A Vision in Plaid!

When we were pregnant with Nate we didn't find out the sex so we bought alot of neutral stuff including the nursery bedding. I found a cool plaid patchwork set with stars on it that was not girly - not too boyish. It has sage, yellow and red (similar to the colors I have going on in decorating elsewhere in the house) which I love. I've had ideas come and go on what else to use with the bed set to decorate the boys' room and nothing has really stuck. Everything I tried was just ok, nothing special. But then I saw these custom name canvases on ebay awhile back that I just fell in love with. Now I'm pretty cheap and somewhat crafty so I didn't want to spend alot of money on something that I thought that between my mom and I (she's artistic, I'm just crafty) we could do it ourselves.

So I got some canvas and paint at JoAnn's and was pumped about getting these things done. Well, that was months ago and we were just not getting anywhere. So finally mom broke down and came over one night and we got started. As we started to pin down exactly how we wanted them to look we realized that this wasn't going to be the quick and easy project that I originally thought when I saw them on ebay - there was alot of details to consider. We are both perfectionists and at times had conflicting ideas of how it should look. But we finally chose the plaids we wanted to match , the font to use, the size of the plaid and the color scheme, etc. We worked on them awhile that night but mom ended up taking them home with her to finish them. A week or two later she says my dad is bringing one completed canvas. But when he got here he had both! I was soooo excited! They turned out even better than I had imagined! My boys' room finally looks complete! THANKS MOM!

First Steps

No, its not what you think. My 10mos old is not walking. Thats the part of the problem. Over the past couple of months I've been holding something in that has actually been causing me great concern, stress, tears, anxiety, fear, regret, guilt... you name it. Considering how much its consumed my thoughts - I've actually talked about it very little.
I know everyone says not to compare your kids but I don't know how not to.Nate was born a few weeks early and was right on with his development. He rolled, sat, crawled and walked all right on target with what the "books" said he should. Joe on the other hand was almost two weeks late being born. I didn't go into labor until I was minutes away from trying Castor Oil. He hasn't reached the milestones that he should have for his age. He is a beautiful boy and the sweetest tempered baby ever and such a joy in our life. But he's 10 1/2 months old and he isn't sitting unassisted or crawling. He rolls..... sometimes. He babbles but hasn't attempted to say any words. He hardly takes any interest in toys or people most of the time. He doesn't have much eye contact or interact with us quite like he should be. We've wondered if he even recognizes us. When we go down the developmental milestone checklists we check off more things on the side labeled: possible concerns/warning signs of developmental problems.
Over the past few months my concern has grown, but every time I would get on the verge of seeking professional help he would do something new and I would question myself. Things like "Am I just being paranoid?", "Does he have autism, cerebral palsy, or something else?", "Is it something I'm doing/not doing?" and "Is he just a little slow in developing and he'll catch up if we give it some time?" keep running through my head. I've been dreading social situations where there will be other babies close to his age because of the "comparing" that goes on. I'm so tired of hearing about other 10mos old babies who are already walking and talking. I imagine in my mind all the judging and pitying that is going on when people realize that my 10mos old only has the motor skills of a 4-6mos old. Well, we finally called First Steps and arranged for them to come out and do an evaluation (which will take place on my birthday - isn't that special). I don't think there is any question that he is developmentally delayed at this point. I think its just a question of what kind of therapy he will need and if its just a delay or something more.
I have a couple of friends who have kids who were a little delayed in their development and after some therapy they caught up and are just fine now. I have spoken with them and hearing about their experiences is encouraging. But we have cousins on both sides of the family that have disabilities. So the thought obviously has crossed my mind that this could be more than just a developmental delay. I hope I don't sound awful here. I love my son more than words can say. I love my family. If there is something seriously wrong with my baby that will not change my love for him. As a mom I want my boy to grow up strong and healthy and I try to do everything that I can to help that happen. I feel so limited right now. I don't have answers and that drives me crazy!
I know I should just "let go and let God" but its just not that easy for me. I know He has a plan for my baby boy and for me and that whatever happens will happen. But I'm human, I want to fix people, I want things normal, I don't want to be challenged, life is hard enough as it is and I don't want my son to have to deal with being labeled L.D. or facing the challenges that come with a physical or mental disability for the rest of his life. I'm trying really hard to pray and leave things in His very capable hands but its so hard not to try to be in control of everything. I don't know why its so hard to not be in control - its not like I know what to do. But God does. He knows exactly whats going on with my son right now and why its happening, and how its going to play out - for better or worse. God isn't worried. Maybe He is just waiting for me to learn some great thing from this whole situation. Maybe He's waiting for me to relax and really relinquish my son into His hands for guidance or healing or whatever he needs. In a way posting this is my own first step toward releasing the power this has had on me and my thought life and letting God take over. I don't know what is going to happen but I know He will see us all through it.

Comfort Food!

So, when we were planning our homebirth my mom said she'd cook us a meal to have ready for us right after the birth and she asked if I wanted anything in particular. If you ask a pregnant woman what she wants to eat generally she'll have some kind of preference, and believe me, I did. Immediately I said I wanted my mom's homemade chicken pot pie. Its always been one of my favorite dishes that mom makes. It is not a secret family recipe or anything, its Betty Crocker's (but I checked and I could not find this particular recipe on their website). I think I ate it for every meal the first day after Josiah was born. I LOVE IT! So, while its still this cold yucky winter weather (here in the midwest it is anyway) you should try this out and let me know what you think.



Chicken Pot Pie
1/3 cup margarine, bitter or chicken fat
1/3 cup all-purpose four
1/3 cup chopped onion (optional - my husband doesn't eat onions so we do without)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken or turkey broth
2/3 cup milk
2 cups cut-up cooked chicken or turkey
1 package(10oz) frozen peas and carrots
*we usually add some frozen corn also

Heat margarine ove rlow heat until melted. Blend in flour, onion, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in chicken and frozen vegitables; reserve.

