tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328016862024-02-28T13:11:27.142-06:00Up With The BabiesFor my extended family: A glimpse of my own little, yet growing, family.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-25646053277516683762009-02-12T10:31:00.002-06:002009-02-12T10:37:50.695-06:00The Influence of Bible TimeA few Sundays ago I spoke with Perry and Daisy's Sunday School teacher. <br /><br />"I just love having your boy in my class." He said.<br /><br />"Yeah?"<br /><br />"Yes. Today I watched him very carefully stack about four of those large lego blocks together. Then he placed a little toy goat on top. He looked up at me and said, 'Does this look like an alter to Baal?'"<br /><br />I just about died laughing.<br /><br />On our way home from church, when I retold the story to David, Perry jumped in an said, "And I only bowed down a little."<br /><br />Yikes. <br /><br /><br /><br />Oh, and I'm sure you're wondering about little Elijah. Well, I'll have to tackle that subject when I get more time.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-50780642177280467992009-01-21T19:16:00.006-06:002009-01-21T20:51:02.745-06:00Just a Bit About CalvinThis past Tuesday was Calvin's first day of exclusive walking. I don't think I've seen him crawl since. What a cool little guy! I almost thought he'd never get around to it. <br /><br />The other Sunday in church the pastor asked, as he always does, if anyone had anything they wanted to share with the congregation. Perry piped up, "I want to share!" We quieted him down (whether or not we should have. Our church is pretty open when it comes to all ages speaking up). Then Calvin, like the little parrot he's becoming said, "I-wanna-share. I-wanna-share" all slurred together like that. It was hard not to laugh, he's just so cute.<br /><br />Today he walked up to me and wanted me to pick him up. I asked him if I could just hold his hand and walk around with him. It worked, and not a moment too soon since the new baby is due next week!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-54456375992378628902008-12-12T10:00:00.004-06:002008-12-12T10:48:57.947-06:00Our Kids and The Big Snow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpYOTMOBbpQVxedb_jpve9pVI5cSHwiRfwZQj6-KuVDtAPpbb-dTAvg7EqwSE1Sfbd3JFBVw6-9OyrHZcq7xQpRuGNqSl8d8FJl63OAab0zWExYX8CGWSeDtF174KCoV4O0pg/s1600-h/CIMG2115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpYOTMOBbpQVxedb_jpve9pVI5cSHwiRfwZQj6-KuVDtAPpbb-dTAvg7EqwSE1Sfbd3JFBVw6-9OyrHZcq7xQpRuGNqSl8d8FJl63OAab0zWExYX8CGWSeDtF174KCoV4O0pg/s400/CIMG2115.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278937411680843106" /></a><br /><br />I snowed last night. This morning on the radio they said we averaged 2" across Middle Tennessee. The last time we got any measurable snow it was under an inch--and that was 8 years ago! <br /><br />After dinner I got up and looked out the window to check the temperature--and lo and behold it was snowing! I was so shocked I called the family to see it. Even though it was almost bed time, we got the kids bundled up and let them play in the fluffy white stuff for a while. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBjUJEA6hMHD8Bp0w47oemwnrsTxeHlQc6BNd4Q6W4GtAN4LZ76SraHN-B2FCblWTrVdCVyi642Kev6kmOXpumH71oGFe_tEkZ11nBUOyY43dmljnFVm8b8WMVWnGwEwiKm_1/s1600-h/CIMG2124.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBjUJEA6hMHD8Bp0w47oemwnrsTxeHlQc6BNd4Q6W4GtAN4LZ76SraHN-B2FCblWTrVdCVyi642Kev6kmOXpumH71oGFe_tEkZ11nBUOyY43dmljnFVm8b8WMVWnGwEwiKm_1/s400/CIMG2124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278937408395711090" /></a><br /><br />It's all melting now. As the sun rises it hits new parts of the trees and the little pieces of ice on each branch slip and fall to the earth. At first I thought it was hail. That shows you how unaccustomed I am to this kind of weather. I let the kids go and play in the snow after breakfast, but they kept running in and out and whining abut something or other. I think Perry wanted me to build him a snow man, but I really didn't want to go out in the cold. Daisy would have been happy if only Perry would have stayed out there with her. The door got opened (and left open) too many times so I told them they had to stay in. They don't want to take their jackets off though. I think they're hoping I'll relent.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-15480424469398070632008-12-10T16:22:00.003-06:002008-12-10T19:50:31.114-06:00Merry Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGL_Bmd7Q8iBeydAqN8MVsyk_I58JQi8zsvDNeqZ0Bi8MdvDQu5TNxuHxibeOCdoOSZCwp1PH0AvJ46phYCmWSmMhCBqrwb_wFXqv4PYJQn5AxacsmQRK-LNMgoip5qxg3W89/s1600-h/CIMG2110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGL_Bmd7Q8iBeydAqN8MVsyk_I58JQi8zsvDNeqZ0Bi8MdvDQu5TNxuHxibeOCdoOSZCwp1PH0AvJ46phYCmWSmMhCBqrwb_wFXqv4PYJQn5AxacsmQRK-LNMgoip5qxg3W89/s400/CIMG2110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278290814148443906" /></a><br /><br />If I can get my act together in time I plan to send this picture out with Christmas cards. But just in case I don't, you can at least enjoy it here :)<br /><br />After much deliberation on whether or not we should, we decided