Noo-Nuhls

I've crossed off another food on my "I've never made..." list. Noodles (aka "noo-nuhls" in Judah-speak). I had stuff to make a basic spaghetti sauce today, but only egg noodles. We don't think the two go well together, so I opted to try making homemade noodles. A little over an hour and a severly boiled over pot later, I had bonifide basil-seasoned noodles. Mix a little shredded parm in with some good garlic/herb canned spaghetti sauce, and bingo! A yummy pasta bowl! But, I will pay for the convenience of store bought noodles any day. At a buck a box, it is MUCH cheaper than homemade noodles after you consider the ingredients, electricity, time, and muscle power that goes into it! Sheesh! But they were yummy -- I love basil!

Who knew that play dough could hold little guys' attention for such a good chunk of time? Included in the boys' stockings this year were four little cans of the colorful squishyness. To my knowledge, today was the first time they have ever played with it. Elijah, of course, immediately tried to eat some. (Thank you, play dough makers, for producing nontoxic dough!) He didn't like it, but it made it's way to his mouth a few more times over the course of 45 minutes. We made balls, bars, Saturn, circles, a butterfly, a fish, bowling ball and pins, a snowman, used a couple cookie cutters, handprints...it was great fun! And not really that messy either. :-)

I borrowed a machine from a friend and got crafty last night. I finished three garters I've been working on for a friend who will be married soon. I also sewed Judah a new travel blank since his other one is LONG gone (lost it sometime back in June on our trip to AR). :-( The new one is bright blue soft fleece with a bright green trim...matches the monkey/lion mural. If I find a cute lion patch and get my brand new sent-back-for-repairs machine back, I'll add that and his name to the blanket. It's fun to be crafty!

This picture represents what I'm coming to love more with each passing Chrsitmas/winter -- snowflakes in white and silver. For just $10 at Michael's Dec 26th sale, I was able to get three types of decor to fill out our new tree. It was so much fun! I never would have thought I'd be a ribbon person; but the more I saw it this season, the more I loved it. I even put a pretty bow at the top of the tree (so not like me, usually). And the little snowflakes (30 total!) are only about an inch wide. So cute! I also noticed the little ball clusters alot this season; and again, the more I saw them, the more I liked them. They add such a subtle but beautiful detail, especially the cranberry looking ones on trees that have a red foundation. I also liked the trees that have red poinsettias on them!

Judahisms, an Elijah Story, and My Brain

egg node: egg nog
fatch-er: tractor
cwoshay cook: crochet hook
Header: Heather
pweh-zence: presents

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Yesterday I had to start correcting Elijah for touching the ornaments on the tree so that he would know we really do mean business when we say "no." Every time there is silence in the living room, I know he's at the tree. When I walk in there, he runs away with a gleam in his eye and a mischevious smile -- and hides behind the chair. I caught him twice after his nap touching Judah's paper star ornament. The first time, I reminded him that it was a no-no and he needed to obey. The second time, I had to give him a [love pat]. I got down on his level and gently told him that Jesus says to obey Mommy and Daddy and that when he disobeys, he gets a [love pat]. He listened very intently up until the word [love pat]. Once that reached his ears, his worried eyes shot up to me and he shook is head no vigourously. I continued to say, yes, he did need a [love pat] so that he would learn to obey..........and he put his hand to my mouth and pushed a little as if to say "If you don't say it, you don't have to do it!" It was precious, but it also stands as an example that even young toddlers know and understand when they have done wrong and what discipline is. It is so amazing to watch children's obedience levels change if we as parents are consistent in our OWN obedience to God's way of parenting.

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Autumn took an online brain test, so I did as well. :-) It is SCARY how well the summary describes me. Who else agrees with me??? I was going to bold what was really really true, but I realized I'd be bolding pretty much the whole thing. So I bolded what is really really really scary right on about me. :-P

Your Brain Usage Profile:
Auditory : 50%
Visual : 50%
Left : 55%
Right : 45%

Dawn, you are somewhat left-hemisphere dominant with a balanced preference for auditory and visual inputs. Because of your "centrist" tendencies, the distinctions between various types of brain usage are somewhat blurred.

Your tendency to be organized and logical and attend to details is reasonably well-established which should afford you success regardless of your chosen field of endeavor, unless it requires total spontaneity and ability to improvise, your weaker traits. However, you are far from rigid or overcontrolled. You possess a degree of individuality, perceptiveness, and trust in your intuition to function at much more sophisticated levels than most.

Having given sufficient attention to detail, you can readily perceive the larger aspects and implications of a situation or of learning. You are functional and practical, but can blend abstraction and theory into your framework readily.

The equivalence of your auditory and visual learning orientation gives you two equally effective sensory input systems, each with distinctive features. You can process both unidimensionally and multidimen- sionally with equal facility. When needed, you sequence material while at other times you "intake it all" and store it for processing later.

Your natural ability to use your senses is also synthesized in your way of learning. You can be reflective in your approach, absorbing material in a non-aggressive manner, and at other times voracious in seeking out stimulation and experience.

Overall you tend to be somewhat more critical of yourself than is necessary and avoid enjoying life too much because of a sense of duty. You feel somewhat constrained and tend to sometimes restrict your expressiveness. In any given situation, you will opt for the rational, and learning of almost any type should be easy for you. You might need certain ideas explained to you in order to fit them into your scheme of things, but you're at least open to that!

