I am tired of sorting. I feel like my life has become an endless pile to sort. Maybe I'm just feeling pessimistic because my children have far too many toys. Last Christmas my sister in law gave them each a toy organizer which has small boxes. The kids have had a lot of fun with those boxes. They like to dump the toys on the floor and build walls with the boxes. They like to dump out the toys and make soccer goals. Then I get to sort all the dumped out toys and put them away. P. is good at helping me sort. He's a sorter, too. Like his mother, he sees a pile of toys on the floor and feels mostly panic. But if you assign him one specific item, like pick up the lincoln logs, he happily complies. His sister just flat out refuses to help and when threatened with toy removal, happily quips that she'll just get more for Christmas and her birthday(I've had the majority of her toys bagged up for over a month now, she hasn't missed them. Now they just might disappear.)
So as I was sorting toys this morning, I had an epiphany of sorts, or maybe it was just a realization. I am tired of sorting. I dream of a day when everything has a place to be put away. When there are no superfluous boxes of random items one of us is holding on to just because. I dream of a day when my mind only has one thought at a time so I don't have to sort through all the noise to find the thought which is most pertinent for the moment.
I have been seriously pondering the idea of living only with essentials. But that begs the question, other than food, shelter and clothing, what is essential?
What do you think is essential for our modern life? What do you think you couldn't live without?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I can't find my cat. I think she may have gone outside. I've been through the yard a couple of times and through the house lots, but no kitty. please pray for her, she's an indoor cat, so I'm guessing she's pretty freaked out if she is outside. Plus splitcat is away at a school function until tomorrow. It will be very sad if I have to sleep tonight without Kitty. She's slept at my feet for the last 9 yrs.
Update: I found my cat. I Was working and thought I heard a meow, so I muted the tv and called for her. She was in the closet under the stairs. She must have gotten in when I was putting some boxes away. I have no idea how long she was in there--I can't remember when I opened it last. Poor baby. I'll have to be extra nice to her.
Update: I found my cat. I Was working and thought I heard a meow, so I muted the tv and called for her. She was in the closet under the stairs. She must have gotten in when I was putting some boxes away. I have no idea how long she was in there--I can't remember when I opened it last. Poor baby. I'll have to be extra nice to her.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Anniversary
Today is our 12th anniversary. Since we forgot to find a babysitter, and half our babysitting team is in Europe at the moment anyway, we celebrated by taking the kids to the park. We went through the McDonald's drive-thru and took it with us. A good time was had by all. It is a beautiful day today. It is one of the first days that has felt like Autumn is on its way. There was a wonderful cool breeze playing in the trees. The only bad thing was someone was having a birthday party and had set up one of those jumpy things, and the motor was really loud. 
We also got some footage of Baby W. walking. He's getting pretty good.
We also got some footage of Baby W. walking. He's getting pretty good.
Baby M just cried when we tried to get some video of him.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Chapter Books
Everyday P. is sent home with a book from school, they call them baggie books, because they are in a ziploc baggie. Yesterday he graduated to Chapter Books. I have no idea if this is unusual for a first grader, but I was very proud. He's rereading his Bible, too. E. has started "reading" her books at the table, too. She seems to be doing well at school so far. But she is still writing backwards--from right to left instead of left to right. P. went through a phase at this age where he wrote his letters backwards, but in the right order. She writes the whole thing backwards(i suppose it's actually a mirror image). I am guessing she does this because she is left-handed. Anyone have advice on how to help her? She doesn't seem to realize they are backwards, it all looks the same to her. Or should I not worry about it till she is in kindergarten.
I made it to Bible study again. I didn't really want to go, but I did. The boys had a good time, but were ready for a nap when I picked them up. I am going to try to do better about doing my homework this week. But 32 yrs of procrastinating is a hard habit to overcome. Sometimes I wish the Lord would work on one fault of mine at a time. I suppose a lot of them are connected, though. So here's what going to bible study is working on(other than the actual study): My commitment to a group issues(showing up), my fear of groups(I either don't say anything, or feel like a jerk or idiot because I might have said something stupid-which has been known to give me small anxiety attacks.) My dislike of hanging out with a bunch of women I don't know, procrastination(doing the homework earlier than the night before or the morning of), food choices(will I eat the pastries or the fruit?), there's probably more, but those are the big ones. I have also joined some small online forums and am trying to leave more comments on blogs in an effort to overcome my feelings of stupidity. 4 kids in 5 yrs has pretty much eradicated all my critical thinking skills. My brain is a mush pile. But I know the only way to make it better is to use it.
Right now I am trying to learn not to obsess over comments I make. It can take me an hour to write 3 sentences, and half the time I erase what i've written and don't leave anything. If I do post, I spend the next 24-48 hours fending off an anxiety attack. Basically all the classic signs of OCD are there. But I have mental hand-washing instead of physical hand washing. I discovered a few years ago that my obsession with reading was the ritual I use to clear my mind of the distracting and intrusive thoughts. So I guess I am doing my own cognitive behavioral therapy by forcing myself to participate.
It's about time to take the girl to school, so I will push the post button and try not worry that I've offended anyone. :)
I made it to Bible study again. I didn't really want to go, but I did. The boys had a good time, but were ready for a nap when I picked them up. I am going to try to do better about doing my homework this week. But 32 yrs of procrastinating is a hard habit to overcome. Sometimes I wish the Lord would work on one fault of mine at a time. I suppose a lot of them are connected, though. So here's what going to bible study is working on(other than the actual study): My commitment to a group issues(showing up), my fear of groups(I either don't say anything, or feel like a jerk or idiot because I might have said something stupid-which has been known to give me small anxiety attacks.) My dislike of hanging out with a bunch of women I don't know, procrastination(doing the homework earlier than the night before or the morning of), food choices(will I eat the pastries or the fruit?), there's probably more, but those are the big ones. I have also joined some small online forums and am trying to leave more comments on blogs in an effort to overcome my feelings of stupidity. 4 kids in 5 yrs has pretty much eradicated all my critical thinking skills. My brain is a mush pile. But I know the only way to make it better is to use it.