My Grandma's Pie Crust Recipe - maybe its from a cookbook, I don't know - but its so flaky.
- cut in the following ingredients:
5 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups shortening
- add all at once
1 egg (beaten) in a measuring cup - then fill cup with water to equal 1cup
Mix until even consistency. Roll out and put into pie pan 9x9x2 in; pour chicken filling into pastry-lined pan. Roll remaining dough into 11in square; place over filling. Roll edges under; flute. Cut slits in center to allow steam to escape. Cook uncovered in 425degrees oven until crust is brown, 30-35 minutes. 6 servings - give or take

Thursday Thirteen - Answers about me in pictures

Play if you want - no pressure, just fun!

1) Answer the questions below
2) Take each answer and type it into Photobucket
3) Take a picture from the first page of results copy the html code.
4) You can’t copy the persons answers who posted this before you!

1. The age you will be on your next birthday:

2. A place you’d like to travel:

3. Your favorite place:

4. Your favorite object:

5. Your favorite food:

6. Your favorite animal:

I know its gross.... but I couldn't pass it up! I've never seen anything like it. And honestly hope I don't ever again.

7. The town in which you were born:

8. Favorite toy as a kid:

9. The town you would like to live in:

10. The first name of your love:

11. A bad habit of yours:

12. Your first job:

13. Your favorite book:

So there you go, not as tricky as I thought it was going to be. I’ll not tag anyone but if anyone has a go, let me know. Happy Thursday! For more TT participants click here.

** Special thanks to my hubby who stayed up late last night helping me turn my layout into the pretty-in-pink thing it is today! I love it!

Not Alone

I have been blessed with good friends in my life. Friends from all walks of life, some friends have known me forever and some I'm still getting to know, friends who know and relate to me in different areas, friends who understand and support me in their own unique ways. God has really put some special people in my life. I am so thankful to have friends and family that I can talk to about just about anything. But as I am well into this phase of my life where I'm challenged daily to be the wife and mother that God intends me to be I have been struggling more and more. I am finding that I need to make a conscious effort to be around other women in this phase of life as well so I don't feel so isolated, realize I'm not alone in my struggles, I can give and receive encouragement. God intends for us to lean on Him first and foremost but also to lean on one another.

"God comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort others in their troubles." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Also, at the retreat last weekend we talked about loving our neighbor and witnessing to and encouraging our non-Christian friends to come to church, etc. Well, I felt a little convicted since I really don't have very many non-believing friends right now. Its been awhile since I was in the workplace and being a stay at home mom makes it hard to socialize sometimes, you know? But there isn't an exemption for us SAHMs. God wants His Word to be evident to other in how they see us live our lives. If the only people who see us are believers than what a waste. We - I need to be interacting with non-believers in my daily life.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8


Anyway, I figured, I could keep making excuses for myself or I could do something. So, for now I've done two things that are both stepping outside of my normal comfort zone: I have set up a regular time to meet with a sister-in-Christ who is also a mom of two little ones to talk and pray for one another - I'm really excited to see our relationship grow. And I found a play group in town that has all sorts of activities through out the month (daytime, evening - you name it) at various places around town (anywhere from McDonald's playland to Children's museum trips, etc), play dates and mommy only outings. I'm actually excited to go and meet some other moms and make some new friends. I think any stay-at-home mother of toddlers will agree that regardless of the reason, just getting out of the house for some adult conversation sounds pretty good!

** I found the photos on flickr.com and both are linked to their original home on the web

Variety of Taste

I like food. Anyone who knows me probably figured that out easily. I'm not a very picky eater, I eat almost anything. But I do have my favorites. One of my favorite things when eating out is getting sampler platters or a pick-your-own-combo types of meals so I can get a little bit of this, a little bit of that, etc. Maybe it makes feel like I'm getting more for my money... I'm a frugal minded person thanks mom so that may be a contributing factor.

Right now our neighborhood Applebee's has a Three Course Classics deal going on where you choose your appetizer, meal and dessert for a decent price. Its just the right amount of everything. They've got a pretty good variety of things to choose from too. I got the Fiesta Lime Chicken the other day and it was soooo yummy! Food with a Mexican flare is usually one of my faves - maybe its the 1/4 Hispanic in me, I dont' know. I also love dessert.... and I could easily get carried away and eat a full sized one - but shouldn't. So with this meal your dessert is in a large shot glass. Its just the right size to curb that sweet tooth desire but not so much that you wished you'd refrained cause you're so full!
While we were squeezed together in the back of a suburban on the way to dinner at the church retreat this past weekend, Sniz and I discussed how much we liked Applebee's and decided we should go sometime since our husbands aren't huge fans of it.... so Sniz - let me know when you want to go out!

*Could you tell I was hungry when I wrote this?

Meal Plan Monday

Isaac and I had a great time at our church's leadership retreat over the weekend. It was the first time I have left Little Joe overnight (breastfeeding will do that) so I was a little nervous. But he did great and amazingly, so did I. What a blessing it was to have some time alone with my hubby!


But the weekend is nearly over and I'm trying to plan out the week ahead. Meal planning is one that that I've aspired to do for some time now and have only been minimally successful. Among other methods, I will from time to time use a 1Bag-5Meals plan from KraftFoods.com but for some reason I feel like that is cheating. I don't know why. Its a meal plan, we like the recipes and it helps me shop in a more organized fashion. Thats all good right? Shouldn't that be enough? Why do I feel its not a "real" meal plan if I didn't hand pick every recipe? I am open to suggestions though. So if anyone has any tips for meal planning I'm all ears.

Chilly Recipe

Its a pretty chilly day here in the good old Midwest and I thought I'd share a yummy recipe that'd be good for a day like today! And I made this once when Robotface and Sniz's family came over and was complimented on it. So if they liked it then it must be good enough to share with you all.
My family has been making this dish for years and we always called it Taco Soup. My husband's family has made something similar and called it Chili Pie. So.... nearly every time I make it we have the inevitable discussion about what its "true" name is. I say it has the elements of a taco (meat, cheese, corn tortilla, etc) but in soup form. But Isaac insists that its like a chili pie because the chips serve as the "crust". Its ridiculous that after five years we haven't come to any sort of middle ground, a new name or something.... we continue to have the same mock argument over and over. We're funny like that. Not really funny ha ha, more funny weird. Anyway, it is a really easy recipe and very adaptable to whatever is in your pantry (mostly).