Tears of Encouragement

My mom recently sent me two forwards from a blog she keeps up with -- A Holy Experience. I waited a while to read them. Now I want to make time to read them often. They both made me cry.

Those who know me past the surface know that all I ever wanted to truly be was a wife and mother. And they also know that I highly value and enjoy being one. But over my short years in this occupation, I have discovered that there are many people that think I have it all down in perfect working order. Danger! ...and far from the truth.

A couple weeks ago, a friend sent me a thank you note for a wedding gift I gave her. In it, she blew my socks off with her heartfelt thanks, not for the gift only, but for a book review I gave on Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. She said that my honesty let her know that I am indeed not perfect, but she still believes she could learn alot from me. That was extremely encouraging, exciting, and humbling all at the same time.

Being a wife and mom is H.A.R.D.

Not only do you have to care for your own basic needs, but you have to care for the needs of another adult (and one that isn't a woman like you) as well each child (who aren't girls like you were).
You have to cook food for all of them for every meal (and there's no guarantee everyone will like what you make).
You have to clean the kicthen and the potties to keep people healthy (and they never stay clean).
You have to wash the clothes so no one goes naked (though your kids would love too...and then you get to clean up the pee-pee off the ottoman...while wondering how a little bladder can hold that much).
You have to make sure that they learn survial skills like putting food in their own mouths (which requires enormous amounts of clean up...especially after yogurt or rice).
You also have to make sure they learn educational skills so that they will have some measure of success in life (and then you get to worry about them being TOO smart for their own good...or yours).
You have to keep the schedule for the family running smoothly without double booking or over booking (or else you get to deal with emotional and physcial burn out...for everyone).
You have to......

But on TOP of all those things on that snippet of a Mother's Daily Life List, there is a whole spiritual realm that pervades every second of the day. You have to introduce your children's brains to the entire concept of God. You have to teach them truths from the Bible and how to pray. You have to share the Gospel with them and pray that they will know Christ someday and live for Him. In this process, much discipline is needed for the cranky toddler(s), the fighting brothers, the temper throwing first born, the mischeviously disobedient second born...............the angry mother, the impatient mother, the selfish mother....the angry wife, the impatient wife, the selfish wife.

And I'd say that last part of that list is what makes being a wife and mother so hard. Me. It is all too easy to forget that what I do when I do and for Whom I do is not me. Not my husband. Not my children. It should all be done for God who has given me these precious people and all these good things to care for. It doesn't matter if others think I'm perfect or a failure. It doesn't matter if I have to write "homemaker" on the Occupation line of forms I have to fill out. It doesn't matter that I don't get paid (with money) for what I do.

I do get paid. With invisible things. With things that will not ever burn.

Two quotes that struck me from the blog posts I read:

"Could there be more meaningful work than co-laboring with God in the sculpting of souls?"

Really? Is there anything more meaningful or LASTING than that?? Then why don't I remember this BEFORE I get angry or impatient?

"Tonight, I'll finally linger at the last light switch. I'll have worked today but no one will have paid me a cent. Real work rises above the necessity of mere money. Tonight, I'll have more than money. I'll have a bouquet of words, mumbled words from around the table from mouths too full. Words He too will say at the end of time to the faithful servants. Like the words He said in the beginning, when He began His work, when He finished each task."

It hit me that God speaks to us through our children. When Judah so sweetly says "Dank you for making dinner, Mommy. It's so dee-yish-us," that is God offering me encouragement that my work is good and it is not done for myself or my family. It is done for Him because my end purpose is to glorify Him -- and raising children who will hopefully one day glorify Him will only multiply my life's purpose.

Praise be to Him. I need this reminder every day.

Judah-isms

"I don't even know dat."

I have no idea where he picked up this phrase, intonation included; but it drives me nuts. It's so cute but SO annoying! I think he tries to use it when he means "Oh, I didn't know that." Gah! I need to get some video of it.

A conversation from yesterday as we were going over some of Judah's verses...

Me: In every thing...
Judah: Give thanks! Firs Teslonians 5:18
Me: We should be thankful, huh, Judah?
Judah: Yeah.
Me: And who are we to be thankful to?
Judah: No. (meaning I don't know)
Me: Are we to be thankful to God?
Judah: Yeah. pause I'm God.
Me: No, Judah isn't God.
Judah: I'm God.
Me: No, Judah isn't God. God created Judah.
Judah: looks down at the picture of blue fish in his book Fish are God.
Me: No, fish aren't God. God made the fish.

And then we went on our merry conversational way. It was too cute how matter-of-fact he was in saying he was God.

Prayer Milestone

Every kid in a home that prays reaches that particular milestone where the prayer goes something like Judah's did at breakfast:

Momma: Thank you, Jesus, for our breakfast and help us to be obedient at the grocery store. Amen.

Judah: And tank you for Mommy and Daddy and Yijah and Judah. Amen.

...and tank you for my cheerios and banana and milk. Amen.

...and tank you for my bowl. Amen.

Words

So much to post, so little time...and health.

Today, I want to at least update you all on some cute little words being said around here.

Judah

heh'-beh-dah-ter: helicopter
nyuh'-nyups: music
dum'-pent: trumpet
liddle stah-stine: Little Einstein
quwis-mus: Christmas
noo-nools: noodles

*What's really cute is when Judah talks with the accent he invented for himself. He contorts his lips and tongue to make himself sound really funny.

