not so much see it yet because she keeps sticking her tongue over it when I try to look. But you know what I mean. I am over the moon about sticking my finger in her mouth and feeling that little jagged thing has finally come through.
(even with all the waiting for her first tooth, she is still a month and half sooner than Noah's first one was at 12 mos. How is it that this wait felt a million times longer?)
Aug 10, 2009
ER Bound
The girl is as much a climber as she is a screamer. And trust me, she is nothing if not a screamer. My convoluted point being...she climbs a lot. And what goes up must come down...and head on around to the ER eventually. Observe.
She also climbs stairs, couches, kiddie tables, and people. Ain't no mountain high enough.
She also climbs stairs, couches, kiddie tables, and people. Ain't no mountain high enough.
WPTM #14: One-on-One
What Parenting Teaches Me #14: One-on-One
I have Anna all to myself right now. And I was thinking a few minutes ago about how much I enjoy the time I get to spend alone with Anna while Noah's napping. The same goes for my time alone with Noah. There is a different sort of fellowship there in those times, a more intimate bonding, and just more relaxed and enjoyable interaction. And in that same vein, I am betting our time alone with the Lord is just as precious to Him, be it in prayer, in scripture, or the quiet practicing of his presence. Thinking about how God treasures one-on-one time with me like I do with my children challenges me to more purposefully treasure my time alone with Him as well.
I have Anna all to myself right now. And I was thinking a few minutes ago about how much I enjoy the time I get to spend alone with Anna while Noah's napping. The same goes for my time alone with Noah. There is a different sort of fellowship there in those times, a more intimate bonding, and just more relaxed and enjoyable interaction. And in that same vein, I am betting our time alone with the Lord is just as precious to Him, be it in prayer, in scripture, or the quiet practicing of his presence. Thinking about how God treasures one-on-one time with me like I do with my children challenges me to more purposefully treasure my time alone with Him as well.
Aug 9, 2009
Weekend sans Josh
Josh was gone for work Friday and Saturday
Held financial debate with MDO director
Noah's final swim lesson went great
Waited and waited and waited for Josh to get home
Watched too much TV as a result
Anna had a little choking incident but we all survived
Josh took kids for a walk in their wagon at 7:00 am Sunday
Noah says a puppet alligator bit his shirt at church
I stayed home from church with Anna, who napped the whole time
Josh and I went out to dinner and some shopping
Tried a new sitter in the process
Luh-oved the new sitter - Noah and Anna did, too
The weekend's highlight .... Sunday Night Football!!!
The weekend's funniest moment...Noah asked me to spank him
Held financial debate with MDO director
Noah's final swim lesson went great
Waited and waited and waited for Josh to get home
Watched too much TV as a result
Anna had a little choking incident but we all survived
Josh took kids for a walk in their wagon at 7:00 am Sunday
Noah says a puppet alligator bit his shirt at church
I stayed home from church with Anna, who napped the whole time
Josh and I went out to dinner and some shopping
Tried a new sitter in the process
Luh-oved the new sitter - Noah and Anna did, too
The weekend's highlight .... Sunday Night Football!!!
The weekend's funniest moment...Noah asked me to spank him
Aug 8, 2009
Warning: Gripe Ahead
It has been a trying Saturday waiting for Josh to get home from his two-day trip. I think I am just a little impatient because it is the weekend, yet it feels like a weekday with Josh gone. Anyway, this post is me griping just a little bit about how Noah has gotten on my last nerve with his treatment of Anna. In JUST today he has accumulated the following list of offenses for which I give Anna some free passes to knock him around a little bit when she gets big enough.
That boy has (repeatedly) ...
Poked her in the eyeball
Dragged her backwards and bellydown by her leg
Tried to pick her up....BY HER EARS!!!
Taken her books while she is looking at them
Gotten in front of her wherever she tries to go
Hugged her neck within an inch of decapitation
Pulled her down to the floor
Layed on top of her
Whacked her repeatedly on the head with a melon baller
JAMMED his finger into her belly (in the interest of "tickling" her)
Walloped her a lot on the back (in the interest of "patting" her)
Antagonized her by being loud in her face
It goes without saying that there have been numerous, numerous spankings, scoldings, and time outs. And I may have raised my voice to the point of yelling. Oh, please, Lord, let this day end soon. Or get Josh home quicker!