we would in fact celebrate Advent. Believe it or not I was really proud of the candles and wreath I came up with. I bought some taper candles (gosh I had forgotten how fragile those things are--especially in little hands). Then I bought five brass candle holders from Good Will. Next I cut some holly branches and berries from our bush and constructed a wreath to fit around the candles. <br /><br />The problems came when I tried to put them all together. The candles wouldn't actually fit into the holders. We had to melt them quite a bit in order to get them to even rest in their slots. Almost any movement of the table sends them crashing. It's a wonder they're still mostly intact. When I unwrapped the white candle from its cellophane, I noticed that it was broken, even though I took great pains to make sure I bought unbroken candles. Now, in case you are unfamiliar with Advent, the white candle is supposed to be the Christ candle. In other words, it's the most special of all! David tried to melt it back together, but in doing so put black marks on it that we couldn't get off unless we scratched them off and I was afraid we'd re-brake it if we tried that. So we just left it. But then just yesterday it got knocked over one time too many times and re-broke anyway. David just cut it off at the break and trimmed a new wick for me. I think it will work fine--even though it's now shorter than the other candles. <br /><br />Also, as you can probably see from the picture, Calvin got a hold of one of the candles and bit into it. So it might look a little shabby, but I'm still proud of it.<br /><br />The kids seem to be enjoying our Advent celebrations. We've been lighting the correct candles on the correct Sunday nights, at dinner. Then, after dinner we enjoy dessert (something of a rarity) and David reads the Advent verses and we sing an Advent hymn. David and I have been enjoying it too. One of the interesting things our pastor said on the first Sunday of Advent is that the holiday is celebrated in order for us to prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas--Christ's original coming. However, it is also supposed to remind us to prepare our hearts and lives for his second coming. I love how it all ties in together!<br /><br />Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-49001859617594325452008-12-08T13:01:00.004-06:002008-12-08T14:22:04.780-06:00Just Stuff That's Been Going On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_vVhWTRSLtn-_OUn1c1GYFB-ERZivdURuSJ0_Pf8TcInfzNe793iCBYADpgpHnf4ohgBSPC7MlH5qhMCteeLTTZGSc55JPk9WFxfCrY4Wrg8rwFt0Vo96NQMqKRMXOJTbYv0/s1600-h/CIMG2103.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_vVhWTRSLtn-_OUn1c1GYFB-ERZivdURuSJ0_Pf8TcInfzNe793iCBYADpgpHnf4ohgBSPC7MlH5qhMCteeLTTZGSc55JPk9WFxfCrY4Wrg8rwFt0Vo96NQMqKRMXOJTbYv0/s400/CIMG2103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277517044125759666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG7D0MdW4ImOLWFnJ7Lh5qY1r4NVkdaJO_eNu4ZOhoOeIEv2D6NAMjNq_c2cjFf3HnnnACZfS2OgvJ_zFSwMW9LrBefnWdx3PpIVw79JSoZX4Pgrh4WFlaGM9g8l16rGeZfpw/s1600-h/CIMG2102.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG7D0MdW4ImOLWFnJ7Lh5qY1r4NVkdaJO_eNu4ZOhoOeIEv2D6NAMjNq_c2cjFf3HnnnACZfS2OgvJ_zFSwMW9LrBefnWdx3PpIVw79JSoZX4Pgrh4WFlaGM9g8l16rGeZfpw/s400/CIMG2102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277517039182577074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrcirSCL6g0SqisppQ9p6kNg3hto-yULcm512YGNdoNpE6iBbN0XdHuoJGAIdDAW8A1Xyg_Tk7h7c_diZ7hyt4xRq2rTOGzOZt_HFl0jPr89reh2IAvEcuJhBuo782cq_DNyt/s1600-h/CIMG2101.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrcirSCL6g0SqisppQ9p6kNg3hto-yULcm512YGNdoNpE6iBbN0XdHuoJGAIdDAW8A1Xyg_Tk7h7c_diZ7hyt4xRq2rTOGzOZt_HFl0jPr89reh2IAvEcuJhBuo782cq_DNyt/s400/CIMG2101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277517031053638050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXMmeP1d-chxua-Il8Ghlx3yTpjyhHWB235vU4r96DEvuaB4E_9GzLSBKZEW7HgAtENOcPkonPOZdPmkowWWU1OwbJD8WK5tDtgRYFTW6zgAiIGWde9AZgysxE3ZcX3qliSk7/s1600-h/CIMG2100.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXMmeP1d-chxua-Il8Ghlx3yTpjyhHWB235vU4r96DEvuaB4E_9GzLSBKZEW7HgAtENOcPkonPOZdPmkowWWU1OwbJD8WK5tDtgRYFTW6zgAiIGWde9AZgysxE3ZcX3qliSk7/s400/CIMG2100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277517029072978130" /></a><br />Yesterday while driving home from church we saw a sign that said the road would be closed at 1:45 for the Smyrna Christmas Parade. We had no idea there was even going to be a parade! It was then about 1:00 and we had just enough time to devise a plan... We had split a loaf of bread 5 ways, or so, on the ride home. So when we got home and Daisy was asleep and Calvin close to it, we put them down. David looked up exactly where the parade would be while Perry and I ate a muffin and an apple. Then I loaded Perry up in the double stroller, the other side holding a folding chair for myself, and we walked to Smyrna's little downtown area--not too far away. David and the other two stayed home and napped :)<br /><br />It was really fun to share the experience with Perry. Followed by the fire department's color guard, came the mayor on a golf cart throwing candy to all the children. Next came all the town councilmen following suit. There was the local high school marching band, and it was all I could do not to cry as it went by. I love marching bands, but didn't realize I loved them <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> much. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones. Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars went by with their lights flashing and occasionally turning on their loud sirens. Since the only Nissan factory in the US is located here in Smyrna, they brought out what must have been an example of each of their cars. Local businesses and boy and girl scout troups and churches made up the bulk of what was left. My favorite was a truck pulling a trailer, as most of them were, owned by a chimney-sweep company. Walking beside the vehicle were four people, two on each side, clad in black with chimney sweep brushes slung over their shoulders and black smudges on their faces--smiling and waiving to the crowd. On the trailer were four chimneys of varying sizes and styles constructed of who knows what, each smoking, and a woman dressed up as Mary Poppins. Speakers on the trailer played "Chim-Chimney." <br /><br />After a while I noticed a police car driving down the road with its lights flashing, honking its horn and trying to zoom around the the cars in front of it. With all the children occasionally running into the street to gather up the candy, I was a little puzzled at the policeman's actions. A little while after that we saw an ambulance and then a small fire truck do the same thing. My first thought was that someone driving a vehicle in the parade hit one of the children. I hope not, though. I can't find out any information on it, though, so it was probably just some accident somewhere completely unconnected with the parade and the service vehicles thought this was the fastest rout to take, even though it was right through the middle of the parade.<br /><br />I made <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paradise-macaroons-recipe/index.html">Alton Brown's Paradise Macaroons</a> cookie recipe on Saturday. They are amazing! I think they taste just like those Mound candies (you know, Almond Joys without the almonds). David thinks they taste better :) Actually, I literally can't remember the last time he raved this much about something I cooked. The recipe calls for only 2 oz. of sweetened condensed milk. <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/03/dulce-de-leche-crockpot-recipe.html">I turned the rest of the milk into dulce de leche</a>. Since the can was already open, I just filled the crockpot up with water until it was just below the can. For Thanksgiving I made a Chocolate Pecan Pumpkin Pie that I sort of came up with after reading a couple of recipes. It turned out very well (if I do say so myself). I think I'll make the bottom part of it again minus the pecans--so sort of a chocolate pie, and after it has cooled, put the dulce de leche on top with a drizzle of chocolate on top to make a sort of chocolate caramel pie. But with all the sweets in the house right now, I'll just freeze it for a special occasion in the future.<br /><br />And there you have it, more than you ever wanted to know about our recent lives!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-81355219445452251062008-11-18T14:30:00.002-06:002008-11-18T14:33:22.176-06:00"F" NamesSorry I haven't written anything substantial lately--only posted updates when I've added more names to the baby name list. I'm just so incredibly busy! But I guess we all are, really, so it's not like I'm any different than any of you :)<br /><br />Anyhow, check out the "F" names and let me know what you think.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-12238877273465344612008-11-06T14:25:00.002-06:002008-11-06T14:32:42.173-06:00"E" NamesThe one and only "E" name I like, at least from this site, is up to vote on. "D" names are there too in case you haven't voted on them yet.<br /><br />There is a name I came across and liked that isn't in this site's database: Adoniram. I don't exactly know what it means--I just read it and liked the sound of it. David said there was a missionary named Adoniram Judson. Since David's grandfather's name is Judson, maybe we'll name the baby that--if it's a boy. But then again, David's cousin and wife just had a baby boy and used Judson for one of his middle names, so maybe we shouldn't. We wouldn't want to steal their thunder or anything, you know?<br /><br />What do you think?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-91948394480764085012008-11-06T14:12:00.002-06:002008-11-06T14:13:34.579-06:00Baby TickerFor those of you asking about it, I've finally gotten around to changing the "baby ticker." The countdown is now accurate, so enjoy!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-39278464060382191452008-11-03T20:23:00.004-06:002008-11-03T20:41:27.222-06:00From the Mouth of BabesThe other day David was on the phone in the front yard while Perry and Daisy played around near him. All the sudden I heard David's tone of voice change. It wasn't that he was mad, just talking to a different person. When he finished on the phone David found me and filled me in, with raised eyebrows, on all that wet on out there. He gave me the, "He's <span style="font-style:italic;">your</span> child" look.