Elijah

ah-dah: all done
bah: ball
dah: down
ssss or pssss: please
ah-men: amen
bah-bah: breakfast

Funny Judah Story

While my parents were here, I had to get some gunk out of Judah's nose so he could breath better. It was not going well, so I resorted to bribery. "Let me get the boogies out, and you can have ice cream," I said. And that's just what happened. I think it was the very next night as dinner was ending, Judah pipes up and says with a very excited smile, "Get my boogies out, and den I have ice cream!" He's said this several times since then. And no, we haven't given in. Then, today, he says to me, "I have two breaths and den I have chocolate chip"...meaning he would do two breaths of inhaler and then I would give him a chocolate chip cookie. It doesn't work like that, son. First, you have to NEED the inhaler to do it. Second...well, second, maybe Momma should think twice about using food as bribery for you. ;-P

Future Food Budget Busters

Judah and Elijah.

Judah better prove to me that he is about to grow...otherwise this new appetite of his will be the new norm. And it's huge! He had two waffles, yogurt, banana, and juice for breakfast. Grahm crackers and milk for snack. Chicken, corn bread, and applesauce for lunch. And then asked for "something else" (which is now the official after-meal statement: "I want sumthing else, Mommy..."). And today is just an example of how much he's been eating for a couple weeks now!

Elijah still just loves food. The End.

In Keeping With the World

So, what's on the world's mind today? Obama of course. He'll be the headline for a while, I'm sure. Everyone is offering their reactions to last night's landslide election -- both Obama supporters and McCain supporters. In keeping with the rest of the world, I will offer my thoughts.

Did I vote for Obama? No. It took me a long time to come to a conclusion between Obama and McCain. I admit that I went back and forth several times. But in the last couple weeks, there were a few things that surfaced about Obama's policies and ideals that caused me to land in the McCain camp. Am I disappointed he didn't win? Sure. So what now?

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

Obedience and submission involve respect and honor. I was frustrated when I heard people in the McCain crowd booing when McCain was graciously conceding to the rightful winner of the Presidency. Very immature, in my opinion. Do we not all agree that whoever gets the most votes wins? People seem to think that method is fair...until their man doesn't win.

And as Christians, it doesn't matter if "our man" loses. God has known from ages past who was going to be the 44th President of the USA. Our responsibility was to do our part in seeking His will and voting according to our consciences. God has everything all worked out -- for our good and for His glory. We have no right to malign the one He has placed in authority over us. We are to obey Obama, respect him, and pray for him. Being President is no easy job, and we should not make it more of a burden than it already is. Even if you might consider him and enemy, Jesus said...

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45)

But who are we to judge who is righteous and unrighteous? God is the only rightful Judge of men's hearts. On that note, there's been talk about whether or not Obama could be the Antichrist. This is dangerous talk! No one can know who that man will be until God chooses for prophecy to play itself out into history. Not to mention that would be perhaps the worst character attack on any human who ends up NOT being Antichrist! But regardless, even IF Antichrist did come from the USA and held a high office, Scripture does not give Christians room to disobey and dishonor any authority, unless asked to do something directly against God's Word. Every person in history and who is to come has been chosen by God to play a specific role -- whether righteous or unrighteous -- in His grand plan for this world. Our job is to focus on God and follow His Word and the path He has given to us individually without exception, comparison, or judging.

And to those who think the world is going to pot or that the USA is coming to ruin just because Obama was elected to be the next President, here's a word for you. I Corinthians 13:7 says that love always hopes and perseveres. We are called to love others. We are to hope for the best, not wallow in despair for a future that hasn't even come to pass...and may not. Just because I don't agree with all that Obama plans to do does not mean that Obama is going to send our country down the tube. Who knows but that he might improve our country on various fronts? Only God does! All we need to do is obey God by loving others -- hoping for the best in others -- and persevering if things do not go well.

Again, I'm not saying I think Obama was the best for this job (apparently he is or God would have elected otherwise) or that our country will see grand days ahead. What I'm saying, especially to Christians, is that we need to focus on our responsibility as God's children. We need to thank Him that He is in control and has our good and His glory in mind. We need to obey Him by respecting and submitting to the authorities He has placed over us. We need to love our authorities and pray for them. We need to hope for the best, taking joy in knowing our God has no limits to His sovereignty. We need to be prepared to persevere, no matter if the future is bright or dim. Our hope is in the Lord, not in any man! Frankly, I'm kind of excited to see how things are going to change and what God has in store for this world in the coming years! Not a happy excited, but an anticipatory excited...if that makes sense.

On a more personal note, I think the one thing that has touched my heart about this election stems from my recent epiphanies (see previous posts). Obama is a human being with a whole life story behind him. He's not untouchable. The man has emotions and memories just like we do. Throughout Obama's speech last night, I kept getting choked up and even cried once because I kept thinking about how his grandmother JUST missed seeing her grandson become the President Elect. And not just any President...the first African American one! To be any man just elected and know that one of the dearest women of your life missed the moment would be heartbreaking. To be any woman and think that you might miss your grandson become President would be heartbreaking.

And to be Michelle, seeing your very own husband become the next President...and you the next First Lady...and your daughters now spending a good chunk of growing up years in the White House...mind blowing!

And to be me, old enough to finally care about paying attention to my governing authorities. To see the first African American President elected. Yet another moment (like 9/11) that will go down in my history just like JFK's assassination and the moon landing did for my grandparents.

And to be my sons, whose first election of their lifetime was so incredibly historical.