Right now I am trying to learn not to obsess over comments I make. It can take me an hour to write 3 sentences, and half the time I erase what i've written and don't leave anything. If I do post, I spend the next 24-48 hours fending off an anxiety attack. Basically all the classic signs of OCD are there. But I have mental hand-washing instead of physical hand washing. I discovered a few years ago that my obsession with reading was the ritual I use to clear my mind of the distracting and intrusive thoughts. So I guess I am doing my own cognitive behavioral therapy by forcing myself to participate.
It's about time to take the girl to school, so I will push the post button and try not worry that I've offended anyone. :)
Monday, September 10, 2007
Out to Lunch
Taking lunch to school is no longer the simple process it once was. My biggest struggle every morning, other than getting people to put their shoes on, is what to send for lunch. P. will not eat the school lunch, so I'd rather not waste my money. E. has to bring her lunch because there is no cafeteria. And unless you have a child in school you are probably wondering, what's wrong with a pb&j? Well, it could kill somebody. There were two incidences at P.'s school in the first week where paramedics had to be called and it was a life-threatening situation. Why are peanut allergies suddenly on the rise? It's an interesting question that I have no answer for. But I don't want to take the risk of having my child's lunch kill one of their friends. Plus P. won't eat peanut butter sandwiches. He doesn't like much in the way of food. When he turned 2 he stopped eating good food. I do take partial blame. I was pregnant with E. and nearly threw up everytime I opened the refrigerator, so we opted for foods that had low odor. Every year he adds one or two new foods to his repertoire. Here are the foods he will eat regularly:
Most cold cereals--this is how we sneak fiber in his diet.
Cheese
Milk
Water
pop-tarts
Pizza--cheese only
chips and crackers
granola bars-the chewy kind
waffles/pancakes
bread
pretzels
ice cream
You can probably see the theme--carbs.
When he's in the mood he will also eat:
watermelon
grapes
apples
carrots
bagels
Very rarely he will eat:
lunch meat
oranges
So packing a lunch for him is a nightmare. I try to vary it from week to week, switching out pretzels for chips, etc. But basically it's the same everyday. I tried sending him carrots last year. He didn't like that. I keep waiting for someone to call and tell me how unnutritious my sons lunch is and maybe I should send better food. But I decided somewhere along the way I would rather him eat something than nothing. And, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I was told that for years his father would only eat fries, ketchup and coke when they went out. His food preferences have expanded over the years, but there is still a rather limited pool to select from. And now Baby M is exhibiting all the classic signs of carb dependence. As with P. when he was a baby, I think it has to do a lot with texture and temperature. They will not touch anything wet, cold, or hot. Their food tends to be orange or brown. M. will fortunately still eat baby food, so I try to get him some greens that way. I have snuck in chunks of real food, and he will eat a few spoonfuls, then start batting the spoon away. Baby W, on the other hand, will eat whatever you put on his plate. Occasionally he will refuse something, but it is rare. He eats with quiet deliberation, delicately picking up his food one piece at a time, while his brother shovels his food in by the handful. E. will eat most things, too. My secret hope is that we will all one day sit down to a meal and everyone is eating the same thing. And it includes vegetables.
Most cold cereals--this is how we sneak fiber in his diet.
Cheese
Milk
Water
pop-tarts
Pizza--cheese only
chips and crackers
granola bars-the chewy kind
waffles/pancakes
bread
pretzels
ice cream
You can probably see the theme--carbs.
When he's in the mood he will also eat:
watermelon
grapes
apples
carrots
bagels
Very rarely he will eat:
lunch meat
oranges
So packing a lunch for him is a nightmare. I try to vary it from week to week, switching out pretzels for chips, etc. But basically it's the same everyday. I tried sending him carrots last year. He didn't like that. I keep waiting for someone to call and tell me how unnutritious my sons lunch is and maybe I should send better food. But I decided somewhere along the way I would rather him eat something than nothing. And, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I was told that for years his father would only eat fries, ketchup and coke when they went out. His food preferences have expanded over the years, but there is still a rather limited pool to select from. And now Baby M is exhibiting all the classic signs of carb dependence. As with P. when he was a baby, I think it has to do a lot with texture and temperature. They will not touch anything wet, cold, or hot. Their food tends to be orange or brown. M. will fortunately still eat baby food, so I try to get him some greens that way. I have snuck in chunks of real food, and he will eat a few spoonfuls, then start batting the spoon away. Baby W, on the other hand, will eat whatever you put on his plate. Occasionally he will refuse something, but it is rare. He eats with quiet deliberation, delicately picking up his food one piece at a time, while his brother shovels his food in by the handful. E. will eat most things, too. My secret hope is that we will all one day sit down to a meal and everyone is eating the same thing. And it includes vegetables.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Questions
This morning my daughter asked me
why don't do anything?
I said what do you mean?
She said, Why are you just a grown-up. Why don't you have a job.
I explained how my job was being her mother.
What did you want to be when you were little? she asked.
A mom. I said.
She seemed disappointed in my answer. But it is true. I have never desired a career. When I explained that if I had a job I wouldn't be home to take care of her and her brothers, she seemed to understand a little more. So I asked her, would you like it if I was only home in time for dinner? And she decided it was okay that I didn't have a job.
I guess I should stop letting her watch the Barney video about you can be anything. I've noticed that housewife and mother are never included in the list of things you can be when you grow up.
In other news, I think I broke my little toe on Sunday. It hurts.
I am getting ready to send Val a rough draft of my novel. I know I still have a long way to go with it, but I am anxious to see what she thinks so far. I'm up to about 40,000 words. I'd like to make it to 70-80,000.
The girl started school yesterday. I did something I've rarely done and joined a women's bible study at a nearby church. My mother-in-law works there, so now she'll like seeing the twins more often. I'm not usually much of a joiner. I've done a few women's bible studies, but I knew everyone. I know one person at this one. We are doing a Beth Moore study on the Tabernacle. Apparently it was the first study she did and it has been updated. There is free childcare. The twins had a great time. Socializing can be stressful for me. But I had to get out of the house. The twins have gotten so attached to me that they cry when I walk IN the room as well as OUT of the room.
