Life As I See It

Wow!

2009-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

I had a mountain (literally) of laundry to wash and dry and fold this morning. Gabe has a runny nose and is taking a very rare morning nap, so I decided to listen to one of David Platt's sermons while I worked. I looked through the list and choose this one. And I don't think it was an accident. It is so powerful and encouraging and exactly what I needed to hear today. God is good and faithful all the time.

Today's five

2009-09-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for...

1. Gabe's breathing is started to sound a lot better and I have peace that starting him on the daily preventative medicine will be what he needs.

2. Chocolate chip cookies

3. Grant's love of reading. He is flying through the Hank the Cowdog books right now in his spare time. I love that he enjoys reading so much that he still wants to do it after working on homework.

4. The Greek Festival is tomorrow. I've been looking forward to it for weeks.

5. A clean kitchen to wake up to in the morning.

My new favorite mug...

2009-09-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

The lid on my trusty Saint's Coffee mug has gone bad, so it was time for a new travel mug. I'd been eyeing these ceramic ones for a while, but I was waiting until I really needed to replace my old one. Today was the day. I'm keeping my Saint's mug for home use (I just can't let it go), but this will be the new travel mug. I really do get sentimental about the strangest things.

Fingerpainting

2009-09-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Whew, we've had a lot of rain lately. I feel like I live in Forks minus the good looking vampires.

I don't really mind rainy days, but they sure hamper playing outside- which is Gabe's favorite thing to do. So, yesterday we did our first painting project.

He had so much fun. It was hilarious. He clapped and cheered for himself after every paint stroke. You can see the evidence of his clapping in the paint dots all over his face.

I had lots of fun, too. There is just something about experiencing simple things through the eyes of a child. It brings joy- pure and simple joy.

Here is his first masterpiece.

And here is my favorite picture...

Of course, after all the painting, came bath time.

And with bath time, comes belly button time. Oh how he loves his belly button.

Grant was disappointed that he missed the first finger painting session, so I have a feeling the paints will be coming out again soon.

The things I'm thankful for today.....

2009-09-17T08:47:00.002-07:00

I haven't had a gratitude post in a while, haven't had any posts in a while, but after our Bible study discussion on Hannah and her gratefulness yesterday, I decided to take a little time to be thankful. So, I'm thankful for......

1. Some time away from facebook. As much as I love facebook (and I do love it), it can really eat away at my self-control. I'll plan to just sit there for a minute and read the news feed and walk away 30 minutes later (or 60 minutes sometimes.) Sunday God reminded me that I need to be spending my time more wisely. So, I'm taking some time off, I don't really know how long, but it's been good. My house is cleaner, I've spent more real time with the boys, I've connected with friends in a real life, face to face way and I'm finally not thinking in terms of what my next status update should be. :) It's been hard, but it's not killing me.

2. Friends who will email or call me when they see something on facebook, like Logan being born, that they think I need to know since they know I'm taking a break. That sure does make me feel loved. :)

3. The little baby turtle Rachel and I found at the park. It was so tiny and sweet. Gabe thought it was cool. And yes, that is turtle poop on my hand, but that's the price you pay for holding baby turtles.

4. Iced coffee from my own coffee pot.

5. My new Aaron Shust cd and the downloadable cd liner. The songs are great and I love having the story "behind the music."

6. Gabe's expanding vocabulary. He is trying out new words and sounds daily. Some of his newer ones are "Dordon" for Gordon, "bahbah" for Barney (yes, the big, purple dinosaur), eat, ear, eye, "na" for nose. He is putting few words together now, too. "Hi dada" "Out side" "All done" "Dordon out". I love hearing him try out his voice. He still signs quite a few words, too. My favorite signs are the ones he makes up. I feel like mom of the year when I figure one out and he gives me that sweet, silly smile.

7. Grant is enjoying soccer again. They had a tied game on Saturday. He ran hard, but really had fun.

8. Windsor pilates. They hurt, but they work.

Grant is 10!

2009-08-04T15:26:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Grant's 10th birthday yesterday. It was a fun morning despite the fact that he was getting over a stomach bug.