Certainly a day we all will never forget.

A Few Tidbits

I have lots of pictures to post and no time...yet. Several are from my phone, too. After we return our computer to normal working order (after getting rid of irritable Vista and going back to XP), hopefully I'll get all the pics in one place -- here!

Elijah is having an explosion in social interaction skills. He's quite the little ham, loves to be chased, and is starting to communicate more. He now uses the sign for "please" at any time rather than just meal time. He even did it in Target the other day when he wanted to hold something. He knows how to take you by the hand and show you where he wants you to go. He speaks "all done" to tell you he is really finished with his food -- a blessing I've been waiting for! Elijah is also becoming a little helper. Yesterday, he helped me shut two doors. Today, he helped me put a load of clothes in the washer and shut the washer door.

Judah's new favorite thing is to call things "naked." One of the cutest things he says (repeating Momma and Daddy of course) is "Cum ear nakeh boy!" in a sing song fashion. But today, I heard him saying "Hi, naked trees...hi naked bunny rabbit..." while looking out the back door. Oh dear. :-P Judah is such a big helper when he wants to be. He's even started helping with Elijah on occasion (hat, jacket). He also is wanting to do more things "by myself." He tries to put his socks on, and he succeeds most of the time in putting his shoes on (even if they are sometimes on the wrong feet). He's very good at taking off his jacket and the top part of his pajamas. And he's an excellent tooth brusher!

My new favorite thing about myself is this weird new-found energy I seem to have lately. I have no idea where it's coming from, but I like it! Perhaps part of it could be the few days of freedom each week when Nathan takes Matt to work thereby leaving me the car to go do errands or take the boys to play with the Thomas the Train set at Barnes & Noble. Sure makes the need to stay home and work on the house a fun need rather than a monotonous one. Perhaps another part is the excellent sermon series our pastor is doing on I Corinthians 13. Such a well-known passage and taught on alot, but really...it is worthy of all the attention it gets. I want to paint it on a wall in my home someday. To have a Biblical description of love before your eyes daily really puts perspective on how you should behave towards your family which then extends to your behavior to others.

Matt's new favorite thing is getting better and better at playing guitar. When his parents were here last week, he and his dad played their guitars together. Tony showed Matt the simple technique of just listening to a song over and over (and over) with the chords in front of you so you can pluck along until you get the right chords and rhythm. I love having a hubby who plays the acoustic. The sound of that instrument just relaxes my whole being.

I suppose I could have waited to post this tiny tidbit update until AFTER the boys pending check-up this afternoon. Can't wait to see what percentiles Elijah is in for height and weight! Until then....have a beautiful fall day!

Emilee & Cookies

Judah now associates our friend Emilee with cookies. She's bringing snickerdoodles tonight.

Judah calls them "nicker-noonles."

CUTE!

Give Me Your Eyes

Brandon Heath

This song goes perfectly with what I've been learning lately. And I recall it may have even been an airport when I heard the words from my friend, "So many people, so many stories." Listen and make it your prayer.

(And can I just say that I LOVE this kind of music...a nice combo of pop, rock, and hip-hop.)

Beltway Epiphones II

If you haven't read the previous post, read that before reading this one.

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As I lay down for my catnap yesterday afternoon, my mind once again went to the man on the corner, his need, and his condition. I prayed for him, though I wasn't exactly sure of what words to use. I started to think about this man, this human being. There is a woman out there, whether living or in a grave, that carried him in her womb. She birthed him. There's also a man out there that fathered him. This man used to be a baby, a toddler, a boy, a teen, someone my own age, and now an older man. He grew up. He learned how to walk, eat, and talk just like me. Did he ever have a family he called his own? Was he given to an orphanage? Is he even originally from this country? If not, then how did he come to be here and on that corner at that same moment I was there? Someone once said something that was so profound to me I haven't been able to forget it. "So many people, so many stories." This man with the wobbly gate and money cup has a whole story just like I do, years under his belt and no one to share them with.

What makes me EVER think I am better than someone else? We're all broken. We all need help in one way or another. And we all need Christ if we ever hope to rise above the ugliness this world drowns us in.

Beltway Epiphones

I'm going through a phase when I feel God softening my heart and causing me to be more sensitive to those who are hurting or in need. I love these phases because I know it is teaching me to have more compassion like Christ. But they are also sobering. Today, I had the opportunity to drive down to DC to pick up my aunt and her friend to take them to the airport. In that traffic-ridden 30 minutes, God gave me two moments of precious, sobering epiphone.

There's a point on the 495 when the Mormon temple bursts onto scene, rising tall above the trees. It is truly spectacular in both the day and the night. A thing of achitectural power and beauty. Very pristine and regal looking. Gorgeous.

And then it hit me. All of this power and beauty on the outside, while inside it is harboring a religion that twists Truth and leads people away from the only One that can truly save them. This temple is the epitome of an analogy for "white washed sepulchres."

Minutes after that epiphone came a more personal one. I was sitting at a light waiting to get off the 495 and noticed a man with a money cup on the side of the road. When I had been coming to a stop and noticed there'd be a man on the corner, I immediately locked my doors. But now, stopped, I was able to see more of who he was. This was not the typical "homeless, want food" sign holder who was dressed decently, looked well enough, had other belongings around, and maybe even a cigarette in hand. He was dressed in clothes that looked worn and too big for his body. His cup was definitely not in good shape. He needed a shave. Then he started walking down the curbside. This man has some sort of problem that causes his whole body to wobble while walking. He had a cane that desperately tried to hold him up. The only picture I can think of to describe it is that his bones must be made of jello. My heart was softening whether I wanted it to or not.