Baby W can climb up the couch. The other day I was at the computer and turned to check on the babies, who were playing in their little section of the living room, and W. was perched on the arm of the couch, looking over the back trying to decide if he could reach the floor from there. He's also getting pretty good at walking. He keeps me very busy.
why don't do anything?
I said what do you mean?
She said, Why are you just a grown-up. Why don't you have a job.
I explained how my job was being her mother.
What did you want to be when you were little? she asked.
A mom. I said.
She seemed disappointed in my answer. But it is true. I have never desired a career. When I explained that if I had a job I wouldn't be home to take care of her and her brothers, she seemed to understand a little more. So I asked her, would you like it if I was only home in time for dinner? And she decided it was okay that I didn't have a job.
I guess I should stop letting her watch the Barney video about you can be anything. I've noticed that housewife and mother are never included in the list of things you can be when you grow up.
In other news, I think I broke my little toe on Sunday. It hurts.
I am getting ready to send Val a rough draft of my novel. I know I still have a long way to go with it, but I am anxious to see what she thinks so far. I'm up to about 40,000 words. I'd like to make it to 70-80,000.
The girl started school yesterday. I did something I've rarely done and joined a women's bible study at a nearby church. My mother-in-law works there, so now she'll like seeing the twins more often. I'm not usually much of a joiner. I've done a few women's bible studies, but I knew everyone. I know one person at this one. We are doing a Beth Moore study on the Tabernacle. Apparently it was the first study she did and it has been updated. There is free childcare. The twins had a great time. Socializing can be stressful for me. But I had to get out of the house. The twins have gotten so attached to me that they cry when I walk IN the room as well as OUT of the room.
Baby W can climb up the couch. The other day I was at the computer and turned to check on the babies, who were playing in their little section of the living room, and W. was perched on the arm of the couch, looking over the back trying to decide if he could reach the floor from there. He's also getting pretty good at walking. He keeps me very busy.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Mothers
My mother told me a funny story I had to share. She was grocery shopping at a store near her work when a man approached her and asked if she knew where something was. She gave him a polite answer, and to thank her he gave her a squeeze on the shoulder and tried to draw her into deeper conversation. If you know my mother, you don't touch her without permission. Partly because she has fibromyalgia and it hurts and partly because she is a big fan of personal space.
Anyway, this man began to complement her on how beautiful her hair was and was trying to pick her up. When she told me what she was wearing I had to laugh. She was wearing casual capris and a t-shirt and had her hair down, which is waist length and almost completely gray. I told her he must of thought she was a hippie and into free love.
So for those of you who know my mother, I thought you might find this humorous, too.
I just remembered another time someone tried to pick her up. My sister and I were in elementary school and we went to dinner with my mom and grandmother. Our waiter started trying to pick up my mom. He thought she and me and my sister were all my grandmothers children. She finally had to pull out her drivers license to prove how old she was.
Anyway, this man began to complement her on how beautiful her hair was and was trying to pick her up. When she told me what she was wearing I had to laugh. She was wearing casual capris and a t-shirt and had her hair down, which is waist length and almost completely gray. I told her he must of thought she was a hippie and into free love.
So for those of you who know my mother, I thought you might find this humorous, too.
I just remembered another time someone tried to pick her up. My sister and I were in elementary school and we went to dinner with my mom and grandmother. Our waiter started trying to pick up my mom. He thought she and me and my sister were all my grandmothers children. She finally had to pull out her drivers license to prove how old she was.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Gifts from the Lord
I was just reading Karenee's response to a comment I left on her blog and felt that her answer deserved a wider audience. She had written a post about someone giving her furniture for her girls and how she appreciated the Lord meeting her need and giving her nicer furniture than she had expected. Here's the post. I commented on how I loved to give the Lord credit for all the small things he does. Just last week when I was at the thrift store I found a book I'd been wanting to read, There is Always Enough, by Rolland and Heidi Baker. As most of you know, I don't like to pay full price for books, and I wasn't sure if I could find this book at the bookstore. It was really just a passing thought that I wanted to read it. Yet there it was, for $1.48. And as the title of the book suggests, it is about how the Lord has provided over the years as they have been missionaries to the poorest of the poor. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in missions. Anyway, Karen wrote this response to my comment:
Isn't it wonderful how, in every aspect of life, God surprises us by His consideration of the little details? I feel sorry for those who prefer to attribute these things to mere chance. They lose out on the realization of a gift, making even the ordinary joy extraordinary.
Saturday, August 25, 2007 8:16:00 PM
I have found myself lately looking for the Lord in everything that happens in my day. It is truly a joy to see Him work out the smallest details. Even on my darkest days He sends me a reminder of His presence, even if it is just a cool wind on a hot day, or a smile on one of my children's faces.
I just thought Karen's response much too beautiful to lay fallow. I hope it encourages you to look for God in the small details of your life as well as the big.
Isn't it wonderful how, in every aspect of life, God surprises us by His consideration of the little details? I feel sorry for those who prefer to attribute these things to mere chance. They lose out on the realization of a gift, making even the ordinary joy extraordinary.
Saturday, August 25, 2007 8:16:00 PM
I have found myself lately looking for the Lord in everything that happens in my day. It is truly a joy to see Him work out the smallest details. Even on my darkest days He sends me a reminder of His presence, even if it is just a cool wind on a hot day, or a smile on one of my children's faces.
I just thought Karen's response much too beautiful to lay fallow. I hope it encourages you to look for God in the small details of your life as well as the big.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Meme I forgot to respond to
Tina tagged me a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post. So here it is.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My mother had several friends with my name
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?A couple of days ago watching the Discovery Health Channel
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I like my handwriting, but no one else does because they can't read it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?Boars Head Black Forest Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Four.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? No. I'm a terrible friend. I don't call, I forget to write, I'm absent-minded and I have a short attention span.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Not anymore
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe if my children's lives depended on it. Otherwise no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't really like cereal, but if I have to choose I will sometimes eat Frosted Flakes
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?No
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mayfield Moose Tracks
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their hair
15. RED OR PINK? Blue
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?I'm not sure there is room here, but I'm working on myself
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?My friends from high school and college
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO LINK THIS BACK TO YOU?If they want
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS (Or Kilt) AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?I'm wearing a pair of my husbands blue shorts, one of his polo shirts that is striped with green, black and tan, and knee high red and black striped socks.