TACO SOUP/CHILI PIE RECIPE
1lb-1 1/2 lbs ground beef/ground turkey/etc
*optional - diced onions/peppers/squash - those should be put it shortly before the meat is done
2-3 cans beans - black, pinto, kidney, whatever - drained
1-2 cans or 1 small bag frozen corn - drained
1 large can red enchilada sauce
OR 1 small can enchilada sauce and 1 can tomato sauce
OR 1 can tomato sauce and 1 packet of taco seasoning
*these are open to tweaking for your personal preferences, the inlaws use tomato juice and have theirs more soupy but I kind of like mine thicker.

Brown meat in large pot. Drain. Add sauces, seasonings, beans, and corn. Season to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili seasoning, a little sugar, whatever you like). The enchilada sauce has some spice of its own so if you like it mild you might not need to add any seasonings. Cook on medium heat until bubbly then reduce or remove from heat or stick in a crock pot for later. Serve with your choice of cheese and toppings.
Suggested toppings:
Mexican cheese, cheddar, colby-jack cheese -whatever, but you must have cheese!
Fritos corn chips - tortilla chips will do but fritos don't get soggy as fast.
sour cream
salsa
jalapeños
guacamole
queso
diced regular or green onions
Taco Bell packets (I know, I'm a dork. I save the packets and use them in my cooking at home.)

So, there you have it. Its simple and soooo good! Hope you try it out. If you do, please let me know what you think.

*By the way, that is a photo from the Food Network website - my food usually isn't that pretty but it tastes good.

And the SAG Award goes to.....

The Office! Yeah! The cast of The Office (one of my favorite shows.... if you couldn't tell) won the SAG award for best comedy ensemble! I think its a great show and I'm so glad that they're getting recognition for their work. Hopefully the writers' strike will end soon so they can get back to work!
The fan website that I got the picture from had an article about viewers/fans writing to the president of the network about the WGA writers' strike. If you are interested in more info check out OfficeTally.com for more details.
Here is a favorite quote of mine from this season of The Office - its a Jim and Pam moment. We'd all been waiting.... ok, I've been waiting so long and they finally got together.... and then the strike.... sigh.

Jim: [Pam and Jim watch video of their kiss on the tv] Oh, ah... No that's not... I mean that wasn't, ah...
Pam: Yeah... That was um...
Jim: I mean I can see how it would seem a bit like we uh... How it looks like um... I mean now a days you can edit anything, right? I mean you can edit anything to look like um... anything.
Pam: Yeah, I gave him a ride home because...
Jim: Right!
Pam: ... We're dating.
Jim: Wow! There it is.
Pam: Ah, yeah. We haven't told anybody, but it's going really great. [looks at Jim] Right?
Jim: It is going really great.

Help Autism Speaks

The band Five for Fighting is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks each time this video is viewed. The funds raised will go towards research studies to help find a cure for autism. When you have a moment, please watch this informative clip, featuring touching photos of a beloved daughter and her family.
I found this link on Mothering.com on their media page. Please watch the video and maybe pass it along. What an easy way to support a good cause.

Hearts at Home Video

I've mentioned Hearts at Home a few times and I found this promo video for their conference. I'm not sure if I'll get to go this year (because of timing) but it looks like something I'd really enjoy. Its a great ministry - working hard on encouraging and educating professional moms.

CD Cover Fun

I thought I'd expand things a little around here by adding some CD reviews. I'm sure you all care what I think about music, so I've decided to review three CD's that I've been listening to lately.

Well, I'm not really reviewing CDs. In fact these are not real albums at all. They were created using the complicated mathematical formula on Doofus' blog the other day.

You create your own band name and album with album cover (or CD--whatever). This is not a "meme" or a "tag" or whatever you folks call it, but I'd love to see what some of you come up with.

Here's how you do it.

1. The first article title on this page is the name of your band.

2. The last four words of the very last quotation on this page is the title of your album. (NOTE: If you do this more than once, you will need to refresh this page to get a new quote.)

3. The third picture on this page, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together, and post the result. I'm a Photoshop guy, but even your most basic photo editing or graphics program (even the "Paint" program that comes with Windows) can do this. It takes a little work, but it's worth it.

Here are my three CDs...


This is a great British band that is reminiscent of the early British invasion stuff. Only more of a preppy, English tea garden-ish sound to them. Ok, so maybe their music is only so-so.... but the girls go crazy for the lead singer. He's like a cross between James Bond and Bon Jovi.

You wouldn't believe what this band has been through! You should totally see the Behind the Music story on them! The band is made up of a Mexican/Canadian guitarist, Argentinian/American lead vocalist/accordion player, and a Irish/Asian/American drummer/keyboard player. Its amazing to see them in concert. They're breaking down cultural barriers in the music industry like crazy!

She is awesome.... she pours her heart out into the songs she writes about her rough childhood growing up in an insane asylum (pictured on the album cover). Wow - what a powerful message about mental health. I think we might start using some of her stuff at the counseling center.

Hope these (mock) reviews were helpful. Don't try to rush out and buy these cds for they are very rare and are not easy to come by. Mine were actually purchased on the black market. Ssshhhh.... don't tell.

Super Moms

I found a few images online that I thought were worth sharing. There are days when we need to reminded that even though none of us are perfect, we are all super moms in our own ways!



I haven't read the book, but I have to say, I love the cover! I know you're not supposed to judge a book by the cover and all that, but who doesn't break that rule from time to time?


Its a bird, its a plane, its Super Mom! She leaps piles of clothes, climbs over mounds of toys, feeds her family nutritious meal(if fish sticks and mac-n-cheese count).... its all in a days work for Super Mom!