<br /><br />Apparently Perry saw that the new neighbor across the street was outside, so he asked her:<br /><br />"Hey, did your dad die a long time ago?"<br /><br />"What?" she responded, a little confused, then "what did he say?" addressing David.<br /><br />"I'm sorry," said David, not knowing how to get out of explaining, "he's asking if your dad died a long time ago."<br /><br />"Oh, no... He's still alive." <br /><br />"Ok."<br /><br />And then Perry ran away, leaving David and the neighbor to look at each other; one with puzzlement and the other in embarrassment. <br /><br />Have your kids ever said something strange or embarrassing? I'm sure they have, almost every kids does at some point or another. I'd love to hear about it, if it's not still too taboo a subject to talk about.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-75189634133251977972008-09-16T19:45:00.006-05:002008-09-16T20:03:33.178-05:00"C" Names are Up!A number of you have voted now for your favorite names. Thanks for doing that, I love to hear what you all think. I've just gone through the "C" names and added my favorites to the list. I should specify that these names are ones only I have chosen, so don't worry if you don't like any of them too much since David still hasn't even looked at them :) Also, now that there are more to choose from, we're kind of mix 'n matching. Some might make better middle rather than first names so keep that in mind. Feel free to give me feed-back if you like a certain combination of any two I've chosen.<br /><br />I suppose it's only fair to give you the tally so far :)<br /><br />Ace <br />Yes--0<br />No--4<br /><br />Aldis <br />Yes--1<br />No--3<br /><br />Amos <br />Yes--3<br />No--1<br /><br />Archer <br />Yes--2<br />No--2<br /><br />Arden <br />Yes--1<br />No--3<br /><br />Arthur <br />Yes--1<br />No--3<br /><br />Blaise <br />Yes--1<br />No--3<br /><br />Brent <br />Yes--2<br />No--2<br /><br />Briar <br />Yes--1<br />No--3<br /><br />Butch <br />Yes--0<br />No--4Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-47641333686243314392008-09-15T16:13:00.002-05:002008-09-15T19:27:31.604-05:00How to Have a Happy DaisyDaisy's new favorite pastime is to roam around the house with a damp washcloth "washing" things. She might sit for ten minutes or so washing a chair or a toy or move from room to room washing windowsills, doors, walls, books, you name it. It really seems to make her happy. When I see her doing this I usually thank her for being such a good helper. Maybe she's inherited some of my mother and grandmother's tidiness genes--I sure didn't. <br /><br />In other news:<br /><br />This evening Perry and I were talking about different states and he wanted to know where Pennsylvania was located. <br /><br />"Is is near Tennessee?" He asked. When I responded negatively he wanted to know if it was close to Florida. Again I told him it wasn't and suggested he get his map game of the United States and we would find it together. When he came back with the game we turned it on--it will say the name of the state when you press on it. I asked him were Tennessee was. He found it the first time, pressed on it and the game told him he had gotten it right. We did the same with Florida. <br /><br />"And there's Pennsylvania" I told him and then asked him to press on the green state. <br /><br />"And there's Underwear" Daisy said, and pointed directly to Delaware.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-69191847185826495852008-09-12T19:43:00.003-05:002008-09-12T19:52:27.301-05:00Help Name the New Baby!I've added a new page element. Just under the floating countdown baby, which incidentally is about three weeks too fast, I've added a link to a page where you can vote on names for the new baby. So far I've only gone through this site's A and B names, but I'm going to try to update it frequently--so stay posted. And please do vote! You probably won't sway us too much with your preferences, but it's nice to know what you like anyhow :)<br /><br />You'll notice there are only boy's names up there at present. That's because we've got the girl's names nailed down to two: Persephone or Charity. If we list any girl's names, they will probably be as a middle name for one of these two. <br /><br />Do let me know what you think!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-38370227966016843872008-09-09T19:54:00.002-05:002008-09-09T20:09:31.940-05:00Clogged EarsA few Sundays ago Perry met me in the hall after church. He had escaped from Sunday School right at the end. I think he figures that when some other parent comes to get his or her kid, Sunday School is over and he's free to wonder the halls looking for me. He just gets excited and forgets he's supposed to stay put until I get there to claim him. <br /><br />"Mom, look! I made a sifter for cakes!" Then he handed me a black cylindrical piece of construction paper with stickers all over it.<br /><br />"Oh, great Perry!" I said, a little puzzled.