Typically, I brush off ANYONE standing on the road asking for money. I've heard too many skeptics assume they all are pretending or don't REALLY need the help. My mind fought my heart. Was he pretending all of this? Or was he really like that but didn't really need money? Or was this man truly in need? Did he really need money to help him live what existence he has? My mind wandered to the chunk of change, mostly pennies, that I knew was in the ash tray. We never use it for anything. We often forget it is even there. But now I remembered. It was just pennies. If he didn't need money, it wouldn't matter to lose the pennies. If he did need money, every little bit counts. If he did need money, I wish I could give more than pennies! When was the light going to turn green? Would he have time to wobble over to my car? Would I call out to him and then have to drive on before I could give him the change?

Would Jesus have sat here this long debating about whether or not to help someone who appeared to be in need? Or would He immediately act in His good, kind compassion?

I can't see this man's heart. I can't judge him. My responsibility is to be like Jesus regardless of what this man will do with the money.

So I grabbed the change, picked out the nail clippers, and rolled down my window and called out. I don't remember what I said. But the man immediately started working his way towards my car. It took what seemed like an eternity, but he made it. He started saying "God bless you" several times as he held out his cup and I dropped the change in. I said "God bless you, too" as he continued to say thank you and "God bless you." Then he said he would pray for me. I'm not sure which god he will pray to, hopefully even the one true God! I replied with "I'll pray for you, too" and before I knew it, my hand was patting the hand that gripped the money cup. It shocked me that I did that, but then it hit me. I might have just given that man something he hasn't had in a long time, maybe if ever: unhindered compassionate human touch. Christ not only provided for others out of His compassion. He touched them, too. Even the lepers.

As soon as that happened, the light turned green and I had to drive on. I choked back tears the rest of the way to the hotel as my heart melted. Why have I for years been part of the skeptics corner. Every John Doe on the corner is not a con artist. There are thousands of people who really do NEED help. I have been thinking and acting opposite of Christ when it comes to strangers. I've judged, stood aloof, and not extended my hand to those who just might really be poor and in need.

It breaks the heart to show compassion to those in need because it reveals how broken this world is. But that kind of broken heart feels good -- because you know it is the very heart of Christ.

Smells Like Chocolate

Has any other parent out there secretly put something in their mouth and then tried to hide chewing from their children...because children inevitably want what you are eating? Well, I decided to indulge a little in some khocolate tonight. I popped a little piece in my mouth, then sat down with the boys to watch some Little Einstien. I noticed Judah got a funny look on his face and started looking around. Then he started sniffing. He looked at me and asked, "Chocolate?" ::sniff sniff while searching around:: He never did figure out where the smell was coming from. It's moments like those that make me realize you can't stop a kid from getting smarter. I had no idea he could smell something and then name what it was. I bet I won't be able to fool him much longer! And I wonder how many other smells he'd be able to recognize. I think he knows when I'm cooking dinner, but maybe not specifically what it is. He'd probably recognize muffins or biscuits. He likes those! ;-)

Crisp Autumn Day

Gorgeousness all around. Bright sun. Very blue sky. Big white puffy clouds. Changing trees. Cool breeze stirring already cool air. And sweaters!

Judah used the word "also" in a sentence today...correctly!

Matt put up a new shelf in the boys' room so we could finally throw away the changing table that had broken umpteen times. I love that shelf! Everything is so convenient now...and out of little hands' reach!

Elijah loves to put shoes on when they are not necessary, but NEVER keeps them on when his parents want them on his feet.

I love tortilla chips and being cozy with my hubby.

Funny Story: I got new socks last night, and Judah got his very first football. We dropped by our friend Justin's house to say hi and show off the new football. During conversation, I remarked that I loved my new socks. Justin said, "That's it! I knew there was something different about you, but I couldn't figure it out. It's that you're wearing shoes and not barefoot or in sandals!" Might not be funny to other people, but it just struck me right. :-)

Hammin' it up at lunch...

Elijah's First Oreo

Judah's First Verse

Judah said this verse all the way home from Sunday school last Sunday. It's the first official verse he's learned in his short little life. How wonderful of God to have it be a verse that is so applicable to his fear of the wind in the trees because of the tree that fell a few weekends ago.



(The phrase he first said in the video is actually "Wrappin' Crew" and has nothing to do with the verse. There's a Christmas episode of Barney in which three real dwarves are dressed up as Christmas elves and rap a song about being Santa's Wrappin' Crew. It makes me giggle so much. I wish I could post it, but copyright laws... So if any of you are ever visiting and want to see it, do NOT hesitate to ask! I love to share giggles!)

Growth

Elijah - On Saturday morning, we let the boys get in bed with us. Elijah was laying on me looking at my face intently. He poked my eye and said "Eyes!" * Can sign more, please, and drink(sometimes using two in a row). * Loves to put towels (and toys) in the washer and shut the door for me. * Is walking greater distances now, as in across rooms and occasionally all the way to a different room. * Can throw quite the tantrum when he does not get what he wants -- a terrible two-er is in our near future. * Loves to put diapers in the diaper pail for Momma. * Lives to eat and eats to live, and loves colby jack cheese. * Is flat out a cute and squishy love muffin.

