I Choose This Day

Life is Crazy...

2012-01-30T21:53:00.005-06:00

...so not much time to 'gather' my thoughts but here is a quick picture of the X-man to hold you over until that happens. Two of his (currently) favorite articles of clothing: his bright red Daddys-Little-Helper hat and his Spiderman PJs. Check out his reading material, too. Every child's favorite Sunday ad, ToysRUs.

Memory Verse Confusion

2012-01-24T09:36:00.000-06:00

I was practicing Xander's memory verse for Sunday School with him this morning and the boy, he was plain confused. I repeated the verse several times when I realized why. As we continue to adjust to (A)'s presence in our home, which is challenging for our usually an only child little man, I had Xander repeat the Golden Rule so many times this past week that he thought THAT was his memory verse.

Snowday with the M.Girls

2012-01-23T07:46:00.004-06:00

We had plans to meet friends at the Kohls Childrens Museum last week but with the heavy snowfall expected, decided it was not safe to make the long-ish drive (and since the museum closed early due to weather, glad we made that decision). But, since my boys were excited about plans to play with friends and it was FRIDAY, we made the shorter drive to play with the M-girls.

A&A wanted to pose for the camera, to admire themselves on the screen afterwards :) Here's a shot of these oh-so-good buddies.And this TOO CUTE image of Alea? This one is for GmaK. and GmaM. who I know occassionally read this blog :)

Ahh...First Snowfall of the Year

2012-01-20T19:18:00.005-06:00

This guy loves the white stuff.
Daddy's snowblower? That's a big-time NO.
But shoveling & snow-angel making? That's a big-time YES!

It Seems All New Again...

2012-01-18T16:16:00.006-06:00

We are just a few days short of two weeks as a family of four. Whew!

I have put an amazing amount of miles and used more cell phone minutes than I thought possible. It has been a rollercoaster of home visits, emails, dr. appointments, early intervention meetings, phone calls and networking. I have found myself in some excruciating situations. Dealt with some very hostile participants. Tried to accept/understand family dynamics which are worlds away from what is familiar.

It seems like once you welcome child#2 into your family, it is nearly impossible not to compare him/her with child#1. I am finding that to be the case with our two Safe Family placements. While both boys displayed some crazy curly hair (albeit completely different in color & texture), that is one of the few things (J) and (A) have in common.

(J) was nicknamed THE TANK and (A) simply TINY.
(J) was a mover! (A)vante is too, but he is also a snuggler.
(J) plowed into and thru new experiences/environments. (A) investigates, explores and then examines a little more.
By the time (J) returned home I felt peaceful he was returning to a safe environment. When I try to envision (A)'s future, all I can see is instability & chaos.

And the biggie! I was so determined to protect my heart I never allowed (J) to get TOO close. Not the case with little (A). Unintentionally, I have completely lost my heart to him. Now, it is not all bliss, and we're still in the honeymoon stage, but my heart has been impacted in a way it never has before. It is not exactly a mother's love, that is something entirely different, but a love which is unfamiliar. To be honest, it is a little bit scary. Because this child is NOT mine, nor will ever be. Some days I am afaid I will not simply MISS this child as I do (J), but when (A) leaves I will ACHE for him.

I thought this Safe Family journey would be easier the second time around. I am now realizing that EACH placement will be a unique journey. With NEW lessons to be learned. And NEW opportunities to trust. It was with relunctance that I pursued this ministry. It is with gratitude that I continue on.

Another Visitor in Our Midst...

2012-01-09T13:21:00.001-06:00

The X-man is loving this gift from U.Kevin, A.Jolynn, Drew and Landry.