And even as I typed this, Noah hurled a hard plastic toy at Anna's head. Direct hit. Much like my hand to his little bootie as a result.
Taking Names
Watch out, World! Noah is taking names.
People (or characters) Noah has decided are in need of a time-out:
The shark that ate Nemo's family at the start of Finding Nemo
The giant from Jack and the Beanstalk
Caillou ... not always, but often
Anna
People (or characters) Noah has decided are in need of a time-out:
The shark that ate Nemo's family at the start of Finding Nemo
The giant from Jack and the Beanstalk
Caillou ... not always, but often
Anna
Aug 6, 2009
Firsts on the Sixth
Anna tried her first popsicle.
Anna rode on the lawn mower for the first time. But not without some tears from Noah for having had to give up his spot on Josh's lap.
Noah got through both allergy shots without crying for the first time ever. Not only were the nurse and I jumping up and down and cheering, but the complete strangers in the waiting room were clapping for him and praising his efforts, too. :)
Anna rode on the lawn mower for the first time. But not without some tears from Noah for having had to give up his spot on Josh's lap.Noah got through both allergy shots without crying for the first time ever. Not only were the nurse and I jumping up and down and cheering, but the complete strangers in the waiting room were clapping for him and praising his efforts, too. :)
Aug 5, 2009
Mealtime Beast
Yes, that's her foot up there on the tray with her hands.
And yes, that's her "I dare you to try to make me eat" look.
And yes, that's her "I dare you to try to make me eat" look.
Repeat and Repeat
Anyone with a toddler/preschooler knows that you repeat yourself a lot. What's more, your child repeats himself a lot as well. Or reminds you of the same things all the time, day in, day out. Noah has been beating me over the head with some more phrases and comments that I have listed, yet again. And really, they are so precious to me...even after hearing them the zillionth time.
Noah has become Monitor-of-all-things-Anna:
"Mommy, Anna eat fip fop!" (read - Anna's eating your flip flops!)
"Mommy, Anna on my taybo!" (read - Anna's on top of my table!)
"Mommy, Anna dinky!" (read - Anna's stinky!)
Noah is obsessed with time lately.
"Time eat yet?" (read - Is it time to eat yet?)
"Time go yet?" (read - Is it time to go yet?)
"Almost weddy yet?" (read - Are we almost ready yet?)
"Time is?" (read - What time is it?)
Noah always says "Too high much" when he can't reach something, or if there is too much of something, or if, obviously, something is too high. This one always, always, always elicits a grin from the heart of both me and Josh. Preschool grammar is ever too cute.
Noah has learned to stall ... or maybe he is just negotiating:
When I tell him it's time for his nap, he asks to "Pay woom foo minutes." (read - Can we play in my room for a few minutes first?) And we usually do, so it's really more of a reminder than a question.
Noah always seems to be hungry. "Mommy, I'm hungwy hungwy." Notice the double hungry for emphasis.
I have no idea where he came up with this one, but he says it over and over in a really strange robotic voice when he plays with his little Buzz Lightyear looking toy. "Reebot, Dee Go Bot."
When we tell him we are going to a restaurant, he can always be trusted to ask for clarification as to what sort of dining experience he can expect. "Ow car?" (read - Are we getting out of the car?) When your child asks you this, you can be pretty sure you go through too many drive-thru's.
And another sweet favorite is what he says when something is not working right or needs fixing. "Pwease sik it." (read - Please fix it.) Which, if you must know, quite often ends up being "Daddy sik it."
Noah has become Monitor-of-all-things-Anna:
"Mommy, Anna eat fip fop!" (read - Anna's eating your flip flops!)
"Mommy, Anna on my taybo!" (read - Anna's on top of my table!)
"Mommy, Anna dinky!" (read - Anna's stinky!)
Noah is obsessed with time lately.
"Time eat yet?" (read - Is it time to eat yet?)
"Time go yet?" (read - Is it time to go yet?)
"Almost weddy yet?" (read - Are we almost ready yet?)
"Time is?" (read - What time is it?)
Noah always says "Too high much" when he can't reach something, or if there is too much of something, or if, obviously, something is too high. This one always, always, always elicits a grin from the heart of both me and Josh. Preschool grammar is ever too cute.