Because of the bug, our menu for the day changed. Rather than the cupcakes we were going to eat from Edgars, Grant got a birthday cookie he wasn't quite up to eating for his candles.

Instead of going out to eat at his favorite restaurant, he ate this...

But he still had a great day. He still smiled a lot, especially when he found out that we would take the trip he really wanted for his milestone birthday.

He was showed lots of love by his friends with surprise treats and phone calls. When he went to bed he said, "I wish this day didn't have to end, it was really good, even with a stomach bug." Sure do love that kid. Happy Birthday, Grant!

Give momma a kiss...

2009-07-20T10:57:00.001-07:00

That's what I asked for, this is the face he gave me as he leaned in to kiss me. Of course, I had to go get the camera and unbelievably he did it again.

2009-07-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

I really want to blog- it helps me process. My mind is swirling with lots of thoughts and ideas, but they just aren't coming together the way I would like them to. Frustrating. One of these days I'll have a good post.

Snack Time...

2009-06-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Gabe's First Year

2009-06-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

These are some of my favorite pictures from Gabe's first year. He is growing and changing so much now. Here are some of his recent milestones.

He started walking at 11 1/2 months old. Now he is walking everywhere.

He has 7 teeth and two more trying to come through.

He says "mama" "out" "in" "more" .

He is experimenting each day with new sounds.

He can do some sign language- more, all done, please (that's his newest one, he's only done it a few times).

He LOVES to be outside.

Each night he falls asleep listening to music in front of the computer. He loves music. Musical toys, books, itunes... He'll hear a song and just start dancing. It is hilarious.

He loves to eat, but wants it to be what we are eating.

He loves to make us laugh- especially Grant. If Grant even giggles, he will repeat whatever it is that he did. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not so much.

He enjoys looking at books. That makes my heart happy. He especially likes the ones with pictures of babies.

He smiles and waves to everyone.

He enjoys being in the pool.

He loves to get into the laundry, the cabinets, the toy baskets, the drawers, etc...

He brings us so much joy!

15 years

2009-06-04T14:12:00.001-07:00

It's quiet in my house at the moment. Gabe is sleeping. Grant and Todd are at Cub Scout Camp.

Before they left, we went to Joe's Italian for a celebratory anniversary lunch. So, now that I have a minute, I'm letting my food settle and thinking about the last 15 years. In the card Todd gave me this morning he had written, "It seems like just yesterday and forever ago at the same time." So true. It's been filled with so much....

One big move from our home states of Michigan and Massachusetts. Beginning our lives together miles away from family and friends-- in Alabama of all places. That time helped us grow strong roots as a couple. It was a little scary, but exciting.

Our first home- a one bedroom apartment. I still remember decorating it and being so proud. It was tiny, but it was all we needed.

Many, many trips to the laundromat since our apartment did not have a washer/dryer hook-up.

Thousands of laughs- literally.

Two church families- ISFBC and TCASC. One church was instrumental in showing us how to put all of our knowledge into action. David was our first pastor. He is a man who looks for the truth and then lives it out to the best of his ability. God brought him into our lives and we still talk about some of the things we learned from him that helped us so much. The other church family has allowed us to put our faith into action. Both places brought us friendships that made our lives better. Community. A way to live out our God given purposes.

A mission trip to the Ukraine. We left part of our hearts there.

At least 700 trips to the grocery store.

Several jobs and career changes. Teaching became a great love for me. Todd started out in graphic design and moved to Internet software development. I left teaching and became a stay at home mom. Staying at home was a decision we came to after many long talks. I was reluctant to give up a career I loved so much, but we both knew it was what was best for our family. It has been the best career move I've ever made.

God's provision- we have seen Him open and close doors. Sometimes we understood, sometimes we didn't. But, He has always been present.

Five cars- a very old Cutlass, a Mazda truck, a brand new Saturn, a Mazda Miata and my beloved Honda accord.

The purchase of our house.

The purchase of our first washer and dryer that eliminated the aforementioned trips to the laundromat.