Wow! Here she comes, dun dun dun.... Super Mom! She simultaneously changes a poopy diaper and folds the laundry without tripping over the toys strewn about the floor by her toddler! What a woman! Who knew that we moms have our own action figure?!? I'm gonna have to run out and get me one of these babies!

This is for all us nursing moms out there! Whoo hoo! We've got a super-power! If only the rest of the family was as easy to feed as our nursing babies!

Here are a few blogs I found with great hero/super mom graphics. Check them out!

The Chronicles of SAHM
The Adventures of Super Mommy and Spit-up Boy
One Crazy Mother
League of Maternal Justice

So.... when you are feeling not so super.... get together with another "super mom" and give eachother some much needed encouragement and remind one another what a super job they are doing!

Thirteen Things About Me..... (some interesting, some not-so-much)

These facts are presented in no particular order..... no one is more important than another, in fact they're all pretty useless. Some are dumb, some might be funny, some might be dumb and funny. But they are all true. I'm not sure if thats something to be proud of or ashamed of. Hhhmmmm..... something to ponder.

1.
I'm very mothery. Some may call it endearing, some may call it annoying.... but I will admit that I am a mothering kind of a person. I take people under my wing, try to take care of people around me (sometimes whether they want me to or not), etc.
2.
I was in a private Catholic school K-3rd and then I was home-educated through high school. I worked for American Airlines for two years right out of high school and then went back to school for a two year degree. I basically paid for my college education out right. No school loans, nothing. I can only think of one other person that I know who can say that and hers was only an 8week certification.
3.
I remember really random movie/pop culture facts. And on top of that, I have very little control over when I share that knowledge. When these useless factoids pop into my head I literally have to share it even though I know no one cares, and sometimes I just look like a dork for knowing it, I'm still compelled to share it. Really dumb stuff that nobody cares about in real life, but comes in really handy when playing Scene-It.
4.
I have blue eyes.... however, my left eye has a brown streak in it. And in that same spot my eye lashes have a blond streak. Weird - I know.
5.
I'm the firstborn of five kids and all of us were born at home! - Kudos to Mom and Pop for going against the grain! I'd probably have been a c-section baby if they'd been in a hospital - and then the rest of them would have been too because alot of docs back then wouldn't consider VBACs.
6.
My parents are carnies. But are in the process of becoming retired carnies as they are selling their business(Clown Around Party Rentals). sniff.... its kinda sad.
7.
I really really like the Monte Cristo sandwhich. I've only seen it a few restaurants (Garfields and The Claddaugh) but its soooo good! Its kind of a club sandwich only its dipped in batter, deep fried, covered in powdered sugar and served with jam...... don't knock it till you try it!
8.
While I think my taste in music is pretty diverse, I really do like almost anything, I'm really into the Hairspray soundtrack right now. LOVE IT!
9.
I spend way more time on the computer doing useless, mindless stuff than I should.
10.
I've read all seven (or was it eight?) Anne of Green Gables books. I loved them!
11.
I've tried to read Pride and Prejudice a few times and just couldn't get into it. But I loved the movies. I'm kind of partial to the BBC (I think) version with a young Colin Firth thats like six hours long, but the recent one with Keira Knightly was really beautifully done.
12.
I don't have any cavities. Knock on wood!
13.
I'm glad I'm done with this list because I was running out of things to say. Huh, I guess I'm a pretty boring person if I have a hard time coming up with thirteen things to say about myself.

Vacation here I come! Maybe....

I found this awesome airline I want to try! I actually saw a segment on the news (which I hardly ever watch, I know, I'm awful but the news is too one-sided and depressing anyway) which caught my attention and I had to check out their website. Anyway, Sky Bus is a really low budget airline and their gimmick is the first ten tickets on every flight are $10! How cool is that?!? Now they don't go into all major cities mostly smaller airports that are kind of close to the bigger ones which is part of how they keep their costs down. As well as charging for drinks, etc on the flights. Since we like to travel but don't like to spend alot of money on it we are hoping to give Sky Bus a try sometime this year. I may try to talk my college girls into planning a girl trip later in the year (nursing baby kind of hinders any immediate plans). I'll keep you posted and let you know how it goes if we get to use them sometime.

Business of Being Born - Part II

Sniz's comment was so right on. There are alot of parallels to the birth and school debates. I really think they are both such a personal thing and so much weighs on what is available to you where you are at also. Some doctors and hospitals are better than others and some teachers and schools are better than others. You have to do what you feel is best for you and your family whatever that may be. That is why I try to emphasize women educating themselves about labor/birth etc rather than just getting on my soap box about natural and home births. I get so frustrated at our society and media who push "tolerance" and acceptance (homosexuality, religion, etc) but they themselves do not practice tolerance when it comes to certain subjects: Christianity, homeschooling, homebirth, etc. Why should we be told by anyone what is right for us? I don't think its right for women who are seeking a natural birth in a hospital to look to their doctor for support and instead receive unwanted interventions. Or for a family who has chosen to homeschool to be accused of truancy. What happened to freedom of choice? Does that only apply to certain areas and not others?

The Business of Being Born

I was watching the Today show this morning and Anne Curry was interviewing Ricki Lake (who looks great by the way) about a documentary she produced called The Business of Being Born about the American way of birth and how its changed and the flaws in the system and the benefits of using midwives and even Ricki's own homebirth. I was so excited to see someone addressing this important issue. I was unhappy to hear how bias and almost attacking Anne was in her questions to Ricki. Why is society so anti natural birth? Anyone who reads the statistics will realize that if you have a normal healthy pregnancy then homebirth is not as "risky" as the doctors and hospitals will have you believe.
We tried to have a natural birth in a hospital with our first son and were not fully supported in our decision to do so by the staff in spite of our "birth plan" and sadly ended in a c-section because my labor wasn't going according to their timeline. Every woman's body is different, every labor/delivery is different. Who are they to put a time limit on how each and every stage of labor should take on any given women? We did not want to have another experience like that and when we found out that we were pregnant again we prayed alot and found a Certified Nurse Midwife who was wonderful and supportive of our decision to have a home birth. There were mixed reviews from our friends and family. What a vastly different experience the homebirth was! I was much more relaxed and I was able to move around and eat and we used a labor tub to help me relax throughout the labor. I felt confident in myself and my body and empowered - I know God was holding me close to Him through the loving support of my husband, mother, doula and midwife. Anyway, I'll stop before I get too preachy.... needless to say, I am very passionate about women (at the very least) educating themselves before making decisions about their bodies, births and babies.

