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.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Emilee & Cookies
Judah now associates our friend Emilee with cookies. She's bringing snickerdoodles tonight.
Judah calls them "nicker-noonles."
CUTE!
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.)
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.)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Beltway Epiphones II
If you haven't read the previous post, read that before reading this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
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! ;-)
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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. :-)
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. :-)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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!)
(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!)
Monday, September 22, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 19, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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!
"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!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Chalkin' up to some Family Fun!
Having a backyard that we don't fear being out in is a blessing! Look!
Friday, August 22, 2008
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!
Elijah!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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!
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!
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