<br /><br />I stood there a little while longer waiting for David to gather up Daisy, Calvin, and all the worldly possessions we, for some reason, feel we have to haul to church every Sunday. <br /><br />"Oh, great, you've got him," I hear and turn around to see Perry's Sunday School teacher looking relieved.<br /><br />We exchanged greetings and then she mentioned that they'd been studying the book of Ester.<br /><br />"Oh," I said, "Then this is probably not a sifter for cakes, then."<br /><br />"No," she replied, laughing. "It's a scepter. The Scepter of Mercy."<br /><br />Perry looked up at me. "The Scepter of Nursing?"Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-45683692188279125092008-07-16T17:40:00.001-05:002008-07-16T17:44:24.245-05:00The Deviant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTacCMUMPjUlZTaaBLfi4jzvifBwSkt59EgRQOiep4q32u8nFbGWvYnEOsq9IJBYfMtkBhPoajjfpI3xZw9WfHKLqElwlmCexYqJbW_4TyMI7vws0eQLX5xlUKCNiDQ2CrY51_/s1600-h/CIMG1764.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTacCMUMPjUlZTaaBLfi4jzvifBwSkt59EgRQOiep4q32u8nFbGWvYnEOsq9IJBYfMtkBhPoajjfpI3xZw9WfHKLqElwlmCexYqJbW_4TyMI7vws0eQLX5xlUKCNiDQ2CrY51_/s400/CIMG1764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223746032653722050" /></a><br /><br />Here's the mohawk boy. In case you can't decipher it from the picture, that's David's pipe he's playing with. <br /><br />David took the picture.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-60361307063100470162008-07-14T21:01:00.004-05:002008-07-14T21:37:55.748-05:00Our Little One Turns One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-oJBgROJWKNCLc8kLdd-awbuRex-NTFEmz_-Ig-XrbDw0dOGigDF0avTGvflaZLM2ESfgVXvMGPsV7D2q9BvC01-r8S8u6NBNZ3J_WOPLKULNc-VMkdZaXPPEhl1u4AruIOS/s1600-h/CIMG1692.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-oJBgROJWKNCLc8kLdd-awbuRex-NTFEmz_-Ig-XrbDw0dOGigDF0avTGvflaZLM2ESfgVXvMGPsV7D2q9BvC01-r8S8u6NBNZ3J_WOPLKULNc-VMkdZaXPPEhl1u4AruIOS/s400/CIMG1692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223055470914726194" /></a><br /><br />Congratulations birthday boy! Wow, has it been a year already? <br /><br />We spent the morning of his birthday at the library where we saw a friend of ours perform a children's singing and story program. It was wonderful. I was surprised at how much the kids really got out of it. Just a little plug for our friend Kevin Kidd: http://www.kevinkidd.com/<br /><br />I told Perry we could buy one of his CDs and he insisted that we get the one with the stinky feet song. I guess I'm a push-over. I love it when little boys enjoy being little boys. I bought the CD.<br /><br />I was going to make a pinata, more for Perry and Daisy to celebrate with than Calvin, but by the time I figured out how to do paper mache it would have taken too many days to dry and wouldn't have been finished in time. But we had a cake and, as you can see, Calvin enjoyed it.<br /><br />Despite expecting a new baby, I've been able to continue nursing Calvin. Hooray! I feel like I've finally succeeded at nursing! There were a few times this past month or so I contemplated weaning him--only to discover he wouldn't let me. I found this interesting. Each other time I was pregnant and nursing my nursling jumped at the chance for formula because I just wasn't producing enough milk. The only things different this time around are 1.) I'm not scheduling feedings (I don't have time to look at the clock--it's much easier to feed him when he wants) and 2.) he's older than the other two were when we went through this. It really doesn't matter that much to me why he's continued nursing; I'm just so happy he has! But at the same time I'm a little nervous too. How long is he going to want to keep this up? I've got a book on tandem nursing that I read a little bit of every once in a while and I'm not sure I can do that. Even if I could, I'm not sure I <span style="font-style:italic;">want</span> to. I guess I'll just take it one day at a time.<br /><br />In other news we finally got our dishwasher installed. In case anyone out there didn't know, this was a full instillation--the house didn't have one before this. I'm so thankful to my wonderful husband for all the hard work involved in putting it in! <br /><br />Also, the other day while I was finishing up something on the computer, David decided to surprise me by cutting the boys' hair. In actuality this is something he could only have done while my back was turned. See for yourself:<br /><br />Ok, I couldn't get the pictures to post well so I'll just tell you about them and post them some other time. Calvin, as anyone who knows David might guess, has a buzzed head. Perry's hair is even more shocking--and honest-to-goodness mohawk. Calvin's buzzed hair fits his little round head perfectly. We might just keep it this way. Perry, on the other hand... At first I thought it was kind of cute. And it is, as long as he's romping around the yard looking sweet. But when he throws a temper tantrum it's just scary. It makes him look like a little punk. I'm not ready for this from my three year old. So we'll see how long the haircut lasts. He loves it, though. David told him he looks like a fish or a dinosaur.