Noah has learned to stall ... or maybe he is just negotiating:
When I tell him it's time for his nap, he asks to "Pay woom foo minutes." (read - Can we play in my room for a few minutes first?) And we usually do, so it's really more of a reminder than a question.
Noah always seems to be hungry. "Mommy, I'm hungwy hungwy." Notice the double hungry for emphasis.
I have no idea where he came up with this one, but he says it over and over in a really strange robotic voice when he plays with his little Buzz Lightyear looking toy. "Reebot, Dee Go Bot."
When we tell him we are going to a restaurant, he can always be trusted to ask for clarification as to what sort of dining experience he can expect. "Ow car?" (read - Are we getting out of the car?) When your child asks you this, you can be pretty sure you go through too many drive-thru's.
And another sweet favorite is what he says when something is not working right or needs fixing. "Pwease sik it." (read - Please fix it.) Which, if you must know, quite often ends up being "Daddy sik it."
Aug 4, 2009
Broccoli
Noah said something tonight at dinner that you would have NEVER caught me saying as a kid ... or an adult, for that matter.
Noah: Tank you for making bwoccowi, Daddy!
Noah: Tank you for making bwoccowi, Daddy!
Nicknames
Anna's Nicknames these days:
Annabelle
Anna bit
Little Bird
Baby Girl
Luvee
Ladybug
Toot
Noah's Nicknames these days:
Mister
Noah Bear
Noah Brown
Baby
Big Boy
Toot
Annabelle
Anna bit
Little Bird
Baby Girl
Luvee
Ladybug
Toot
Noah's Nicknames these days:
Mister
Noah Bear
Noah Brown
Baby
Big Boy
Toot
Random Rambling
I am at a loss for anything really post-worthy. Our days lately have been very routine and unremarkable.
We did go to Monkey Joe's today and this time we let Noah spend all of $3 worth on the quarter games and rides when he was exhausted with all the jumping and sliding. And that $3 actually goes farther than it sounds since the games only need 1 quarter each. Noah did a little Whack-A-Mole sort of game, except with alligators instead. He loved it until they started coming fast and furious. Then he panicked and grabbed my neck. Which was well within his reach because Josh and I were on our knees whacking those gators like crazy. Maybe WE were scaring him. :)
I have a migraine still that I have had since I got up this morning.
We are at a loss for a sitter now that Kimberly has moved back to ATL for her first teaching job (Yay, Kimberly!! - now start that blog so I can read all about it!). Anyhow, we joined up on a site called SitterCity.com and have been contacted by numerous sitters. It made me feel a little anxious at first - finding a sitter, a stranger, online. But reading the bios, seeing their pics, talking with them on the site, looking over the background checks, references, and some have reviews, too, well, after a day or two of thinking about it and warming up to the idea, I gave in and we now have a sitter coming on Sunday and several more to try on other dates. We'll see how that goes.
Josh took Noah to a local fair last night. Turned out to be a total dud. Noah did get to ride a pony though and play a fishing game whereby he won a stuffed Nemo.
I watched the returning episode of Jon and Kate last night. I gotta say, there was just a very depressing feeling over the whole thing for me. And I am little jealous of their kitchen remodeling.
Noah has become our resident Sentinel of Sanitizer. He brings it to me daily to sanitize my hands and Anna's. He is so empowered by pumping it himself. He says something to the effect of "Cwean hands mommy no germs Anna."
We stopped by Staples on the way home today, and for this former teacher these back to school sales and displays and supplies are all very intoxicating. I could stay in there and look around for well over an hour I am sure. But I didn't. Just grabbed a calendar and a pack of Sharpie pens and hit the door. But, oh, the magic of "Back to School" season. I can't wait for Noah to start school.
In fact, reading some of Noah's books to him lately has really caused me to miss being in the classroom. As I read him a book today, automatically I began imagining vocabulary and activities and lessons I could base off of just that one book.
I think I am going to get into wine tasting.
Anna has this ability to scream like she is in a torture chamber. That, or there is an exorcism going on in her room. And she has the ability to do it for over an hour at a time if she feels like it. She does not give up. It wears me out. And then I start worrying that these are the early signs of a kid with emotional issues...or a strong will to accompany her strong opinions. (my mom has always wished me on myself I think.) Either way, sounds like a lot of taxing work for me.