Celebrating with the H.Family

2012-01-07T10:53:00.012-06:00

Here are some pictures from our time with the H.Family during the past holiday season. Our family is at the age-stage of "lots of little ones" with six kiddos under age 4. It was a real treat when they ALL took naps & the older kids watched a DVD while the adults got to enjoy uninterrupted time giving/opening gifts and talking with one another.

a new fuseball table provided hours of funa daddy and his son -- Mike & Isaak Ethan tries to help Alexander swing at the right time while playing Wii baseball drew plays some Wii, tooall smiles, Ethan and Landry. love this shot!

Another Guest To Arrive

2012-01-05T20:21:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow we'll be welcoming a 1-1/2 year old little boy (A) into our family for a little while, anywhere between several weeks to a couple of months. As with any Safe Family placement, there are lots of complications & plenty of unknowns. If you have a moment would you lift up a prayer for us, specifically for for calm spirits and the ability to rest in His grace for each moment? Thank you, my friends!

Christmas with the S.Family

2011-12-28T23:16:00.013-06:00

We celebrated Christmas this past weekend with the S-Family. The holiday meal was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. Gift-opening was a bit chaotic; isn't it always? It was kind of funny not to have even a hint of snow in the air. Jonathan even ran a few miles Nashville-style (in shorts! in december!).

It was a bittersweet moment as Anissa 'unpacked' her stocking for the last time; she's the oldest grandchild so was given not only the stockings' contents but the well-worn/well-loved sock itself.

Alexander got a saw/tool set that he saw at a discount-store several months ago. After informing him that we did not have money to purchase the item, he confidently stated, "Mom. I'm gonna put this on my Christmas list. Gma S. will buy it for me." She did! :)

Elijah waiting for his turn...

these two were often seen together (L) bundled up to play outside 'an explosion of pink' cowgirl (i.e. pink cowboy boots, not pictured)

i'm not even sure what this is called but kept Zachary occupied for hours!opening his long dreamed-about saw/tool set

Christmas Story Skit

2011-12-27T22:56:00.010-06:00

My niece, Anissa, coordinated a really fun skit with the 'grands' at our family Christmas celebration.

Alexander did not quite get the concept of individuals taking turns saying their parts but when prompted, he was able to remember his lines. He started out as the innkeeper, "There is no room here. We're full!" and especially liked the required slamming-the-door action. He then morphed into a sheperd for the remainder of the play, saying with much enthusiasm, "What's that?" when referring to a lamp improvising as a bright star and then shouting, "Did you hear what they said?" followed by throwing himself onto the floor with the other shepherds.

Yeah, I know not much of that is exciting but well, here are some pictures. While I did not get great shots of the always-on-the-move 2YR olds, Savannah and Lavell, were adorable in the sheep costumes.

miss savannahthe angels, as played by Karissa and Moriahjonah trying so hard to remember his linesthe little shepherd boy...(with Mary/Emily in bottom left)

WANTED: New Delivery Boy!

2011-12-23T21:40:00.006-06:00

Alexander and I delivered some cookies to the neighbors tonight. No, ours did not look as delightful as the plate above but that is (mostly) besides the point. The X-man was SO excited to be the delivery boy, carefully carrying the small plate in his hands as we trooped thru the yard. When Alice came to the door, he brightly said while jumping up & down, "Happy Merry Christmas!" and then to my great & complete embarrassment added with a solemn tone, "They didn't turn out so well." Oh my goodness!

Nighttime Conversation...

2011-12-15T15:40:00.009-06:00

We've been having issues with the X-man settling down for bedtime the past couple of weeks. First, he wants more 'friends' in his bed; Mr. Elephant and Big Cat are afraid to sleep alone, I guess. Then the covers need to be JUST so. The music needs to be turned up; no, just a little bit more. And the pitter-patter of little feet is often heard scampering about way after the lights are out.

This was a recent late night conversation.

BWS: You will not get out of this bed. Do you understand?

X: Yes, dad.
BWS: I don't want to hear any noise when I go downstairs.
X: Oh. So, so, if I do get out of bed, I should tip-toe. Right, dad?

Three Years Ago...