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-28055345473996560202008-07-05T21:04:00.004-05:002008-07-06T00:08:47.067-05:00A Farewell to ArmsI was just sitting on the sofa reading Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms. At a chapter break I laid it down and listened. Usually it's quiet, but tonight I can hear the booming of my neighbors' leftover fireworks. <br /><br />In the book I just finished reading a battle and retreat scene. I don't follow war and battle in books (or even movies) well. I just can't understand what's happening. I'm not able to visualize it--I guess because I have no reference for what the author's writing about. But tonight I'm struck by the thought of war; by the thought that these explosions around my house right now sound as though they could be from weapons. <br /><br />I'm very anti-war, and agree with David that we haven't fought a war for the sake of our freedom (that couldn't have been dealt with some other way) in many, many years. The booming outside my window makes me sad. Sad that our country is currently in the middle of a war. Sad that, in this fallen world, we resort to such violence. Sad for all the people that have to try to live in countries that are torn by fighting and killing. I'm thinking of the people in Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Uganda, Israel, Lebanon. People caught in the middle who just want to survive and hope against all hope for a time in the future when they can do more than think about surviving. For a time when they can flourish. For a time without fear for their children.<br /><br />The children. I'm sad for the children.<br /><br />I'm not going to spout off some patriotic jargon about being glad I'm living in a free country. I suppose compared to many other nations we're free. But the only thing that makes me feel patriotic is the Constitution and the ideals of our country's fore-fathers. I don't hate our country or wish to be in another--I long for it to be what it was created to be, what it once was. What I have given up hope for it ever being again.<br /><br />But I am glad that, at least for the time being, the sounds outside my window are only fireworks, and I can look in on my sleeping children without fear for their lives.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-84629071974394522902008-07-01T19:17:00.003-05:002008-07-01T19:25:40.800-05:00The Hand that Plays With YouA few weeks ago Perry came to me crying and told me Daisy had bitten him. It was obvious that she must have, by the way he was acting, and he doesn't make up stories, but I asker her anyway. She confirmed it, I spanked her, told her that she may not bite anyone, and sent her to her room for a while. <br /><br />When she re-emerged, a little while later, I told her to tell Perry she was sorry. She walked over to him and did what I asked. I thought the issue was finished, at least for the time being. Then I heard Perry's worried whining. When I looked up I saw Daisy, dancing around him and chomping in the air--with a big grin.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-19485711698129173432008-06-29T21:05:00.004-05:002008-06-29T21:15:38.430-05:00The Makings of a Martini<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ElcmJN1-DLbMg60NBX7bUJ1pjT383E_Ta7R4YYqm7d_nV-GsxQgyaNSANmELbiB5YnzB2vZ_U4FdJFPA4cjFugJBen3Dab0ygEpEs6lwl3cuptlLin_O7mp8q4j5mNIdwdMz/s1600-h/Photo+848.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ElcmJN1-DLbMg60NBX7bUJ1pjT383E_Ta7R4YYqm7d_nV-GsxQgyaNSANmELbiB5YnzB2vZ_U4FdJFPA4cjFugJBen3Dab0ygEpEs6lwl3cuptlLin_O7mp8q4j5mNIdwdMz/s400/Photo+848.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217492178741885410" /></a><br />David and I were just talking in the kitchen while he fixed himself a martini. He meticulously placed two olives in a cocktail glass, put three ice cubes into the shaker, added some vermouth and gin, admired the beauty of the bottles. Then he put the lid on the shaker and agitated it. Uncapping it, he poured its contents into the glass. <br /><br />"What is that"<br /><br />I had seen it too. Something had fallen from the shaker into the glass. Something that wasn't intended to be in there. <br /><br />David fished it out. It was one of Daisy's little purple hair ties. <br /><br />My mind zoomed back to this morning when Perry informed me that Daisy had poured the leftover contents of David's shaker from the night before (just water at this point) onto his bed.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-25495462918115544362008-06-26T20:07:00.003-05:002008-06-26T21:49:55.437-05:00The Letter or the Spirit of the LawI've been held fast in the grip of my enemy Morning Sickness for the past two weeks. Yesterday and today were much better, but before that, I was basically reduced to a lump on the sofa, watching the world swirl around me. David did most of the cooking for me. He's been wonderful!