Now this is ART! HA!

I will admit that I am, at times, somewhat a little bit of a dork/nerd/whatever. This is me proudly showing off the ever so stylish apron that I so "skillfully" made with my new sewing machine that I got for Christmas. I know its not anything spectacular, but just the fact that I started and finished it is a big deal for me. I am really good at starting projects..... and not so good at finishing them. Anyway, there you go. I'm planning on making pajama pants with a few of my girlfriends from college in a few weeks - I'll try to post our finished products when we're done.
Oh, by the way, my friend's three year old made my day yesterday. After my friend got off of the phone with me her little boy asked who she'd been talking to. She said "It was Wani." Cute little three year old says "Oh". His mommy says "You remember Wani" and he replies "yeah, she's kind of beautiful". Aaawww!! How cute is that?!? I knew I liked that kid. ;) My friend knew I'd appreciate it so she called me just to relay the story. I hope I got it right.... she's much better at telling funny stories than I am. I should get her to write a blog - she'd have a huge following.

My Big Fat Greek Art Exhibit

So Friday my husband and I celebrated our five year anniversary. Wow.... time flies when you're having babies fun! We took advantage of the grandparents and went out by ourselves for dinner ( I love Olive Garden - especially when its on a giftcard!) and then we went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art to see the Roman Art from the Louvre Exhibit. It was really neat to learn a little about Roman history. I think its interesting how art has changed so much over the years. I mean, what we saw there, figures and scenes etched in stone to be admired more than a thousand years later - that was art. But when I look at some modern art (not all but some)... sometimes I just don't get it. We've rolled our eyes at exhibits like a single solitary toilet in the middle of an empty room, or a bag of kitty litter leaning against the wall.... c'mon is that what we've come to? I want to know who decides what is art and what is just scribbles on a page... what is it that makes something "art worthy"? Now I don't want to upset anyone... I have seen some very beautiful works of art from recent years and current artists. I just think our standards are somewhat warped if toilets and kitty litter are put on the same level as intricate paintings and sculptures.
** The title is because My Big Fat Greek Wedding was on tv yesterday. I love that movie!

Thirteen of my Favorite Movies

Above is a montage of the 100 greatest Movie quotes from AFI.

I just want to clarify that these movies are not in a specific order... I have a pretty wide taste in movies ( I think) and so these are all different and are favorites for different reasons and therefore I couldn't actually have a #1 or anything. Maybe I'm weird.... I don't know.

1. The Princess Bride - What a great story with action, adventure, true love, fairy tale, revenge, wizards, princes, comedy, pirates.... I mean seriously, this movie has it all!

2. Return to Me - David Duchovney and Minnie Driver are so sweet in this touching romantic comedy. Bonnie Hunt is great as the best friend and the odd conversations withing the group of "old timers" are so funny!

3. While You Were Sleeping - Sandra Bullock is so likable and real in this movie. I feel like I know her and while you laugh at the family dynamics and misunderstandings, you also feel like it could be your family or one not very different.

4. Lord of the Rings Trilogy - What a great masterpiece! So well done on all levels, scenery, casting, costumes, screenplay, story, acting, effects.... it was all good.

5. Bourne Trilogy - Great action. Matt Damon keeps you on the edge of your seat.

6. Ever After - The story of Cinderella told in a real life way. Drew Barrymore was so good as Danielle, our heroine and Dougary Scott was charming as the prince.

7. Signs (The Village & Lady in the Water) - M. Night Shyamalan has a way of scaring me without having to show gore or violence. And sometimes the messages behind the suspense are surprisingly poignant.

8. Newsies & Hairspray - Two of the most fun musicals to watch. I had the biggest crush on Christian Bale back in the day. And I will admit that if I was ten years younger I would probably be into High School Musical only to watch Zac Efron.

9. Fried Green Tomatoes - This is a great story about friendship. I love that its not afraid to show how intimate real friendships can be.

10. Ocean's Eleven (Twelve & Thirteen were pretty good too) - While I do not condone stealing... its alot of fun to watch these guys pull off heists!

11. The Italian Job - Alot of fun to watch, especially the chase scenes.

12. Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid & Aladdin - Some of my faves when I was young and still fun to watch from time to time. I still know most of the words to the songs!

13. Anne of Green Gables & Little Women - Kindred spirits and true sisters make these great heartfelt stories about girls and their bosom friendships. I would picture myself being in these movies when I was a young girl.

Finding Chapstick

Lately our little man Nate has gotten pretty chapped lips from sucking/chewing on them. So Isaac and I thought maybe if we got chapstick w/ a familiar character on it that he would be more inclined to use it periodically. Finding Nemo chapstick then became a part of our bedtime routine: put on pj's, sit on potty, brush teeth, put on Nemo chapstick, read book, pray, lights out. So far so good - it seems to be helping. I say all this about the chapstick in order that you be able to understand the following cute story (at least I think its cute).
This morning at breakfast I was asking Nate about the family get together we had at my parents' house yesterday. "Did you have fun, Who did you play with," etc. I then asked him what movie he watched. His answer was kind of excited and fast so I didn't catch what he said right away so I asked again and he said "Nemo Chapsick". I kind of giggled to myself as I realized why he answered that way. Nate then seemed to realize that what he had said wasn't right and he said "Finding Chapstick".... then he finally said "Finding Nemo" and seemed rather proud of himself for fixing the statement on his own. Obviously the whole thing was adorable but it was so neat to watch his thought process as he figured it out all by himself. He is getting sooo smart! My little boy is not so little anymore! sniff....