20. WHAT WAS The LAST THING YOU ATE? A Debbie Snack-the peanut butter and chocolate kind(nutty bar?).
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?The computer, the static from the baby monitor and silence
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?Cornflower Blue
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? fresh cut grass. honeysuckle, spring
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A lady from church
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO LINKED THIS TO YOU?Very much and I miss reading her fiction
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown
28. EYE COLOR?Green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
30. FAVORITE FOOD(S)?Steak and potatoes
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I can't remember
3. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?Green, black, and tan horizontal striped
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?Winter
35. HUGS OR KISSES?Both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?Angel Food Cake with Seven Minute Frosting
.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?no one
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? everyone
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?I am actually between books.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?burgandy fabric
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?Antiques Roadshow
.42. FAVORITE SOUND?My children laughing, the french horn, the wind in the trees
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?Neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?Missouri
5. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I play the flute
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?Pensacola Florida
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?Anyone who responds.
So now you know that much more about me! I won't tag anyone.
I am now going to attempt to go to bed. If you hear screaming in the next 15 minutes, that means as soon as I fell asleep a baby started crying.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My mother had several friends with my name
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?A couple of days ago watching the Discovery Health Channel
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I like my handwriting, but no one else does because they can't read it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?Boars Head Black Forest Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Four.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? No. I'm a terrible friend. I don't call, I forget to write, I'm absent-minded and I have a short attention span.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Not anymore
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe if my children's lives depended on it. Otherwise no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't really like cereal, but if I have to choose I will sometimes eat Frosted Flakes
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?No
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mayfield Moose Tracks
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their hair
15. RED OR PINK? Blue
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?I'm not sure there is room here, but I'm working on myself
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?My friends from high school and college
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO LINK THIS BACK TO YOU?If they want
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS (Or Kilt) AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?I'm wearing a pair of my husbands blue shorts, one of his polo shirts that is striped with green, black and tan, and knee high red and black striped socks.
20. WHAT WAS The LAST THING YOU ATE? A Debbie Snack-the peanut butter and chocolate kind(nutty bar?).
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?The computer, the static from the baby monitor and silence
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?Cornflower Blue
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? fresh cut grass. honeysuckle, spring
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A lady from church
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO LINKED THIS TO YOU?Very much and I miss reading her fiction
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown
28. EYE COLOR?Green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
30. FAVORITE FOOD(S)?Steak and potatoes
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I can't remember
3. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?Green, black, and tan horizontal striped
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?Winter
35. HUGS OR KISSES?Both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?Angel Food Cake with Seven Minute Frosting
.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?no one
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? everyone
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?I am actually between books.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?burgandy fabric
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?Antiques Roadshow
.42. FAVORITE SOUND?My children laughing, the french horn, the wind in the trees
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?Neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?Missouri
5. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I play the flute
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?Pensacola Florida
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?Anyone who responds.
So now you know that much more about me! I won't tag anyone.
I am now going to attempt to go to bed. If you hear screaming in the next 15 minutes, that means as soon as I fell asleep a baby started crying.
Monday, August 20, 2007
CSFF Blog Tour
Unbeknownst to most of my readers, I am a member of the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour. I just haven't participated yet. So in an attempt to get my blogging in order, I am going to start a new separate blog about writing and books. This blog(the one you are reading now) will continue to chronicle my exciting and adventurous life and my beautiful children.
To follow the rabbit to my new blog click HERE. You may notice that this is not a Blogspot address. I feel a little like a backstabber, but there are some features over at wordpress I'd like to explore. So if you are only interested in my everyday life, I won't be offended if you don't stop by. I decided it is too confusing to jumble up everything on one blog.
To follow the rabbit to my new blog click HERE. You may notice that this is not a Blogspot address. I feel a little like a backstabber, but there are some features over at wordpress I'd like to explore. So if you are only interested in my everyday life, I won't be offended if you don't stop by. I decided it is too confusing to jumble up everything on one blog.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Twins First Birthday
My Boys turn 1 today. I am much too busy to be too nostalgic, but it is definitely a sort of sad time. I'll miss my babies, but it is very fun watching the twins learn new things. Just this week Baby M starting waving bye-bye and sort of clapping--he claps when he is mad, it's really cute. Baby W starting pretending to talk on the phone. There is one particular toy that talks and is about the size of a remote that he slings over his shoulder and says "Dat." W. has taken one or two tentative steps, but he has the balance and strength to walk, he just hasn't figured out he can yet. M. is slowly catching up. He's starting to balance really well and to stand without holding on to anything. I put them in the walker while we were on vacation and M really loved being able to get around. He could run in the walker. It was really funny to watch and it gave him a lot of confidence in himself. Splitcat has a breakdown of their personalities on his Blog and some still photos of the birthday cupcake. Our first official party is Sat as we celebrate with my family. My mother's birthday is the day before the twins, so we have a lot of celebrating to do. The party w/ splitcat's family is still undetermined, but there will be a party eventually. I haven't gotten my phot retrospective organized yet, but I will post it soon. Instead, here is some video of the birthday cupcake. I took off most of the icing because I didn't feel like cleaning up the mess. This clip is from the end of the cupcake, the other video was too large to put on youtube. But notice the difference in their size and body types when the camera pans back. M is all relaxed, fat, and happy, and W is intense and all curled up. Make sure you have your sound turned up so you can hear all the smacking going on.
Monday, August 13, 2007
First Day of School
Well, I managed to oversleep the first day of school. We missed the bus. I told P. the wrong bus number. And I almost couldn't find my keys. I emailed P's teacher with the correct bus number, hopefully she'll read it. I think he'll recognize his bus driver, though. So now I get to try not to worry all day that he'll miss the bus. I'm glad he's a smart kid. Otherwise I'd worry a lot more.