<br /><br />He's been gone this week painting a house and so dinner tonight fell to me. Thankfully, I was feeling somewhat up to the challenge. Not wanting to heat me or the kitchen up any more than necessary, I resorted to carrot spears dipped in homemade salad dressing. I figure that if I'm going to look for something to simply fill our stomachs, at least this was healthy. I always feel guilty when I don't serve a complete meal. I sit at the table and think <span style="font-style:italic;">We don't have a green vegetable. That means the kids aren't getting enough, um, whatever it is that's supposed to make green vegetables magic. I'm such a horrible mom!</span><br /><br />So I just rationalize tonight by saying that we were making up for a lack of beta carotene. Yeah, that's it, beta carotene! <br /><br />Wishing to dirty as few dishes as possible, I set out a paper plate with carrot spears and a bowl of dressing in the middle of the table. The rule in our house, as I'm sure it is in yours is: (unless you're the type to throw all germ caution to the wind and live a commune-like existence--in which case, more power to you)<br /><br />No Double Dipping!<br /><br />Perry has pretty much got this skill mastered. But Daisy, who really just asks for carrots so she can get dressing, is still somewhat lacking it. For the first part of dinner I watched her closely and patiently (see <span style="font-style:italic;">patiently</span>, aren't you proud of me!) corrected her. After a while I figured she had it figured out so I turned my attention toward Calvin who was shoving leftover spaghetti noodles into his mouth like there was no tomorrow. I looked back over at the plate of carrots and noticed that one of them had a little spot of dressing on the end. No big deal, some must have dripped on it from...somewhere. I looked back over at Calvin for a second, then back at the plate of carrots. This time there were three carrots upon it with dressing only on their very tips. I sat silently and observed. Daisy picked up a carrot from the plate, dipped it into the dressing, sucked all the dressing from it (except what was on the very end), placed it back on the plate, then proceeded to do it again with another carrot. <br /><br />But hey, at least she wasn't double dipping.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-21904291119754771652008-06-21T21:39:00.002-05:002008-06-21T21:41:16.007-05:00New Page ElementI've added a new page element. I saw one on somebody else's blog, liked it and thought I'd add it to my own. I hope it's not too strange for you folks. Let me know, honestly!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-62458827104146345272008-06-11T19:30:00.003-05:002008-06-11T20:22:02.511-05:00For Those of You That Don't Already Know......Yesterday morning we confirmed my longtime nauseated stomach's suspicion that we are expecting our fourth little blessing. Most of yesterday was spent phoning our family and so I didn't get time to write anything for whomever else is still out there. <br /><br />I had been feeling unusually tired and nauseated for a couple of weeks now, but was putting off finding out until I pretty much knew this had to be the only reason for it. I hate taking a pregnancy test and getting my hopes up only to have it turn out negative. <br /><br />I don't know what it is, but it seems like the moment I discover I'm pregnant, whatever morning sickness and tiredness I felt before suddenly comes in even stronger. It's as if my body says <span style="font-style:italic;">Wow, you're really tired and sick. You should just rest. After all, you've got a <span style="font-weight:bold;">good</span> reason!</span> So this morning I got up with Calvin around 6am. A little early for him, but I guess I shouldn't complain, it could have been earlier. Perry got up a half hour later which was wonderful because I sent the two of them to play together in the living room. Daisy woke up really grumpy around 6:45 and so I finally had to drag my lazy body out of bed for good. A few hours later, when we had all finished breakfast and Calvin laid down for his nap, I napped on the sofa. I just couldn't keep my eyes open! I don't think I got more than thirty minutes, but it helped. I mention all this because I did go to bed the night before somewhere between 9:30 and 10:00, which ought to have afforded me enough sleep to stay awake--but then again let me remind you that Calvin is still waking up three times in the middle of the night to nurse. <br /><br />Anyhow, the kids played today and I kind of puttered around the house, not really getting much of anything done. Am I really expected to? I'm exhausted and sick. Most of my day was consumed with looking for something to eat, finally finding and eating it, suddenly feeling like I have amazing energy and the ability to be Supermom, and then 10-15 minutes later feeling sick again and looking for something else to eat. How can I get anything done when this takes up my waking day? And yet each chore left undone pushes the house a little further down the hill toward The Valley of No Return. From which it takes the miracle working power of St. David to come in and make right what I have so utterly made wrong. <br /><br />David decided to celebrate the new baby by taking the entire family out to Karin's Kustard. We had a wonderful time eating frozen custard, of which the children ate an amazing amount--but hey, it's not every day we get news like this, right? I have a feeling the kids are going to want to start celebrating all kinds of things now. <span style="font-style:italic;">Mom, we saw the first fireflies of the year. Can we celebrate by getting custard?