Personality Quiz Results.... Nurturer, who me?!?

Publish Posttr>

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal. A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways. In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music. You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. In love, you express your emotions through actions. Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well! At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist. How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's Your Personality Type?

Sickies

I don't know about other moms but when your kids are sick and whining you feel a certain satisfaction and frustration that you are so needed. Actually in the past week or two all of us have been sick at one time or another and its just wearing me out! I just want us all to be healthy again! Is that too much to ask?!?

Sitcom Withdrawl!

So I get a little obsessed/addicted, whatever you want to call it when it comes to a few tv shows. Due to the WGA writers strike (which I do support) all my favorites are on hiatus indefinitely. sigh.... Reruns just aren't the same. I miss the ongoing saga of Heroes and their quest to understand their powers and (of course) to save the world. I miss seeing Jim and Pam on the Office and their developing relationship and the awkward humor that Rainn Wilson and Steve Carell bring to that show. Here are a couple of videos that help ease the withdrawl symptoms that I've been experiencing. Maybe they'll help you too.

Check out this video: Jim and Pam - A Love Story



Add to My Profile | More Videos


Check out this video: Tribute to NBCs Heroes - If Everyone Cared



Add to My Profile | More Videos

Thirteen Ornaments On Our Tree

1. Strawberry Shortcake
2. Classic Winnie the Pooh w/ pix of Pooh and Piglet and says "We'll be friends forever, won't we Pooh? asked Piglet. Even longer. answered Pooh."
3. Care Bear's Baby's First Christmas
4. lovely crystal and gold butterfly
5. trolley car from San Francisco
6. Indianapolis Colts bulb
7. Homer Simpson drinking syrup from a jug
8. chinese takeout box w/ fortune cookie that says "What good fortune to have each other."
9. s'more snowman
10. Lightning McQueen from "Cars"
11. Hershey's Kiss
12. one with the Monopoly guy on it
13. German pickle from Pier One

Cool Gift Tags!

I found these gift tags on a crafting blog. They're ok to print and use if anyone is interested. I wish I'd seen them before Christmas, I'd totally have used them on a few of the gifts I gave! Maybe I'll use them for my family's Christmas this weekend!

Who Loves Their Christmas Gifts? I Do!

Merry Christmas! We have really enjoyed the time with friends and family in spite the boys being sick. I got a couple of gifts that I'm really excited about! From my inlaws I got some cool scrap/crafting tools, the book "Bend the Rules Sewing", and a sewing machine to go with it! I'm excited to get to start some new projects! Isaac got me some pretty jewelry, a book on how to grow my photography business, a scarf & hat & gloves set and the book P.S. I Love You. I am reading it now before I go see the movie - which by the way is the perfect way to do it. I've already seen previews so I know which actors are playing which characters, etc so I get a proper mental picture of everyone. If I read the book before I saw previews then I'd form my own ideas of what the characters should look like, etc and then I'd be frustrated when I saw the movie and everyone was different than what I'd pictured them. I know, I'm weird. I've started the book already and its pretty good. The only thing is the book is written by an Irish or English woman and the verbiage is kind of hard to get used to at time. Everything is "bloody" or stuff like that, you know what I mean. Oh, well.... we haven't yet had Christmas with my family since most of them are out in New Mexico still. I miss them. tear, sniff....

New Blog

Since this blog has evolved through recent posts I created a new blog just for pix and info on my kids. We'll see how I do trying to upkeep three blogs and my myspace and facebook pages.

Confessions of a mom who does not know it all.

Resources and information are a good thing.... sometimes. I will admit that I can sometimes be easily influenced by a good argument. Sometimes I read things (in books or online, whatever) that are helpful and encouraging and I am built up, strengthened in my parenting skills, etc. And then other times I just feel like I'm such a loser of a mom and no matter what "method" you look at I'm doing everything wrong. I mean, I must be doing something wrong because I'm not doing anything just like anyone else.... right? I think my parenting is kind of like my mom's curriculum while she home-schooled us: kind of mix-n-match, a little bit of this method, some of this curriculum, a bit of that guy's ideas, some of so-and-so's instructions. Kind of a hodge-podge collection of the best of everything - right?
So here are some of the things that I do - I don't know if they are all the "right" ways of doing things but they're what I do: I am a somewhat scheduled mom (I'm flexible, but I like to have structure too is that so bad?), I would like to co-sleep but don't because of my husband's sleep disorder (better safe than sorry), I am serious about breastfeeding (the first one I nursed until I got pregnant with the second - about 15mos - and the second one is 9mos old and hasn't started solids yet), I do not promote belief in Santa Claus - I don't think other parents are awful for doing it - I just don't see any benefit in it, I do spank (gasp!) but try to use more creative alternate forms of discipline/correction as much as possible, I love to play and read to my two year old but gosh darnit sometimes I can only read the same board book so many times before I want to tear the pages out, I don't medicate my children over every little sniffle, I do sometimes get offended when given unsolicited advice, I do use the tv as a babysitter sometimes (I'm sorry, but I am only human), I was really really scared (and still am a little) when my son had his seizures, I plan to home-school but I'm not committing to a how long - we'll play it by ear, I know I'm not supposed to but I do sometimes compare my kids - I can't help it, some days I pawn off bedtime on my husband because I'm tired and frustrated by the end of the day, I spend naptime (the short quiet time of the day) blogging and other stuff instead of cleaning house because I need this outlet to keep my sanity, I worry about things out of my control, and even though I don't think this about other moms (really) I sometimes feel like I'm under the microscope and every thing that my kids do "wrong" or whatever is blamed on me.
Sometimes there is a battle of wills going on in my mind. There is a big part of me that believes that I am doing things well and while my kids aren't perfect they're good boys and they know that they're loved and that is more important than if mommy used "attachment parenting" or the Ferber Method. Then the other part (my mind's evil twin or something) is taunting me saying that no matter what I do they're going to grow up and blame all their problems on me - I'm the mom - it is always my fault, right?
Then I have to take a deep breath and pray and remind myself yet again that while I'm doing everything I can to be the best wife and mom (the two go hand in hand you know) ultimately God is in control and whether they're nursed til they're 6weeks old or 6years old, whether I cry tears of frustration because my two year old ate crayons for what seems like the hundredth time, whether I meet my own expectations or not.... God will guide my children to be the adults that He wants them to be. Thank you, God.