Splitcat also started school today. I wasn't ready for this.
Update: P's teacher emailed me back and I breathed a sigh of relief
Splitcat also started school today. I wasn't ready for this.
Update: P's teacher emailed me back and I breathed a sigh of relief
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thursday and meet-n-greet
Okay, so here's last Thursday of our vacation. We went to the pool in the morning. Then we met my Uncle Ronnie and his family for lunch at Joe Patti's. We were a little late in getting there. When we went to go down the elevator, It wasn't there. We were on the 7th floor. A nice man tried to go downstairs and bring the elevator up, but it opened on every floor but ours. So Me, my mom and dad, P. and E., the twins, and a stroller, all walked down 7 flights of stairs. Fortunately the repair guy was in the next building over and the problem was resolved when we returned. Then, when we are on our way across town to the restaurant my uncle calls to tell us that a water main had broken and therre was no water at the restaurant. He ordered ice tea for all becaus that's all that was left. they stopped taking customers right after we got there because they were out of tea. It was a very tasty meal.
After lunch we went over to the fish market and looked at the boats.(that's my mom)
We went to Seville Sqaure next, hoping the kids would run off some energy. Instead P had a major meltdown. He and I sat in the car.
I did manage to get this pic of the stained glass windows in the Historic Church(Christ Church?) It's very old.
Next we drove through my old neighborhood to pick up our leftovers from my uncle and to show the kids the house I lived in when I was little. My room was the one all the way to the left. The yard was much different when I lived there. It was full of pine trees. Everything was so much smaller than I remembered even from the last time I was there.
Later that evening there was a massive storm.
In other news. The boy got to meet his new teacher today. She seems very perky and nice. Just what first-graders need. His class is very small. His teacher said they average 12-13 kids per class. Two of his girl friends are in his class, but not his one male friend.
After lunch we went over to the fish market and looked at the boats.(that's my mom)
We went to Seville Sqaure next, hoping the kids would run off some energy. Instead P had a major meltdown. He and I sat in the car.
I did manage to get this pic of the stained glass windows in the Historic Church(Christ Church?) It's very old.
Next we drove through my old neighborhood to pick up our leftovers from my uncle and to show the kids the house I lived in when I was little. My room was the one all the way to the left. The yard was much different when I lived there. It was full of pine trees. Everything was so much smaller than I remembered even from the last time I was there.
Later that evening there was a massive storm.
In other news. The boy got to meet his new teacher today. She seems very perky and nice. Just what first-graders need. His class is very small. His teacher said they average 12-13 kids per class. Two of his girl friends are in his class, but not his one male friend.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Vacation Days 2-4
This is the longest vacation I've ever been on.
On Monday morning we went back to the beach. Baby W really took to the sand. He was like a little turtle crawling around. Baby M still wasn't feeling so hot, but he liked the water.
Seeing my dad and my daughter together reminded me so much of my childhood. He would often hold me like this so I could practice floating. He also tried to teach me to swim in the Gulf. For someone who doesn't like to get their face wet, this was slightly traumatic, but he meant well. He tried the same tactics with P., pushing you just beyond your comfort level. But P. is much stronger willed than me, and never made it further than the shore.
On Monday afternoon we visited my Grandmother and Uncle Jimmy. She is ill, so it was a little sad, but it was nice to be able to introduce her to the twins.
Tuesday morning was spent at the pool. My mom and dad found these floats for the boys, and they really took to the water. Baby M became totally relaxed every time we put him in. Baby W kept trying to dump himself into the water. He's a splasher.
Tuesday afternoon we went to the Naval Aviation Museum. P. had been before, but he was very little. So now he really enjoyed it. He kept asking when we could come back. The lovely thing about the museum, besides the air-conditioning, is that it is free. I've always enjoyed it, too. The girl got bored after about the 5th plane.
Wednesday we were back at the beach. The Gulf had been really nice. The waves were small and we only saw one jellyfish. We went to the National Seashore portion of the beach this day. It was free when I was little, now you have to get a park pass. This beach is known as Johnson's beach. When my parents were kids this was the "black" beach. My dad said you didn't go to Johnson's beach unless you were looking for a fight. However, they would go further down the beach towards the old Fort. By the time I was little, it was just a local beach. Perdido Key has very beautiful beaches.
Baby M was so relaxed he fell asleep.
a few minutes later his brother was asleep.
Splitcat had to leave that afternoon. We missed him.
On Monday morning we went back to the beach. Baby W really took to the sand. He was like a little turtle crawling around. Baby M still wasn't feeling so hot, but he liked the water.
Seeing my dad and my daughter together reminded me so much of my childhood. He would often hold me like this so I could practice floating. He also tried to teach me to swim in the Gulf. For someone who doesn't like to get their face wet, this was slightly traumatic, but he meant well. He tried the same tactics with P., pushing you just beyond your comfort level. But P. is much stronger willed than me, and never made it further than the shore.
On Monday afternoon we visited my Grandmother and Uncle Jimmy. She is ill, so it was a little sad, but it was nice to be able to introduce her to the twins.
Tuesday morning was spent at the pool. My mom and dad found these floats for the boys, and they really took to the water. Baby M became totally relaxed every time we put him in. Baby W kept trying to dump himself into the water. He's a splasher.
Tuesday afternoon we went to the Naval Aviation Museum. P. had been before, but he was very little. So now he really enjoyed it. He kept asking when we could come back. The lovely thing about the museum, besides the air-conditioning, is that it is free. I've always enjoyed it, too. The girl got bored after about the 5th plane.
Wednesday we were back at the beach. The Gulf had been really nice. The waves were small and we only saw one jellyfish. We went to the National Seashore portion of the beach this day. It was free when I was little, now you have to get a park pass. This beach is known as Johnson's beach. When my parents were kids this was the "black" beach. My dad said you didn't go to Johnson's beach unless you were looking for a fight. However, they would go further down the beach towards the old Fort. By the time I was little, it was just a local beach. Perdido Key has very beautiful beaches.
Baby M was so relaxed he fell asleep.
a few minutes later his brother was asleep.