2011-12-12T19:18:00.006-06:00

...we arrived at our local airport with this sweet bundle of boy. How our lives have changed since that day! I pray we will never take for granted this most precious gift.

We love you, Alexander!

Money Saving Tip: Capturing Memories

2011-12-12T11:50:00.002-06:00

If you've not noticed (wink! wink!), I enjoy capturing memories thru pictures. Since I am not a paper/glue/stickers kind of scrapbooker, I have made it a goal to create a yearly photobook for Alexander.

I created his first 8x8 hard-cover book using Shutterfly.com and a free coupon code. Because I am kinda big on consistency :), I wanted to keep his collection of books as similar in size/construction as possible while also keeping the costs low. Long story short (or at least, shorter) I struggled to find a reasonable deal on Shutterfly.com books the following year. The 20-30% off coupon codes I found could not be combined with free shipping ($7.95) so the bottom line was still a bit higher than I wanted to pay. If I used a different online photo-site the standard book size was slightly larger/smaller, the deal only included a discount on soft cover books, etc. So, while Alexander's 2010 book was complete and in my Saved Projects, I delayed in ordering.

This past fall, while searching for something totally unrelated, I discovered you can purchase Shutterfly coupon codes on ebay.com (!). I was able to purchase FOUR free 8x8 hard-cover coupon codes for less than $6. Since only one code per order is allowed, I did have to order each of the four books seperately and pay shipping + tax for each ($8.65). All in all, I spent $40.60 on four books instead of the $154.56 (!) normal retail price.

I like deals like this, so I thought I would pass the tip along in case you have some 'memory capturing' on your ToDo list. And, hey, if you have a similar or even better deal, do share!

First Preschool Program (Over!)

2011-12-10T08:00:00.004-06:00

We are finding our not-so-shy little boy to be a not-so-willing on-demand performer/participant. His first Sunday School program was a total bust! While walking to the front of the church, he spotted his daddy & grandpa and raced into the familiar arms of two of his favorite people.

This past Thursday was his first preschool program. We invited GmaS. After routinely telling me, "I am NOT doing it, mom. I am not," he nervously entered the classroom searching for a familiar/friendly face. I thought he might break line & run across the room when he spotted Gma but he stayed front-and-center the whole program. Whew! I have been told that I should not take his hesitation personally/negatively, but I have to say it is proving to be difficult.

The Christmas Program at our church is this evening. Here is hoping & praying he has conquered his stage-fright jitters :)

P.S. Yes; there are also girls in his class but I think the (wise) teachers sandwiched the rowdy boys in between the more willing-to-participate girls left to hold down the ends of the performance line. Since I was focused on my little man, my pictures captured the boys :)

Christmas Is Coming...

2011-12-08T17:12:00.007-06:00

...and this little boy cannot wait! :)

Family Expansion

2011-12-04T16:47:00.004-06:00

Our holiday card, possibly coming to a mailbox near you, includes some news about our plans for a family expansion -- old news to some, new news to others. We have been on the waiting list for child from Ethiopia since November 9, 2009.While we had hoped to share news of our referral/child match this summer (2011), based on decisions by the Ethiopian government to process adoption cases at a dramatically slower rate beginning this past March, our agency's current projection is that we will have a new child in our family sometime in 2014-2015. How's that for planning ahead?!

I will most certainly be talking more about our second adoption journey in the coming weeks/months/years but to be honest, right now there is not much to say. We are simply waiting. We believe a child will be born in Ethiopia in the next couple of years whom God has hand-picked to place within our family. The exact details are unknown but we know His plan & His timing is perfect.

In the meantime, this past week we received some good news. Our family was selected to receive a $2500 matching grant from Lifesong for Orphans, a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to help meet the needs of orphan children around the world. What does this mean? Basically, Lifesong for Orphans will match dollar-for-dollar any gift received in our adoption fundraising account by January 9th, 2012 (up to $2500 amount).