Funky Christmas Cards

Ok, so I'm not the best or most creative card maker but I thought these were cool and unconventional for Christmas cards. I embraced using non-Christmasy colors more than I thought I would. The biggest reason I went with these colors/styles was the cards were $1 for a box of 8 cards and envelopes at the Target dollar section. I love a great deal!

Christmas Questions

I stole this from another blog... oh well...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? a little of both - I hate dealing with odd shaped packages so I use bags for those... anything thats in a box I'll use paper.... a quick fact about me.... I got reserved grand champion in gift wrapping in the 4-H fair back in the day.... I was in the paper and everything... aren't I cool? Or is that dorky and I shouldn't tell anyone that?

2. Tree - Real or Artificial? Fake.... the first year we were married we got a real one and were so excited until we had to deal with all the needles and decided fake was the way to go.

3. When do you put the Christmas tree up? Usually at the beginning of December sometime..... but this year I've been dragging my feet. I am not looking forward to keeping my two year old out of the tree and gifts, etc. Its so much work!

4. When do you take the tree down? Around New Years... give or take a week.

5. Like Egg Nog? Not so much. I'm more of a hot chocolate girl myself.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? A couple of them but I don't like the ones I have.... I would really like to get the Willow Creek one.... but its pretty expensive.

7. Favorite gift received as a child? The one that stands out the most was my first real good camera. My family doesn't over-do Christmas but the Christmas nearest our 16th birthdays was always a big deal and my parents got me a 35mm SLR with a couple of lenses.... I was so psyched. I went out and took pix of the fresh snow we'd gotten... those pix got blue ribbons at the 4-H fair.... ok.... revealing my dorkiness once again.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My husband's family. If they want something they buy it for themselves.... that doesn't leave much for us to get them. Plus, my husband is no help whatsoever.... all the gift ideas and buying are left up to me.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Varies from year to year.

10. Worst Christmas gift? I keep no record of wrongs.... I mean bad gifts.

11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Snail mail of course. I did a combination of photo cards and handmade cards. I just didn't have time or energy enough to make 50 handmade cards.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? well.... I like alot. Even though my family never did the santa thing and we aren't doing it with our boys I really like Miracle on 34th Street, While You Were Sleeping (thats kinda a Christmas movie), Elf, Holiday Inn.... and per my husband's insistence that he can't get into the holiday spirit without it - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I start late summer, early fall. I like to spread it out so its not a huge financial burden in December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? maybe....

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Grandma's cookies!

16. Clear or colored tree lights? colored

17. Favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night - and Holly Jolly Christmas

18. Travel during Christmas or stay home? Stay home as much as possible. I'd love to just stay in and make everyone come to us but we've got too many church and family commitments.

19. Can you name Santa’s reindeer’s? yes

20. Angel or Star on tree top? I prefer a star.

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas eve at grandma's and Christmas Day at home and my inlaws.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Too many people out shopping.... I went to Walmart the other day and it took forever just to get a few groceries. Its ridiculous.

My Yahoo Avatar

So this is basically the best cartoon version of me that I could create - give or take. Which clearly gives away the fact that I don't always make the best use of my time.

Professionalizing Motherhood

Ok, so a couple of weeks ago I heard Jill Savage speak and she was so genuine and real in her knowledge and experience and it encouraged me to read one of her books. It is "Professionalizing Motherhood - Encouraging, Educating and Equipping Mothers at Home". She is the mother of five (one adopted) - she had teenagers and toddlers at the same time! She is founder and director of Hearts at Home - a ministry for mothers. There are is a quote from the book that I'd like to share: "The profession of motherhood has one primary goal: to see a child grow into a mature, godly, respectful and loving adult.... We may be pursuing a result that we will only see decades from now, but lets not lose sight, over time, of our extremely important goal. Motherhood is a vitally important and worthy profession to commit ourselves to." How true! And how hard to remember sometimes! There are some days when I feel like everything I do gets undone, or ignored, or defied. But long term the little things that I do every day - reading my son books that seem mindless to me, especially when I have to read the same ones over and over again, those books are enriching and the time spent together is building our relationship and creating a bond that will last, when I reprimand him for poor behavior and he defies me now, someday he will be able to make the right choices in life because I have instilled values and taught him right from wrong, even though I have to fight to get him to eat his vegetables now, someday he will have healthy eating habits.... and though now he has to be walked step by step through his prayers someday he will pray on his own because his faith will be his own. This is my prayer, this is my hope, that the things I do day after day that seem sometimes to be insignificant now will someday result in a grown man that loves God, loves his family, is responsible, kind, generous, funny, and mature.

If anyone is interested you can find out more about Jill Savage and Hearts at Home at the following websites:

www.jillsavage.org

www.hearts-at-home.org

A Little About Going Potty - New Tooth - And Weight

We’ve started trying to use candy as incentive for Nate to go on the potty. Monday he went four times and today he went twice since naptime. He’s excited about wearing “Cars” pull-ups – I wouldn’t let him wear them until he’d gone potty.

Josiah’s first tooth came in today! I knew it was coming and my nipples hurt just thinking about it! We still haven’t introduced Josiah to solid foods because with Nate as soon as we did my period came back so I’m kind of glad to postpone that for a bit longer.