Judah - Sunday on the way home from church, Judah started telling us all about "even wind seas obey Him...Matthew 8:26." It's really 8:27, but it's his first official Bible verse. Moving up to 2/3 year old Sunday school has done wonders in just two weeks as far as his mental development. * Uses sentences all the time now, including pronouns, conjunctions, and modifiers. * Will eat pretty much anything if it's rolled in a tortilla. * Is a big helper in many ways! * Has learned how to "skip" and has tons of fun doing it (while giving Momma a heart attack). * Is just entering the "Kids say the darndest things" stage...what Momma's been waiting for! * Drew on paper today and said "football"...and it really looks like one! * Is flat out an adorable and silly little boy friend.

Some Judah with a Little Lijah

We had a "fish fry" dinner, as Matt calls it, the other night. Baked beer batter fish fillets, french fries, and corn on the cob. A lovely treat! It's been a LONG time since we've had corn on the cob, so we had to teach Judah how to hold/eat it again. Judah, being the neat freak that he is, solved his own problem! We noticed half-way through dinner that he was quietly and intently figuring out that he could hold his cob with a paper towel and still eat it, thus keeping clean AND partaking. Elijah? He doesn't care. You can't give him food fast enough!



Judah also gets a kick out of "scaring" people with his lion roar. He loses it in crazy laughter (like my little sister can do) at the end of each LOUD roar. Elijah can do a monkey, but for some reason today he kept looking towards the window when I asked what a monkey says.



::sigh:: These boys make my heart overflow. Thanks, Lord!

Progress

Tree clean-up and removal is complete.

Next stop: window replacement.

All-Clean

And Autumn has this on her blog...and it's really fun!
Here is what you do--
1.) Type your answers to each of the questions below into the Flickr search engine.
2.) Pick an image from the first page only.
3.) Copy and Paste the URLs for each image into Mosaic Maker.
4.) Save your mosaic to your computer and upload it into your own post.



1.) What is your first name?
2.) What is your favorite food?
3.) What high school did you go to?
4.) What is your favorite color?
5.) Who is your celebrity crush?
6.) What is your favorite drink?
7.) What is your dream vacation?
8.) What is your favorite dessert?
9.) What do you want to be when you grow up?
10.) What do you love most in life?
11.) What is one word to describe you?
12.) What is your flickr name?

Have fun!

Irony

I was just looking back at a few posts and found this one from Aug 26th...

"Having a backyard that we don't fear being out in is a blessing!"

Oh, the irony. :-P

We're still waiting on someone to come remove the tree, though Matt has been sawing away at it every evening. Here's the process we'll see happen over the next ::enter amount of time:: -- fallen tree removal, all new siding on the back of the house, new shingling on backside of roof and shed, window replacement (which may include the playroom and the boys room), porch lamp replacement, and removal of the tree in our front yard. We've got mixed feelings about that last one. It's a maple tree, and I've been getting excited to see all the red leaves outside our bedroom window this fall. It does offer shade which keeps it cooler. But...it is entirely too close to the house for comfort during bad weather and it does keep things pretty dark. So oh well. We don't own the place anyway! All these things are going to add to the value of the home -- without us paying a dime for it! Renting has its perks for sure!

Some family fun at the park...



Some fun with a Central Asian hat...



Don't forget to check out the "COME SEE!" link above to the right!

Hanna Came to Visit

And she made for a unique weekend!

Pictures

The Latest

Newest Photo Albums:

Fun Brothers

Cute Labor Day Kids

Medical Update:

For those that didn't know, both my kids came down with colds last week. Elijah landed himself 1 1/2 ear infections and is on a course of antibiotics. Judah landed himself a week of preventative inhaler to keep asthma at bay. Both are doing better, just lingering cough and a little bit of runny noses. I also came down with a small version of a cold, that I think is indistinguishable from allergies. Apparently ragweed is in season. :-P

Boys Update:

Judah is talking like CRAZY! Other people are really starting to understand him, and he is using more and more complete sentences. Yesterday, he said something like "Daddy, have mine blankie, please" because Matt was teasing by playing keep-away. Judah is also getting kinda spastic. Mostly hyper, half the time happy, half the time cranky. Whew! He can be quite a handful!

Elijah is, well, adorable. Squishy and snuggly. I can tell he's on a mental growth spurt right now. He's gaining motor skills with his hands and is playing more intricately with toys. He LOVES peekaboo, food, and bathtime.

Matt Update:

Workin' away and being a great husband and daddy. I am truly blessed!

Me Update:

I start teaching a Home Ec class on Sept 9 to 5 young teen students. It should be fun -- though adventurous! This semester will be all about food. I just started working on the "curriculum" today. :-P

My thumb is an issue still, despite the ibuprofen therapy. I pretty much quit wearing the brace because it seemed to only make my thumb hurt worse, perhaps out of stiffness? So I'll probably call the doc back later this week and ask him if he wants me to continue ibuprofen or go see a specialist.

Hopefully, I'll start those allergy shots soon. It's tough -- the office hours are different every day and having only one car makes it a challenge!


Alrighty, time to go. Things to do!

Chalkin' up to some Family Fun!

Having a backyard that we don't fear being out in is a blessing! Look!