Two dogs- Dakota and Gordon and one stray cat, Amos, that lived with us for a few months.

We became parents to a sweet, smart, sensitive, funny miracle boy after five years of marriage. Grant added more joy than we knew possible. He still does.

Some heartaches. Seven years of infertility, two miscarriages, a year long battle for me of figuring out what trusting God really meant and other things along the way. We talked those things out. We cried lots of tears. We asked God a lot of questions. Through those difficult moments our love grew.

Lots of moments spent trying to figure each other out. Listening, scratching our heads, laughing, compromising, yielding.

A second miracle baby. We had come to the place of true acceptance of our family of three. It took me a while, but I was there. We were content and grateful for what we had. Then God gave us Gabriel. A brother for Grant. What a gift!

Thousands of conversations over at least that many cups of coffee.

Some disagreements.

Beach trips with friends.

The marriages of all of our siblings.

The births of six nieces and five nephews.

The loss of four grandparents.

So many great friends.

So many moments that seemed ordinary at the time, but when we look back on them we see beautiful memories.

I love you, Todd. Happy Anniversary!

My almost "tween"

2009-05-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

If I needed a reminder that my "little boy" is approaching the "tween" age- here it is.

Grandma asked him to let her take a picture of him in the lion head at the zoo. He went dutifully on the outside, but the feelings he had about it on the inside came out in this photo. This kind of stuff is just not cool anymore.

Picture of the day

2009-05-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

We went hiking behind Buck Creek park a few weekends ago on a pretty Sunday afternoon. It was a new trail to us so we took our time exploring. We took so much time that Gabe fell asleep in the sling. I snapped this picture and it just makes me so happy. Look at those eyelashes. And those lips!

Today's Five....

2009-04-26T22:48:00.000-07:00

1. Grant and I played two games of LIFE this afternoon. Gabe and Daddy hung out in the other room so we could have some uninterrupted time. That doesn't get to happen near enough these days. I love time with my big boy.

2. A great friend gave me some soup bones this morning so I could make my own beef broth. It is simmering away on the stove while I type. It will be great for soups.

3. Dairy Queen's midnight truffle blizzard. I am also thankful that they will only be available this month. They are so good and a big temptation to my chocolate will power.

4. A good book to read.

5. A few new cookbooks from the library that have some great, healthy, new dinner ideas. I've been needing some healthy inspiration.

Gabe getting around...

2009-04-26T04:23:00.000-07:00

Gabe discovered a quick way around the deck. He was so excited. He did this for about an hour. Every time he would hit a wall or the rail he would turn to me and say "ep" for help. Over and over and over again. :)

My Savior Lives

2009-04-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Today's Five...

2009-04-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

1. After going to Target, Michaels and two Hobby Lobbys, I finally found the ribbon I was looking for for a baby shower invitation I'm making. It's going to be so cute. :)

2. The weather was beautiful today. A little crisp, flowers in bloom everywhere and sunshine.

3. We were able to spend some time with friends at their campsite in Oak Mountain this evening. The boys enjoyed hiking, the fire and smores.

4. I organized several piles of stuff in our bedroom. I can see the top of my dresser now. That makes going to bed so much more relaxing.

5. Beth Moore's Esther Bible study. There is so much to take in and apply from this book of the Bible. Even though God's name is not mentioned anywhere in the pages, His presence is so obvious.

April Fool's Day Sushi

2009-04-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Grant loves making "trick food" for April Fool's Day. This year, thanks to the great Family Fun website, we made "sushi" to serve at community group. Grant really worked on what he was going to say and even practiced keeping a straight face. He loved that at least one person was fooled. It was fun.

2009-03-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them.- Robertson Davies

Wow, what a reminder.

Saying Goodbye

2009-03-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we said goodbye to a very special four year old princess. Our friends Karen and Scott's daughter Cassi had been battling cancer since she was 11 weeks old. Early Wednesday morning that battle ended. Now she is in the presence of our Heavenly Father with a whole, healthy body that will never again feel pain.

Balloons were let go after the service to remind all of us that we can release our sadness and grief to God with hope. It was an incredibly beautiful moment.