Splitcat had to leave that afternoon. We missed him.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
We're back from the beach!!! I'm tired, but I know you have all missed me so much so I will blog.
Here is our first day. We traveled from our home to Perdido Key(Pensacola) Florida. It is an approximately 6 hr drive if you don't count stops.
Here's the crew. Baby M was not feeling well. He had been having some diarrhea and allergies.
Alabama is really boring, but the sky was really pretty. The view, or lack thereof, is pretty much what you get through Alabama. Lots of Pine trees. We saw a lot of people with flat tires right outside of Montgomery.
Perdido Key at last!!!!!! We check in around 3 pm. We were on the 7th floor. Here is the view from our front door.
This is the view when you look to the right. (I used the zoom in this one)
The condos are about 1 yr old. And very nice. No peach beach decor here. Granite countertops in the kitchen, a gigantic master bath with a garden tub and huge shower. Even the 2nd bath was big. There were three bedrooms. I'll post more condo pics later.
The back porch was screened in. It was reallly nice to sit out there in the mornings and evenings. There was a ceiling fan to keep a breeze blowing. In the view to the left of this picture you could see the boats passing down the intercoastal waterway.
After unloading we went up to the public beach. It was the girl and the twins first time at the beach.
Splitcat has more photos of our first day at the beach on his blog.
Tomorrow I'll post some more.
Here is our first day. We traveled from our home to Perdido Key(Pensacola) Florida. It is an approximately 6 hr drive if you don't count stops.
Here's the crew. Baby M was not feeling well. He had been having some diarrhea and allergies.
Alabama is really boring, but the sky was really pretty. The view, or lack thereof, is pretty much what you get through Alabama. Lots of Pine trees. We saw a lot of people with flat tires right outside of Montgomery.
Perdido Key at last!!!!!! We check in around 3 pm. We were on the 7th floor. Here is the view from our front door.
This is the view when you look to the right. (I used the zoom in this one)
The condos are about 1 yr old. And very nice. No peach beach decor here. Granite countertops in the kitchen, a gigantic master bath with a garden tub and huge shower. Even the 2nd bath was big. There were three bedrooms. I'll post more condo pics later.
The back porch was screened in. It was reallly nice to sit out there in the mornings and evenings. There was a ceiling fan to keep a breeze blowing. In the view to the left of this picture you could see the boats passing down the intercoastal waterway.
After unloading we went up to the public beach. It was the girl and the twins first time at the beach.
Splitcat has more photos of our first day at the beach on his blog.
Tomorrow I'll post some more.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Vacation
The Chintzibob family will be leaving for vacation on Sunday. This is a last minute decision, but we are going to Florida with my Mom and Dad. I will be able to visit with some of my extended family who haven't yet met the twins. It's the girl's first time at the beach. The babies', too, but I doubt they will remember it. I am excited. We get to stay in a condo. It's not beachfront, but when you book a place two days before you leave, you can't be too picky. I will post pictures when we get back. So you won't be hearing from either of us until after Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Some of you may remember that I started redecorating my bedroom this past spring break. I'm still not done yet, but here is one project I have completed, and I am proud of.
I found a really beautiful tea cloth at the thrift store for under $6.00. I tried it on several tables, and for a while it hung as a sort of valance over my window. Then one day I held it up against the window and realized it was the exact same size as the window. So I took some muslin, a tension rod, and a wooden dowel(all things I had in my sewing room) and transformed it into a shade.
I found a really beautiful tea cloth at the thrift store for under $6.00. I tried it on several tables, and for a while it hung as a sort of valance over my window. Then one day I held it up against the window and realized it was the exact same size as the window. So I took some muslin, a tension rod, and a wooden dowel(all things I had in my sewing room) and transformed it into a shade.
Here are the materials I started with
Here's what I ended up with
I have since changed the side panels to a faux silk(I found some real silk ones for $50, but $15 was a little more palatable, and they look really nice) and added a valance I made from an extra panel. So instead of spending $100 on 2 silk panels, I spent $45 and got 2 panels, a valance, and some extra fabric I will probably use for toss pillows. I'll try to get a better picture soon. But you get the general idea of the light coming through the tablecloth. The really light spots are all openwork with needle weaving. I love using linens in unusual ways.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Adventures in Churchdom
First, My stat counter is about to hit 5000. As I write it hovers at 4999, I feel so loved.
Second.
My sister and I visited the local mega-church this past Sunday. I have been considering leaving my church for some time and finally decided to branch out. Why do I want to leave? Not for any particularly earth shattering reason. I enjoy Sunday mornings, but it's a little too far to get really involved, and there's not much to be involved in. Also, I only started attending there because my parents go there and I knew a lot of people, so it was safe and comfortable. But I think the Lord is leading me elsewhere.
In looking for a new church I have a myriad of small dilemmas to overcome. Firstly, I come from a charismatic background, splitcat from a catholic/reformed pres. background. He likes tradition, I like dancing in the aisles. I would like my children to attend a church with an excellent children's program where they are required to memorize scripture and learn how to appropriately behave in a church setting. They are receiving a bit of this where we are, but it is a small church. The church I attended as a child had an incredible children's ministry, so I suppose that colors my view a little. This may seem a small thing, but I need a church that is easily stroller accessible. Since I am usually alone with 4 children, the twins have to ride in the stroller. Also, in researching churches that I would like to attend I have discovered a new trend in the charismatic-type churches. The children stay in the sanctuary for the worship. But the worship is usually of an intense nature, so me alone with 4 children trying to worship is just not a pretty picture. Add on top of that the boys dislike of loud, the girls love of dance, and just the general nature of 1 yr old twins, and I'm tired just thinking about it. I do believe that children should participate in some sort of worship service, but one for them. I still remember how much I loved the worship time in children's church.
So where do I go? I was considering a vineyard church near downtown, but it's still a little too far. There is definitely not a lack of churches around here. I pass something like 17 churches to get to the church I have been attending. There is a reason they call it the bible belt.