Noah has relented a little on his Caillou requests every day. Now he prefers a little Max and Ruby, too.
We did go to Monkey Joe's today and this time we let Noah spend all of $3 worth on the quarter games and rides when he was exhausted with all the jumping and sliding. And that $3 actually goes farther than it sounds since the games only need 1 quarter each. Noah did a little Whack-A-Mole sort of game, except with alligators instead. He loved it until they started coming fast and furious. Then he panicked and grabbed my neck. Which was well within his reach because Josh and I were on our knees whacking those gators like crazy. Maybe WE were scaring him. :)
I have a migraine still that I have had since I got up this morning.
We are at a loss for a sitter now that Kimberly has moved back to ATL for her first teaching job (Yay, Kimberly!! - now start that blog so I can read all about it!). Anyhow, we joined up on a site called SitterCity.com and have been contacted by numerous sitters. It made me feel a little anxious at first - finding a sitter, a stranger, online. But reading the bios, seeing their pics, talking with them on the site, looking over the background checks, references, and some have reviews, too, well, after a day or two of thinking about it and warming up to the idea, I gave in and we now have a sitter coming on Sunday and several more to try on other dates. We'll see how that goes.
Josh took Noah to a local fair last night. Turned out to be a total dud. Noah did get to ride a pony though and play a fishing game whereby he won a stuffed Nemo.
I watched the returning episode of Jon and Kate last night. I gotta say, there was just a very depressing feeling over the whole thing for me. And I am little jealous of their kitchen remodeling.
Noah has become our resident Sentinel of Sanitizer. He brings it to me daily to sanitize my hands and Anna's. He is so empowered by pumping it himself. He says something to the effect of "Cwean hands mommy no germs Anna."
We stopped by Staples on the way home today, and for this former teacher these back to school sales and displays and supplies are all very intoxicating. I could stay in there and look around for well over an hour I am sure. But I didn't. Just grabbed a calendar and a pack of Sharpie pens and hit the door. But, oh, the magic of "Back to School" season. I can't wait for Noah to start school.
In fact, reading some of Noah's books to him lately has really caused me to miss being in the classroom. As I read him a book today, automatically I began imagining vocabulary and activities and lessons I could base off of just that one book.
I think I am going to get into wine tasting.
Anna has this ability to scream like she is in a torture chamber. That, or there is an exorcism going on in her room. And she has the ability to do it for over an hour at a time if she feels like it. She does not give up. It wears me out. And then I start worrying that these are the early signs of a kid with emotional issues...or a strong will to accompany her strong opinions. (my mom has always wished me on myself I think.) Either way, sounds like a lot of taxing work for me.
Noah has relented a little on his Caillou requests every day. Now he prefers a little Max and Ruby, too.
Aug 1, 2009
Weekend Bits
Noah and I visited with Rachel and her youngest daughter, Evelyn
Josh made pancakes for dinner as Noah had requested all week
Watched Taken onDemand....good movie
Anna screamed from 3:45-5:00 am and then slept til 8:00 am!
Hit 4 stores successfully on a shopping run with BOTH kids
Noah had his 3rd swim lesson - and didn't freak out this time
Anna stands unassisted now for seconds at a time
Anna has also begun mastering sippy cups - yay!
New Potty Training Bribery - a Ring Pop if Noah stays dry all day
I finished another book in only 3 days
Anna had her first black-eyed peas and loved them
Tried another small group study at church
Ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant after church
At the store, the clerk asked Josh how old his boy was...referring to Anna!
Josh made pancakes for dinner as Noah had requested all week
Watched Taken onDemand....good movie
Anna screamed from 3:45-5:00 am and then slept til 8:00 am!
Hit 4 stores successfully on a shopping run with BOTH kids
Noah had his 3rd swim lesson - and didn't freak out this time
Anna stands unassisted now for seconds at a time
Anna has also begun mastering sippy cups - yay!
New Potty Training Bribery - a Ring Pop if Noah stays dry all day
I finished another book in only 3 days
Anna had her first black-eyed peas and loved them
Tried another small group study at church
Ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant after church
At the store, the clerk asked Josh how old his boy was...referring to Anna!
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