Thumbs are Useful

I finally went to the doctor to have my right thumb joint looked at. It's been bothering me for several months, but more so in the last month. I feared the worst -- a cyst that would need to be removed. But I heard the best -- a simple inflamation of the tendon and the sheath that surrounds it. So I'm taking ibuprofen regularly for the next two weeks and have one of those gloves for carpal tunnel (though that's not what it is) to see if that helps it heal. If not, then we'll start on the x-ray and hand doctor path. The doc is pretty convinced this is the problem and deemed it a "life inury" meaning that life has injured my joint. Especially having 1 and 2 year old sons. :-)

Elijah!

Trying Hard

Spiderman! Spiderman! "Goes" wherever a spider can!

I'm starting to think potty training is as scary or scarier for parents than it is for toddlers. But we acquired these from Mrs. Robin last night. I plan to get him some more tonight. He wet these within 10 minutes. :-P So....heeeere weeee goooo!

Colorado Adventures

It was grand!

To spend so many days focused on just Jaclyn was a never-before-had treasure! It was a very peaceful, relaxing, and refreshing few days. I love her family. I hope my boys grow up to have character like her brother Ben -- kind, thoughtful, chivalrous, playful, Scripture readily quoted, a halo of Christ-worship ready to shine. It was good to see examples of how to teach/discipline a 4 years old. The food was yummy (don't forget to give me the Red Beans & Rice recipe!!!). The mountains were beautiful and showed me just how altitude can affect a body used to sea level. :-P You do reach a point where your heart is pounding fast and little floaties appear in your vision. That's your queue to turn around and head back down the mountain path! Celebrating Jaclyn on her birthday was priceless. I never bumble over words in a serious moment. Ever. But when it comes to Jaclyn, there really are no words. There was TOO much to say about her that I couldn't choose. And of course, after my turn was over, I thought of numerous ways to say what I wanted everyone to know about why I love her. :-) I cried alot that night. Affirming tears of affection for my dear Jaclyn and what God has done in our lives individually and together.

But there was one thing that stood out to me about this trip. And that is the detail I will give. Now, to give a little history, if God has been showing me one thing the past few years, it has been the reality of lostness. God has been awakening my heart to this from the moment I stood staring at my sleeping newborn Judah and realized here lay a soul without Christ. The pain of that moment still brings tears to my eyes, sting to spiritual reality, and desperation to my prayers. SLOWLY, God has continued showing me the reality of souls with and without Christ. I'm thankful for the pace. It's already overwhelming learning it over several years. Having grown up in a Christian atmosphere and being blessed with excellent teachers all the way through college and even now definitely sheltered me from seeing blatant lostness save for the 5:00 news. And I think that up-bringing allowed me to easily slip into a spiritual reality of my own that did NOT include the seriousness of souls without Christ. But true spiritual reality is as serious as anything in life gets. The difference between hell and heaven. Eternal pain and eternal bliss. Prideful unbelief and humble faith. And it doesn't take a lifetime of goodness. The switch happens in an instant. Everything hinges on one moment in time for each soul.

So, Jaclyn's church held their baptism on Sunday. Pastor Ed appropriately taught on "Why be baptized?" It was a great message! And an easy lead in to a powerful Gospel presentation and invitation. I used to roll my eyes at invitations (again, I think the attitude stems from my response to up-bringing). But last Sunday, with this new sense of spiritual reality, I finally was in touch with what was truly happening. A few stood up as Pastor Ed spoke of receiving Christ. It hit me -- in that very moment, those souls were saved for eternity. In that MOMENT. Boom -- from the pits of hell to the heart of heaven. From Satan's shackle to God's stronghold. From self to Christ. Forever sealed to the Father. Granted, a long journey is ahead for those newborn souls. But the journey is not the salvation. It is the result of the salvation. Incredible!

And that was followed up by an afternoon of food, fun, fellowship, and the baptisms. Now, Friends, THIS is how baptism should be done! It was amazing! It made me realize how stoical my view of baptism is. Emotionless. There was no man-made baptistery, testimonial speeches before a microphone in front of a crowd with all eyes on you, or white robes. I'm not knocking the way most churches do baptism. A great deal of why we do what we do is tradition and culture. But once you see it done the way I saw -- like it was in John the Baptist's day and in the Acts church -- wow! The congregation just stood on the shore of the reservoir, some in the water, others on the sand. The pastoral staff waded out in the water, and those wanting to be baptized waded out one by one, couple by couple, family by family. No one was singled out to give a testimony to the whole crowd. Each pastor spoke with each person for a few minutes and then prayed over them. While I do think it important to make sure someone is a believer before baptism, I don't think it needs to be a long formal process. We are not the judges of someone's heart. If they say they know Christ and understand baptism, we accept that and trust God for the truth. And to see couples and families being baptized together...What a treasured memory they will always have! And the joy on people's faces, some gleeful and others tearful. Souls publicly professing that Christ is Lord of their lives, relishing the freedom found in Him, resting in the love of the Brethren! What more can I say??? I might just start a No Baptistery Petition if/when our church ever builds. ;-)

Whew. I'm spent. Don't feel like your toes were stepped on by any of my words. It's what God has been doing in my life and the changes in my personal views. I would not relive my upbringing for anything -- it was perfect! It was my response to it that was skewed and is now being corrected. And I don't think baptisteries are wrong at all. I just now see that there's a different way that I love to watch more!

Now go see pictures. :-) See photos here.

One Small Step

Elijah decided that he would go ahead and start walking! Of course, the camera was immediately rolling...