So anyway, my sister and I were discussing churches we thought we'd like to visit, and I thought of our local mega-church. It's right between our houses, so no one would have to go out of their way to get there. There was also the appeal of being able to just be part of the crowd, totally uninvolved in any sort of church politics. So we looked into their website and decided it would be worth a try.
We were very much impressed. We parked in the guest parking lot and unloaded our 10 kids(yes, it was just me and my sister with--a 4 month old, my twins, a 16 month old, two 4 yr olds, a 6 yr old, a 7 yr old, a 10 yr old, and a 12 yr old). Unfortunately, the preschool area was on the other side of the church. However, there were lots of friendly faces willing to point us in the right direction. Later I was told that my son made the exclamation that the people here must be really rich when we first walked into the building. It had something of the feel of a mall or airport, it was huge. We approached the preschool department and walked though a pair of automatic doors into a large reception area with chairs and couches and a small saltwater aquarium. The older children thus engaged in talking to Nemo and Dorie, we proceeded to register 6 of our 10 children for the nursery. There were polite people manning computers who entered our information and printed security labels were handed over to us. I also noted a huge room devoted to stroller parking. I dropped off my twins and the two 4 yr old girls. The baby nursery had plenty of cribs and swings and exersaucers and several nursery workers. We head across a small street to drop off my boy in the elementary wing, and a mysterious marking on the map suddenly makes sense. In studying a map of the campus I saw the label--preschool valet parking. And there it was. Under an overpass, you unload your children, hand over your keys, and someone parks your car for you in a nearby lot. And you are right in between the preschool and elementary buildings. I enquired and you do not have to be a member to avail yourself of this service. Just drive up. If you've every hauled ten children though a mega church you will understand the spot of joy this brings to your small existence.
With all the little ones safely tucked into their respective classes, we trek back to the main sanctuary. We missed the worship(we tried to get there 30 minutes early, but someone was late meeting me because her children we uncooperative, but that's okay), but caught the tail end of a special song. It was quite good. The main service is accompanied by a huge choir and orchestra. The main pastor is currently on a sabbatical, so there was a guest speaker. He was a revivalist, so he spoke about getting saved. If I wasn't already I probably would be now. It was by far one of the best sermons on that topic I have heard. We were sitting in the upper balcony so I was intrigued at the altar call to note that the people who came forward were led off to the side doors, where I saw later that there was an altar counseling room. The next service started soon, and as it was advertised to have a praise band instead of the orchestra, we decided to try it out, too. So we made sure the little ones were okay and went to the chapel for the beginning of the second service. It was a typical praise band service, but a little short. So we left and collected all the info we could find on the various ministries. Then we went to pick up the little guys. This time we noticed the glass looking into the nursery rooms, so we looked in on the twins. They were having a great time. Because it was between services, the doors into the nursery wing were locked. One of the funnier things we noted was a man pushing around a gigantic "stroller" that held 6-8 kids. My sister asked about it, and they go around and get the crying babies and push them around the halls until they calm down. There is also an indoor playground, so rain doesn't keep everyone cooped up.
Overall we were very impressed by the efficiency shown by such a large entity. So there were lots of pros and some cons. On the con list is that it is a baptist church. But since I attended a baptist college, I think I can manage to keep my charismatic leanings mostly under wrap. But it being a baptist church is also on the pro list, since that sort of sits in the middle of the splitcat/fiorinda religious continuum. The sheer size is a little daunting, but the church I attended as a child had at least 2ooo members, so it is not unfamiliar territory. The worship is not what I am accustomed to, but I can live with that. Besides, anyone is welcome to join the orchestra. I could be involved in music again. I was very impressed with all that is available for the children. Wed. nights they have Awanna, which focuses on scripture memorization, as well as a children's choir. During the school year the children can attend Sunday school as well as children's church. There is a host of Sunday school classes for adults. One is even taught by a major state politician.
Is it the church of my dreams. Not really. But it does seem to meet the current needs of all my family members. I may visit around to some other churches, and I will definitely visit there a lot more, especially once the pastor comes back. It would be nice to attend church as a family and to meet some people in our basic age group who don't live too far away. I find it completely out of character to myself to even be considering this move, since I have been steadily been moving away from the mainstream of late, but I can't just consider my own needs anymore. I know where I can go to get what I am looking for in books and online. But the really solid foundation I was given as a child really made a difference in my life, and I want that for my children. Unfortunately, a lot of smaller churches simply don't have the manpower or funds. And yes, I do work on teaching my children biblical principles, but sometimes children learn better from other people that aren't me.
Second.
My sister and I visited the local mega-church this past Sunday. I have been considering leaving my church for some time and finally decided to branch out. Why do I want to leave? Not for any particularly earth shattering reason. I enjoy Sunday mornings, but it's a little too far to get really involved, and there's not much to be involved in. Also, I only started attending there because my parents go there and I knew a lot of people, so it was safe and comfortable. But I think the Lord is leading me elsewhere.
In looking for a new church I have a myriad of small dilemmas to overcome. Firstly, I come from a charismatic background, splitcat from a catholic/reformed pres. background. He likes tradition, I like dancing in the aisles. I would like my children to attend a church with an excellent children's program where they are required to memorize scripture and learn how to appropriately behave in a church setting. They are receiving a bit of this where we are, but it is a small church. The church I attended as a child had an incredible children's ministry, so I suppose that colors my view a little. This may seem a small thing, but I need a church that is easily stroller accessible. Since I am usually alone with 4 children, the twins have to ride in the stroller. Also, in researching churches that I would like to attend I have discovered a new trend in the charismatic-type churches. The children stay in the sanctuary for the worship. But the worship is usually of an intense nature, so me alone with 4 children trying to worship is just not a pretty picture. Add on top of that the boys dislike of loud, the girls love of dance, and just the general nature of 1 yr old twins, and I'm tired just thinking about it. I do believe that children should participate in some sort of worship service, but one for them. I still remember how much I loved the worship time in children's church.
So where do I go? I was considering a vineyard church near downtown, but it's still a little too far. There is definitely not a lack of churches around here. I pass something like 17 churches to get to the church I have been attending. There is a reason they call it the bible belt.