It is humbling to ask for your assistance. We do so because there are some large financial gaps in our adoption expeditures & our bank account and we believe THRU YOU, God can fill in those gaps. We have also come to understand that not ALL are called to adopt orphans but MANY desire to be part of God's work in bringing children into forever families. So, consider our journey, YOUR journey. We are glad to share :)

If you would consider partnering with us, you can send a check, payable to Lifesong for Orphans with 'Stahl #2343' indicated in memo line, to the following address:
Lifesong for Orphans
Stahl Family Adoption #2343
PO Box 40/202 N Ford Street
Gridley, IL 61744

NOTE: Your gift is tax-deductible (and if post-marked by December 31st, 2011 eligible to be claimed on this year's taxes). 100% of funds raised will go directly to cover adoption costs. In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor's suggested use.

Early Morning Conversation with X-Man

2011-12-02T15:07:00.005-06:00

X: Mom. My heart is not working. Its battery is broken.
ME: Hmmm...(remember, it was really early!)
X: But, it's okay, Mom. God is charging it for me.
ME: Hmmm...

The First Gardener

2011-11-17T17:46:00.002-06:00

I recently read “The First Gardener” by Denise Hildreth Jones. It is a story about loss, love and living. WoW! I cried and laughed...okay, I mostly cried. A LOT!

Sometimes life is hard. Really hard. Mingled amidst moments of joy and thankfulness, life can often be filled with hurt and heartache, too. The unimaginable happens. Disappointments crush our spirits. Life intersects with reality. We find ouselves in the midst of the strangling weeds of imcomprehensible loss or confusion or fear. If you have 'been there', in a struggle with despair/depression, overwhelmed with loss/grief, broken and bruised, I think you might appreciate this poignant read.

A few of my favorite lines/lessons from the book; just bits & pieces.

“God okay if you mad, Miz Mackenzie. Way I figure, he hear evey’thing, so ain’t much we gots to say gon’ shock him. But when you take the heart he gone and placed inside you and shut it all down, well…don’t know if there by anythin’ make him ache more.”

“He wasn’t going to run from his grief any longer. Instead, when the grief showed up, he was going to run into it. He would hold it, feel it, absorb its impact. Then he’d move back into the life that, for whatever reason, he’d been left to live.”

“Father, my baby girl is broken, and I can’t fix her. I see that now. I really do. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’m all out of fixin.”

“But no matter what it pretend to be, pride be such a liar. It make us think we sump’n we ain’t. Make us think we can get by without God.”

“Not around or under. Just through.” This reminds me of Isaiah 43:2 which says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass throught the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."

“Forgive me,” she whispered. She spoke it for many reasons. But she spoke it first to herself. She had to in order to live. Finally, she spoke it to heaven. She was coming to realize that heaven had not been holding her prisoner. Yes, God had allowed her to be crushed beneath a weight of grief she didn’t feel anyone should have to carry, but it was she who had imprisoned her own soul. It was self-pity that had held her in a prison of grief. Not that the pain wasn’t real. But somehow it had welded itself to resentment over the fact that real life didn’t match her picture of it. She had assumed she deserved to have the life she wanted, and when that didn’t happen, she had wanted to give up. For that, she told heaven she was sorry.”

“And in that deep place in her soul, where the black pit that had all but swallowed her whole still existed as a reminder of what she could choose, she made a decision.”

Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort...

2011-11-16T12:02:00.004-06:00

My parents both celebrated their 60th birthdays this past year (in March & May) so we decided to schedule some time for family & fun. Not the most simple task when taking into account spring planting, autumn harvest, work schedules and baby due dates (we added two little ones to our family this year!) but it was accomplished & we gathered together at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort in Utica, IL a couple of weekends ago. So much fun to watch the kids play (and sometimes, fight!) together.

And the Winner Is...