I hope it didn’t sound awful in the last post when I said I looked good in the pix. Its just that my weight has fluctuated a lot over the past few years and its kind of nice to be able to shop in normal sizes again – not plus or maternity or plus-maternity - and feel pretty good about the way I look (most of the time). My body certainly has changed a lot both before and after both pregnancies. I gained a lot of weight our first year or so of marriage (I blame it in part to the pill and my sedentary job at the airline call center). I lost a little bit of weight before I got pregnant with Nate. I was huge (seriously) when I gave birth to Nate. Thanks to breastfeeding the weight came off after that and I lost quite a bit before I got pregnant with Josiah. Again I lost the baby weight pretty well, I’m just a few pounds away from my pre-Joe weight. I’ve still got awhile to go before I’m at my ideal weight but I’m almost to the weight I was when we got married which feels pretty good.

Family Time

We had dinner at my parents' the other night - the whole gang. It was a huge spread - my mom outdid herself. Roast pork, leg o' lamb, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, mandarin orange salad, clam chowder.... trust me, we did not eat like this when I was growing up! We had a nice time visiting and took a family picture afterward for mom to use in the Christmas cards. Of course Josiah was happy all evening except when we were trying to take the group picture. Oh, well.... I look good, thats all that matters.... ha!
I'm kind of bummed most of my family will be out of town for Christmas.... their taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon and coming back through Albuquerque to see my grand parents. I'd love to go but I think that would be too much time in the car for my two boys. I wish traveling wasn't so expensive... I love to travel, see new places, etc.... but we just don't do it anymore. These are the times that I miss working for the airlines! The travel benefits were so great! I'm trying to talk Isaac into saving up and taking a really great trip someday. Like touring Europe or a cruise or something. Isaac really hates how much traveling costs.... I'm not sure he'll ever be able to justify it like I can. We'll have to wait and see if it'll ever happen.

Holiday Quiz

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in. You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child. Your best holiday memories are of childhood foods and traditions. You secretly still wish you believed in Santa Claus.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

This is pretty right on - except for the bit about Santa Claus.... my parents never did the "santa" thing and we aren't doing it with our boys either. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior... while we participate in exchanging gifts with loved ones and other typical holiday traditions Santa is not a part of it for us.

Happy Thanksgiving

What comes to mind when someone asks you what you're thankful for? Is it relationships? Is it material things? My wonderful husband's automatic response to that question was "salvation". He is so good at alot of things. I am so thankful that Isaac is a good spiritual head of our household. As he will be the first to admit, he isn't perfect. But he takes his role as husband and father seriously (but not too serious). My first response on the other hand was mended relationships (can you tell I'm forever the peacemaker?). Both sides of our family have had their rocky points over the past few years and I'm so thankful to be at a place when everyone is getting along and there isn't too much unnecessary drama going on. God has really blessed Isaac and I - we are both from families that have solid marriages, we have families who love us and support us different ways, we have two beautiful sons who are healthy.... and of course we love eachother very much in spite of the challenges that we face in our life and relationship.

I'm a 1980 Baby

In 1980 (the year you were born)

Jimmy Carter is president of the US President Carter announces punitive measures and embargos against the USSR in retaliation for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan Mount St. Helens in Washington state erupts in a violent blast estimated to be 500 times as powerful as the Hiroshima atomic bomb Ronald Reagan is elected the 40th US president in a sweeping victory US Representative Michael O. Myers is expelled from the House for his role in the Abscam scandal Hewlett-Packard announces release of its first personal computer Microsoft announces their version of UNIX, Xenix Christina Ricci, Chelsea Clinton, Venus Williams, Jessica Simpson, Macaulay Culkin, and Jake Gyllenhaal are born Philadelphia Phllies win the World Series Pittsburgh Steelers win Superbowl XIV New York Islanders win the Stanley Cup The Empire Strikes Back is the top grossing film "Lady" by Kenny Rogers spends the most time at the top of the US charts U.S. viewers get caught up in the "Who Shot J.R.?" cliff hanger on the soap opera series, Dallas, which is solved on a November 21 episode, drawing a record numbers of viewers

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Growing Boys

Its been two weeks since Nate got his cast off. He didn’t like the saw they used to cut the cast but other than that he was really good for the whole thing. While he had the cast he had gone from using his left hand for most things to using his right hand but he’s slowing transitioning back to being left hand dominant. He hasn’t sucked his thumb since he got the cast and we were afraid that he might go back after the cast came off but so far we haven’t noticed any “relapses”. We’re relieved that we didn’t have to wean him of the habit on our own. Nate has been talking soo much! He's putting together sentences and communicating so well.... most of the time. He calls Lauren "baby cakes" and is repeating everything (not always a good thing!). Everything thats little is "baby" and everything that is big is "daddy". So if he eats a tiny grape he says its a "baby grape" or he is playing with his cars and the big one is the "daddy car". Its so funny.... I'm glad all the "big" things aren't "mommy" if you know what I mean! ;) Nate's been very challenging lately. Sometimes I think its an attention thing, sometimes I think its an age thing, sometimes I think its all a test and I'm not sure if I'm doing well or just barely passing.
Josiah is so strong (and sometimes a little lazy). He isn't doing quite as much as Nate was at this age but I'm trying really hard not to compare. He is getting close to sitting. He can roll over from back to belly and sometimes belly to back but still struggles with that one a little. He loves to try to stand though. He can be really quiet sometimes and others he babbles up a storm. What a joy he is!

Sisters

So... I'm the oldest of five kids (4 girls and 1 boy). Our relationships obviously have grown and changed alot over the years - especially now that most of us are grown and the last two aren't far behind. I love my siblings. Its been really neat seeing us grow from just being sisters to becoming friends. Its kind of funny because I have friends that I consider my sisters both because of how close we are and because of our shared faith in Christ, but I also have sisters that I consider my friends. I'm 27, Shannon is 24, Lauren 21 and Hannah 16. Pretty far spread by today's standards, but its what we knew so to us it was normal. We're all very different in personality and temperament. Our relationships have fluctuated - hills and valleys - sometimes we're closer than others, sometimes we like eachother more than others. But right now we're all in a pretty good place. I'm really enjoying spending time with each of them in different ways. While there have been many challenges in my life through them there have also been many blessings and I love my sisters.