So anyway, my sister and I were discussing churches we thought we'd like to visit, and I thought of our local mega-church. It's right between our houses, so no one would have to go out of their way to get there. There was also the appeal of being able to just be part of the crowd, totally uninvolved in any sort of church politics. So we looked into their website and decided it would be worth a try.
We were very much impressed. We parked in the guest parking lot and unloaded our 10 kids(yes, it was just me and my sister with--a 4 month old, my twins, a 16 month old, two 4 yr olds, a 6 yr old, a 7 yr old, a 10 yr old, and a 12 yr old). Unfortunately, the preschool area was on the other side of the church. However, there were lots of friendly faces willing to point us in the right direction. Later I was told that my son made the exclamation that the people here must be really rich when we first walked into the building. It had something of the feel of a mall or airport, it was huge. We approached the preschool department and walked though a pair of automatic doors into a large reception area with chairs and couches and a small saltwater aquarium. The older children thus engaged in talking to Nemo and Dorie, we proceeded to register 6 of our 10 children for the nursery. There were polite people manning computers who entered our information and printed security labels were handed over to us. I also noted a huge room devoted to stroller parking. I dropped off my twins and the two 4 yr old girls. The baby nursery had plenty of cribs and swings and exersaucers and several nursery workers. We head across a small street to drop off my boy in the elementary wing, and a mysterious marking on the map suddenly makes sense. In studying a map of the campus I saw the label--preschool valet parking. And there it was. Under an overpass, you unload your children, hand over your keys, and someone parks your car for you in a nearby lot. And you are right in between the preschool and elementary buildings. I enquired and you do not have to be a member to avail yourself of this service. Just drive up. If you've every hauled ten children though a mega church you will understand the spot of joy this brings to your small existence.
With all the little ones safely tucked into their respective classes, we trek back to the main sanctuary. We missed the worship(we tried to get there 30 minutes early, but someone was late meeting me because her children we uncooperative, but that's okay), but caught the tail end of a special song. It was quite good. The main service is accompanied by a huge choir and orchestra. The main pastor is currently on a sabbatical, so there was a guest speaker. He was a revivalist, so he spoke about getting saved. If I wasn't already I probably would be now. It was by far one of the best sermons on that topic I have heard. We were sitting in the upper balcony so I was intrigued at the altar call to note that the people who came forward were led off to the side doors, where I saw later that there was an altar counseling room. The next service started soon, and as it was advertised to have a praise band instead of the orchestra, we decided to try it out, too. So we made sure the little ones were okay and went to the chapel for the beginning of the second service. It was a typical praise band service, but a little short. So we left and collected all the info we could find on the various ministries. Then we went to pick up the little guys. This time we noticed the glass looking into the nursery rooms, so we looked in on the twins. They were having a great time. Because it was between services, the doors into the nursery wing were locked. One of the funnier things we noted was a man pushing around a gigantic "stroller" that held 6-8 kids. My sister asked about it, and they go around and get the crying babies and push them around the halls until they calm down. There is also an indoor playground, so rain doesn't keep everyone cooped up.
Overall we were very impressed by the efficiency shown by such a large entity. So there were lots of pros and some cons. On the con list is that it is a baptist church. But since I attended a baptist college, I think I can manage to keep my charismatic leanings mostly under wrap. But it being a baptist church is also on the pro list, since that sort of sits in the middle of the splitcat/fiorinda religious continuum. The sheer size is a little daunting, but the church I attended as a child had at least 2ooo members, so it is not unfamiliar territory. The worship is not what I am accustomed to, but I can live with that. Besides, anyone is welcome to join the orchestra. I could be involved in music again. I was very impressed with all that is available for the children. Wed. nights they have Awanna, which focuses on scripture memorization, as well as a children's choir. During the school year the children can attend Sunday school as well as children's church. There is a host of Sunday school classes for adults. One is even taught by a major state politician.
Is it the church of my dreams. Not really. But it does seem to meet the current needs of all my family members. I may visit around to some other churches, and I will definitely visit there a lot more, especially once the pastor comes back. It would be nice to attend church as a family and to meet some people in our basic age group who don't live too far away. I find it completely out of character to myself to even be considering this move, since I have been steadily been moving away from the mainstream of late, but I can't just consider my own needs anymore. I know where I can go to get what I am looking for in books and online. But the really solid foundation I was given as a child really made a difference in my life, and I want that for my children. Unfortunately, a lot of smaller churches simply don't have the manpower or funds. And yes, I do work on teaching my children biblical principles, but sometimes children learn better from other people that aren't me.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Like doing surveys? Here's one for Bethany House Publishers for letting them know which book cover you like out of three, and why you feel that way. It was interesting.
I've been meaning to post some pics of my little escape artist, aka Baby M or Twin A.
Maybe I can climb over this way
I shouldn't have eaten all that honey
Maybe I should just climb over
He can actually climb halfway up the side of his pack-n-play. I've lost count of how many times I've had to rescue this one from a place he has climbed or gotten himself stuck, trying to escape. Last night they worked together and made enough space to get out. I was with splitcat at the computer and turned because I heard a noise, and there he was, playing happily with the forbidden toys of his elder siblings. Baby M just stood at the opening looking from his brother to me. He wasn't sure if it was worth the risk. None of my other children were this escape oriented. Soon he'll be making his brother get in a crawling position so he can stand on his back. I think it's time to re-childproof.
I've been meaning to post some pics of my little escape artist, aka Baby M or Twin A.
Stuck trying to crawl between the furniture
Maybe I can climb over this way
I shouldn't have eaten all that honey
Maybe I should just climb over
He can actually climb halfway up the side of his pack-n-play. I've lost count of how many times I've had to rescue this one from a place he has climbed or gotten himself stuck, trying to escape. Last night they worked together and made enough space to get out. I was with splitcat at the computer and turned because I heard a noise, and there he was, playing happily with the forbidden toys of his elder siblings. Baby M just stood at the opening looking from his brother to me. He wasn't sure if it was worth the risk. None of my other children were this escape oriented. Soon he'll be making his brother get in a crawling position so he can stand on his back. I think it's time to re-childproof.
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