2011-11-14T14:01:00.011-06:00

SCWenninger

SETH and CASEY: Please send your mailing address to bcstahl01 at aol.com and I will drop the certificate in the mail. Thanks for the comments. My prayer for all is that God will strengthen our marriages as we tackle the sometimes hard day-to-dayness of living out relationships which bring glory to Him.

Along the Coastline

2011-11-11T09:17:00.003-06:00

During our last day in Oregon, we headed a couple hours west to the coastline. Like the rest of the state we had observed previously...simply beautiful!

We walked thru the art shops, candy stores, etc. of Cannon Beach and snacked on some incredible crepes (i.e. proscuitto, fig and chevre cheese) We drove south along the coast, pulling off at scenic spots along the way before arriving @ the Tillamook Cheese Factory. The cheese was okay. The ice cream, possibly the best I have EvEr had.There is this 'rock structure' along that coast called Haystack Rock. It is a dedicated, protected Marine Garden, rising 235 feet out of the sand and the sea at the low tide line in Cannon Beach, Oregon. We missed low-tide, so perhaps that is part of the reason this landmark, one of the most photographed in the state of Oregon, kind of left me unimpressed. But, after travelling south, we discovered Haystack Rock II and settled in for about 2-hours to watch the sun set over this secondary landmark. Definitely impressive! And a very peaceful end to a fantastic time away.

Driving the Countryside

2011-11-10T21:38:00.011-06:00

Part of our trip included some time in Willamette Valley. Being a farm girl @ heart, I really enjoyed driving around the countryside and visiting vineyards, both small farms & larger estates. We met some incredibly genuine & engaging people and had a simply good time. Here are a few rustic images from our treks thru the W.valley.

Switchback? What's That?

2011-11-10T20:19:00.008-06:00

Okay. Back to Oregon. It is Sunday evening. We have decided, much to my great pleasure & delight, to spend the following day doing absolutely nothing. Sleeping in. Reading thru the afternoon. Perhaps a nap; okay, definitely a nap! Stepping out for an early dinner @ the Horseradish Cafe just around the corner, etc. I was anticipating a vacation-style day of my dreams.

Fast-forward to Monday morning. I sleepily crawl from beneath the covers (thinking it is early, too early to be considered sleeping in) and see my husband already pacing around our room. Not a good sign. He's munching away at breakfast & already has the coffee brewed. And, it appears he might have already showered. Hmmm...this is NOT looking like a lay-low kind of day. And then he speaks, "So, I was thinking..."

Fast-forward another 30-minutes. I have a mug of hot chocolate in my hands & my camera over my shoulder. We are on our way to an all day hiking adventure in the mountains of OR. Well...so much for the nap! :)

After driving for just over an hour, we arrive at the Columbia River Gorge area, park our car and start checking out the trails. After walking for a bit, we see a mass of cars/people down the road and discover that we are at the Multnomah Falls. "We" decide to hike to the top. A fellow hiker/tourist (headed in the opposite direction, nonetheless) non-chalantly mentions the trail has 13 switchbacks. I am unfazed; I have no clue what a switchback is.

Fast-forward another 40-minutes. I am gasping for air. My legs are burning. My knees screaming. The odds of my falling off the edge of the trail are skyrocketing upwards by the moment. By now, I know WHAT a switchback is and cannot believe there are five MORE before we acheive the pinnacle of our hike, the top of the falls. My husband looks over his shoulder and smiles back at me. I level a hard-core glare at him and think, "I am supposed to be napping right about now!"

Sarcasm aside, we did have a fun day! The air was crisp, perfect for hiking, and the beauty around us was pretty awesome. Here is some proof of that.

In case ya'll might be (kindly) assuming my slightly damp hair in the above photograph is from the misting of the waterfall in the background, let me set the record straight. It is soaked! With persperation. The I-just-hiked-up-thirteen-switchbacks-and-am-sorely-out-of-shape kind of sweat :) Just sayin'. Pathetic, I know.