The words of the following song have been on my mind since I heard it sung on Saturday during Cassi's service. I look forward to the day I am in His house even more now.

Better is One Day
by Matt Redmond

How lovely is Your dwelling place
Oh, Lord Almighty
For my soul longs and even faints for You

For here my heart is satisfied
Within Your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

CHORUS:
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

One thing I ask and I would seek
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells

One thing I ask and I would seek
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells

CHORUS

My heart and flesh cry out
For you, the living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul

I've tasted and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You, I will draw near to You

New Recipe

2009-03-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Around 4:30p yesterday, I realized I had no plan for dinner. Gabe has been sick, so my day consisted of a doctor appointment, picking up Grant from school, running by the pharmacy and holding a sad baby. I hadn't even thought about dinner. I started flipping through my new Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine and found a recipe that looked interesting and better yet, I had everything on hand- even goat cheese which is not one of my usual staples, but it was on sale the last time I was at Whole Foods.

I wish I had snapped a picture of it, but at the time I didn't know how much we would like it. The we being Todd and I- Grant was not crazy about it.

Mac 'n' Goat Cheese
1 lb macaroni pasta- (I used whole wheat penne)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pint cherry (I used grape)tomatoes, halved
One 9 oz. bag frozen spinach
6 oz goat cheese, broken into chunks (I'm sure feta cheese would work, too)
3/4 cup toasted walnuts (I didn't have any of these and it was still good)

1. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water, and return pasta to the pot.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, spinach and the reserved pasta water and cook until heated through, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir into the pasta along with the goat cheese. transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the walnuts on top.

Rescue for Rapha

2009-03-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

I was reading Tom Davis' blog today and saw this.

What now?

Today's Five

2009-03-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

1. Hot tea and good books. I only got to read about a chapter of my book today, but there is nothing more comforting to me then those two things combined.

2. God's love and patience with me. Working through Beth Moore's Fruit of the Spirit study has reminded me of His loving kindness that I just don't deserve. He is so good.

3. Friends

4. Grant's gentle spirit with his little brother. Even when Gabe is fussy, Grant will spend a long time finding ways to entertain him and make him happy. It usually works. The sillier the better. Grant's good at silly.

5. Cordless phones.

Green Eggs and Ham

2009-03-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

We don't need a whole lot of encouragement to celebrate around here. Tonight we honored Dr. Seuss with a dinner of green eggs and ham. Good times!

I found it!

2009-03-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

Off and on for the past few years I have been trying to remember the name of a children's book I used to check out of the library all the time as a kid. It was about a family of "people" that could change shapes. They had a cool house they built themselves after a long journey to find the perfect space.

I could remember pictures and just about every detail from the story except for the title and the character's names.

I tried describing it to people. No-one I asked had ever heard of it.

For some reason the book came to my mind tonight. Since Todd is at Bible study and the boys are sleeping, I set out on a mission to google until I found the name of that book.

After about an hour of googling every part of the story I could think of, I found what I was looking for! The book is Barbapapa's New House! YAY!

I learned all kinds of trivia about the Barbapapas. The book originates from France. There were several books in the series, a TV show and books published in all different languages. There are t-shirts, pez dispensers and collectible toys. Apparently I was just asking the wrong people.

One of the sites even had illustrations from the book!

Barbapapa's house was too small for his wife and their seven children.

They found an old abandoned house and fixed it up. They did all the changes around the house themselves by transforming into the household equipment they needed. It was perfect until...

The mean heavy equipment trucks came and destroyed their house. (I don't think we ever learned why.)

The Barbapapas would not give up on the perfect house. They ingeniously built their own.

The machines came back to destroy their new house in the country- evil machines! But this time the Barbapapa's prevailed. They defended their home with chewing gum cannon balls. They didn't want to hurt the machines, just keep them away from their home.

This is my favorite illustration. They each had their own room perfectly designed for them.
And, of course, they lived happily ever after.

I'm not sure why I loved the book so much, but I did. It made me so happy to find the title and see all of the illustrations tonight. Simple pleasures.