Lovin' CO

It's gorgeous here. The sky, the landscape, the air quality, the temperature...the company. :-)

Eye of the GOOD Storm **FIXED**

**We all owe our undying gratitude to Laura-Loo who has finally cleared up my confusion and ingnorance about how to let people who do not have a Facebook account see the pics I post there! Now the question is, will I EVER post another picture on my blog since Facebook is so much easier! :-P Enjoy the now-working links! **

So last week was busy. I have a couple days respite, then off to Denver!!! So here's a quick update and some links for those who are not on Facebook so that you can still see my photos. :-)

Kids' Check-ups

Took the kids to see Dr. L last Thursday. Judah's ears are perfectly fine, praise the Lord! Dr. L also checked all of Judah's vitals and mushed on his terrible bump to make sure all was well, and all is indeed well. Quite the rainbow of color on Judah's forehead, I might say. See this photo album for pics of his bump (and some fun play date pics) right after it happened. ::shiver::

Elijah is 99.9 percent healthy. He had one red ear, but not enough to warrant treatment. So we're praying it stays that way! He's making all his milestones on schedule. We were surprised by his percentiles, though. Everyone thinks he's a hefty baby. Well, he is. But not in the way we all think! He's 50% for height, 50% for head. But he's 90% for height! So he's tall, not fat. ;-) Last week, he started standing by himself. It won't be long until there are no more crawling babies in our home. Weird!

Judah Smarts

While waiting for Elijah's "shops" as Judah calls them (shots), Judah was playing on the little bed in the check-up room. The door was open. He pointed behind me and said "Nummer Two." Sure enough -- there was a big 2 on the door! Matt took him to a picture of some dogs dressed up like nerds and asked Judah to count them. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5." There were five dogs! Matt took him to a picture of 4 lion cubs and asked Judah to count them. "One, two, three, four, fff..." He stopped saying five, thought hard, and didn't count anymore. MAYBE he can count??

Judah learned the word for where airplanes fly in and out of. "Air-pork." :-)

Facebook Photo Alubms

Elijah's Birthday Party

Washington DC

I added a few new pics of some room rearranging to this album.

Play Dates

I'm sorry, ya'll, but Facebook is way easier to post pictures on. You edit and save in one folder, select all and upload. No formatting to worry about with words messing up placement of pictures. I'm crossing over! Ahhhh...save me! So, if you want to see some fun play date pictures from today, look on my Facebook!

If you're not a friend on Facebook, let me know if you're desperate for pictures. ;-)

Monday, Monday...da da daaa da da...

As Judah currently plays "golf" with a drum stick and random balls, I thought I'd take a moment to do a short post.

I took Matt to work early this morning in order to keep the car for daytime grocery shopping. It was so pleasant to be up in the quiet (chilly!) morning with my hubby. We got Dunkin Donuts and watched the red sun rising while we drove along. On my way home, I was lost in thought and missed 175, so I just drove on to 100. (Note to Fellow MDers: I'm weeding out our California talk concerning freeways. You've won.) While on the clover leaf to 100, I saw two little fawns having a fresh, dewy grass breakfast by the side of the road. They were absolutely adorable! Probably even smaller than a golden retriever. A small blessing on an already pleasant morning. :-)

I have a bad mosquito bite right in the spot where most flip flop straps meet the base of the shoe. I-T-C-H-Y. Matt had the great idea to put some padding and a big bandage on it to keep things from rubbing it, to stabalize the skin so it doesn't wrinkle much as I walk, and so that I can't really scratch it. Thanks, Love! Hopefully, it'll heal soon.

I just instructed Judah to push on the legs of a chair to get it out from under the table where he wants to play. He scooted closer to the chair and put his leg on it and tried to push the chair with his leg. Kids are so literal!

Judah's conversation ability has gone through the roof lately! He speaks in sentences regularly, even using some pronouns and conjuctions (not that he knows what they are!). Often, he adds "uh" in the middle of words. Examples: "Yook-uh, Mommy. Go fass!" & "Shut-uh da door." Speaking of Judah, here is another Translation List:

yook: look
fass: fast
dinah-s-sore: dinosaur
seh-dert: dessert
goshee door: grocery store
dah-ter: helicopter
uh-swee: nursery
tun-ner: thunder
yee-ya: Lydia

Elijah is starting to stand by himself a little more. Yesterday he stood for about 15 seconds when Matt put him in the middle of the floor. He'll be there soon -- but I'm not pushin' it. He crawls fast enough as it is! He's so adorable...and he'll be ONE on Thursday! Weird!

Funny story. My mom showed me a Ty beanie baby on Amazon, and I raved about it! It was a light blue monkey like the brown one he has...or so I thought. When I opened the box, it was a light blue bear. I thought perhaps something had gone wrong in shipment or that my mom accidentally ordered a bear instead. Uh...no. Something went wrong with my vision. The picture I saw was indeed a blue bear, and for some reason I saw a monkey. :-P The bear is adorable, soft, and squishy -- 'Lijah will love it! And now it has a fun story behind it!

Alright, off to finishing my shopping list. Have a good day!

Dining on Cuteness

The Dining Room is now finished enough that I want to post pictures. The only thing left to do is fix the curtain rod, but that's minor. The room is done!



And now dine on some mid-day playtime!



Lowes has the GREATEST kid carts! Facing forward, high sides, two steering wheels, seat belts, separation from cart items...perfecto!



Hi, Jaclyn! I like the purse you made Momma!



Have a trippy day!



All our happy love!