GIVEAWAY: Weekend To Remember

2011-11-07T15:12:00.005-06:00

Blake & I have been gifted with a 'ministry partner certificate' to attend Family Life's Weekend to Remember Conference. The certificate entitles a couple to attend a Weekend To Remember of their choice for $39/person. It expires August 31, 2012. Since we cannot use this certificate because our marriage is perfect/flawless (ha! ha! gasp! gasp!), we'd like to give it to a couple who can.

To be eligible to win you must be (a) either engaged or married and (b) make a committment to redeem the certificate prior to its expiration date OR re-gift it to friends who will be able to attend the conference. Check

HERE for details regarding locations & dates for upcoming events.

The Weekend to Remember can help a struggling marriage find hope OR make a good marriage even better. Either way, it's a WIN-WIN.

Pease post a comment by 8AM on Friday, November 11th (11/11/11) to enter the giveaway.

Something to Consider...

2011-11-03T15:23:00.010-05:00

The question for us is this, will I do the thing God has asked me to do and trust God to do the part only He can do? Do I have the faith to believe that if I would only ask, God would show up and do His work in my heart & my home?

10Yr Anniversary Getaway (Part I)...

2011-10-30T14:16:00.005-05:00

We were recently able to piggy-back a little anniversary getaway with a work-related course Blake completed in Portland, Oregon. Traditionally a very rainy season in OR, we were not certain how many outdoor adventures we'd be able to coordinate but (PTL), the weather was amazing! Cool. Crisp. Partly sunny/partly cloudy. And the fall colors against the background of evergreens exceeded our expectations.

I took lots of pictures, of course! since that is my favorite way of documenting life. Here are a few teaser pictures of our time away -- more to come when I can steal some additional moments for editing/posting.

My Little Man...

2011-10-19T15:23:00.009-05:00

Blake is out-of-town for a few days.

While talking to him on the phone this AM Alexander overheard me saying, "I miss my man."

The X-man gently laid his hand on my arm and said, "I'm right here, Mom."

Camping with Friends!

2011-10-13T14:05:00.008-05:00

We went on an adventure this part weekend, camping with four kids under age 4. Good times! The weather was absolutely amazing. The leaves beautiful. The friendship a treasure.

So fun to get to know this little guy (Brady) and parents (Shayne & Emily).These binoculars (also called 'BEE-knock-lers' and 'knockers' this weekend) provided entertainment & opportunity for strengthening sharing skills :) all weekend long. displaying the 'love' portion of their love/do not love relationship...Xander is alternately fascinated/scared to pieces by One-Eyed Jack. The dog, not the man!this one appears a bit 'posed' but this happens often; Xander loves giving hugs to the M.girls :)Jami had the patience of a saint while trying to 'play cards' with these two.one of my FAVS from the weekend -- love these boys!

That Time of Year...

2011-10-12T13:20:00.002-05:00

Taco Salad. Taffy apples. Hot chocolate. And, s'mores! It is officially 'cookout' season! Xander and I recently spent a Sunday afternoon at the E.family's with friends from church while Blake was out-of-town.These high school boys, among others, found themselves followed about by a 3-foot high admirer for most of the evening. Thanks, Jade & Nelson! Oh, and the last picture is sweet little Theo, too cute to resist posting :)

Reflection On Safe Family: Jonathan

2011-10-10T18:05:00.007-05:00

I recently shared this testimony in the Titus2 publication; thought some of you might be interested in a reflection on our initial Safe Family placement.

It is not about you. It is not about you. It is so not about you!
These words, whispers from my Father, have circled about my head and heart in the recent weeks. Relentless words. Convicting words. Uncomfortable words.

On a Thursday evening in late June, we received a phone call about a 15-month old little boy who needed a temporary home. We had only completed the required paperwork/certification for the Safe Families program a few days prior. We were equal parts excited & anxious about our first placement as we drove to an apartment complex in a nearby suburb.