</span><br /><br />After visiting Karin's, we went to the park. It was lovely and the kids had a good time running all that sugar out of their systems. The only problem was that it was very hot (in the 90s today) and it really wiped me out. So home we went and I got another catnap on the sofa while David prepared to go out this evening to his weekly artist's meeting. Wanting to do something quick and easy for dinner, we would up with popcorn and plain yogurt. <br /><br />There, that's more than I'm sure you ever wanted to know about my day. Have a good one!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-28287253554900161862008-06-09T20:09:00.002-05:002008-06-09T20:17:41.087-05:00Our Little Calvin Pt. 2Yesterday I thought Calvin had something in his mouth so I fished in there to pull it out. But the only thing I found was the beginnings of his first tooth. I'm really surprised since he's only almost 11 months and both Perry and Daisy were 14 months before they got their first teeth. David, however, is quick to remind me that Calvin, though earlier than his siblings, is still lagging behind others his age.<br /><br />That's only when it comes to teeth, though. The other day David was playing with Daisy and said "Where's Daisy?" in a sing-song tone. Calvin repeated it! He really did. We were amazed and I kind of thought it was one of those flukes that wouldn't happen again. He's said it a couple of times since, just to prove me wrong, and is trying to say all kinds of other words. <br /><br />At the risk of sounding cliched: He's just growing up so fast!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-22167800859613998182008-06-06T09:51:00.003-05:002008-06-06T10:06:30.609-05:00Nursery RhymesWhen I was a little girl my mother used to read nursery rhymes to us. There was one, though, that she had a problem with. She would recite it like this:<br /><br />Peter, Peter pumpkin eater<br />Had a wife and couldn't keeper her<br />Put her in a pumpkin shell<br />And went to jail for wife abuse<br /><br />I'll say no more about my poor mother and the feminist movement.<br /><br />Now that I've started reading nursery rhymes to my children, I've found one I don't much like either. I've taken the liberty to rewrite it. Let me know what you think.<br /><br />There was a blessed woman who lived in a shoe<br />She had so many children she knew just what to do<br />She gave them some hugs, some kisses too<br />Then sent them to bed, loved through and throughRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-72993593958951968642008-06-05T09:05:00.004-05:002008-06-05T09:13:09.954-05:00Our Little CalvinFor a couple of weeks now Calvin has been pulling up onto his knees. But yesterday he pull all the way up onto his feet for the first time. Since discovering he can do this, he's been trying to climb onto anything just low enough to succeed at. Look out, here he comes!<br /><br />He's been saying Da da for a little while now, and more recently been saying uh oh. This morning he put the two together as he crawled over David in our bed, "Uh oh, Da da. Uh oh, Da da." Over and over again. I thought it was cute, but at 6am I guess David didn't think so :)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32801686.post-27828798819498806202008-06-02T20:10:00.004-05:002008-06-02T20:32:07.299-05:00Not YetThe other day Perry and I were sitting on the sofa together. He was looking through a book and I was nursing Calvin. "Oh" said he with a sigh, "I just want a dog." <br /><br />"A dog?"<br /><br />"Yeah."<br /><br />Mind you, he doesn't even really like dogs. They make him nervous.<br /><br />"Well, we're not getting a dog."<br /><br />"Oh, I just want another baby."<br /><br />"Really?" I said.<br /><br />"Yeah."<br /><br />"Did you hear somebody else say that?"<br /><br />"No, I just want another baby."<br /><br />"Well, I'm sure God will probably give us another baby at some point."<br /><br /><br /><br />Frequently one or another of my extended family members will tell me that people come up to them all the time and ask if I'm pregnant yet.<br /><br />Nope, not yet. <br /><br />Don't misunderstand me, we still believe in letting God choose when to give us children and how many to give us. I guess He just feels this is not the right time. It's strange, really--since we've been married, this is the longest space of time we've been without expecting a little blessing. I'm earnestly looking forward to the next baby--but I'm thrilled I've been able to nurse Calvin this long! My hope is that God will give us another baby shortly after Calvin turns a year, in July. But if He, as He did with Daisy and Calvin, chooses to bless us before we've weaned the previous baby, we will count ourselves incredibly blessed and praise Him for the new little life. I wouldn't trade or wish away any of my wonderful little ones. <br /><br />And in case you're wondering, we will never get a dog.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521325569148567351noreply@blogger.com1