Within a matter of minutes, as we buckled Jonathan into our car, we changed from a family of three to a family of four. Alexander became a [reluctant] big brother. The first night of Jonathan’s stay, my heart ached with compassion for this little boy at the center of circumstances vastly out of his control. He trembled in my arms as I rocked him, or rather, attempted to rock him to sleep. He cried & cried, big teardrops rolling down his bright red, chubby cheeks. He clung to my neck. Whimpered with fear. As ugly or self-centered as it may sound, I was kind of endeared by his emotional distress. This is what I/we signed up for, right? To repair what is wrong in a child’s world? To show love amidst hurting & pain?

While I had completed the required on-line training over the course of the previous few weeks and had a good understanding of the Safe Families program, I must admit I had some looking-thru-rose-colored-glasses plans of my own. #1 I was going to change a child’s life, wrap them in love like they’d not known before. #2 I was going to witness & minister to a hurting and impoverished family, share Christ and His awesome/redeeming love with both the child & parents.#3 I was going to fix what was wrong! Mend what was broken! Make everything all better!

Uh...I mean, God and I, of course. We were going to do all these things. He had called our family to this ministry, right? We were doing His work, right? God would certainly bless us (rose-colored-glasses translation: make everything easy), right? Or maybe not...

Upon waking the next morning, reality entrenched itself within our home. Crying. Whining. Pinching. Outbursts. Tears from Jonathan. Defiance from Alexander. The week continued to unfold. Interrupted schedules. Paperwork/documentation. Home visits. Parent/sibling visits. More home visits. Things just didn’t go according to my plans. I wanted Jonathan’s parents to call [often] and lavish [grand] words of gratitude upon our family. They did not.
I wanted Alexander to be thrilled about his new role as big brother. He was not. I wanted Blake to understand both my complete mental and physical exhaustion at the day’s end. He tried his best.

This Child! Oh, what do I do with this child? I would ask myself several times a day during the first weeks of our family’s expansion. I can’t do this. Not a minute more. Seriously, what do I do with this child? This child, this stranger who has invaded my home but not [yet] my heart? This child who demands my undivided attention; who wails when I turn away, who follows my every movement? This child who takes (and takes, and takes!) seemingly giving nothing in return? This child who has disrupted my [safe] routine and my [perfectly fine] schedule? And, perhaps hardest of all, this child who has ‘stolen’ my own son, eliciting behavior both new and far from admirable? What do I do with this child who needs me but is not my own? So many times I found myself looking past the giggles. The lopsided grin. The sweet curls and chubby cheeks. I glanced at the child whose life suddenly intersected with my own and I saw only the hard things. The unlovable parts.

It is not about you. It is not about you. It is so not about you! It was not until about 5-weeks into this journey that I began to allow myself to listen, truly hear the words that God had been speaking all along. Shame flooded my heart as I recognized my crummy, un-Christian attitude towards this innocent child. The ugliness of my pride. The stench of my self-centeredness. The repugnance of my sin. The lack of my faith. I saw myself thru the eyes of God as He revealed my weakness and His strength. What was I to do with this child? The same thing that God modeled from the very beginning. “We love.” (IJohn 4:19)

God loved me before I even knew Him, before I asked Him to be my Lord of my life. He loved me when I cried. He loved me when I whined. He loved me when I was afraid. He loved me when I hurt others. He loved me,unconditionally. He loved me, not because of anything I had done but simply because of who He was/is. What was I to do with this child? If I had been searching in the right place, I would have discovered the answer was present all along, found in the truth of His word. “The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” What was I to do with this child? Love him. Accept him. Pray for him. Show him Christ. Nothing more & certainly, nothing less.

I am humbled to acknowledge my struggles. To recognize, and share with you, my failures. And yet, I am grateful to have learned a valuable lesson. It is so not about me. Rather, it is so about GOD in me.

What lessons will the next journey bring?

This MIGHT Be Serious...

2011-09-28T15:25:00.017-05:00

I can't walk, Mom. My toe is broken. (cousin Ty fractured a couple of toes)
I have bumps all over my head (he observed the Dr. removing some stitches from a minor procedure on my scalp).
I cannot go to grandma's 'cause I'm sick. (really! you can't go to grandmas?!)
I cannot go to school 'cause I have a really, really bad headache.
I cannot go to bed 'cause I am too sick.
I cannot go to the gym 'cause my stomach hurts.

Instead of rushing the X-man to the emergency room or Dr. office which he has requested repeatedly, I have made a self-diagnosis. You guessed it, folks, we're looking at a serious case of hypochondria! (defn): Hypochondriacs become unduly alarmed about any physical symptoms they detect, no matter how minor the symptom may be. They are convinced that they have or are about to have a serious illness.

I write this post as part PSA (Public Service Announcement) & part appeal for some assistance. If Alexander observes you sniffling, blowing your nose into a tissue or, heaven forbid, sneezing! he may show great alarm and/or express concern that you are terribly sick & should immediately seek medical attention. Please assure him that there is a good possibility you'll live to see another day! :) If he sees you with any type of band-aid or cast/crutches, etc. extra assruance might be required.

The Cousins Are Coming...

2011-09-22T21:01:00.009-05:00

This past Wednesday, in Xander-language, was a GOOD, GOOD DAY! A much anticipated day. Why? No, not the British but..."the cousins are coming, the cousins are coming!" For several days, the X-man could be heard saying, "My cousins are my brothers & sisters, right? I need brothers & sisters. Yeah, Isaak is my brother." Oh well, I have finally stopped correcting him. It's not hurting anyone, right?

Anyways, we were visited by A.Joy, Brenda, Isaak, Brooke, Jolynn, Drew and Landry. Our day consisted of a hike (stroller parade) down the Prairie Path, followed by lunch & playtime at the park, followed by another hike (1/2 stroller parade, 1/2 toddlers chasing each other intrerrupted by an unhappy baby crying), followed by playtime at another park. What fun! Here are some pics to prove it.

Family Fun Day...

2011-09-20T14:13:00.016-05:00

Much to Alexander's delight, a couple weekends ago (yes! I am totally behind!) we took the train into the city, hopped on a cross-town bus and spent the day at the zoo. The weather was amazing (sunny, in the 70/80s) and the animals were out&about. A super fun family day.

This below 'view' illicited some very inquisitive and detailed questions about the functionality of one's bottom, leading to much parental-snickering and glad-its-you-and-not-me looks from those eavesdropping nearby.After seeing all kinds of amazing creatures, the following took TOP HONORS as Alexander's favorite. Go figure!

My Favorite BAR(s)...

2011-09-10T20:08:00.000-05:00

That would be Brenda Ann (R.) and Brooke Avery (R.) Love this shot of my little sister and even more, watching her with a daughter all her own. How sweet! What a treasure!

Family Is A Blessing...

2011-09-08T20:16:00.005-05:00

Growing up, I had the privelege of living within 5 miles of my grandparents and first cousins (on my dad's side of the family). Some of my best childhood memories are of Family Night which occured at least once a month, but usually much more often than that. We'd all gather at someone's house, share a potluck meal and then spend hours and hours and hours playing. Baseball. Basketball. PingPong. Pool. Hide & seek. Kick the Can. Board games. We'd put on concerts with an eclectic compulation of instruments. We'd dress up with gpa's crazy wig collection.

I got all nostolgic/sentimental this weekend when we spent time with these same cousins once again...but WE were all grown up and our KIDS were the ones making childhood memories. It was so sweet to watch Alexander run around the farm chasing his cousins, playing bags & tackle/touch football, riding bikes and making LOTS of noise. Family is truly a blessing.

typical toddlers: fighting one minute & sharing the next (nephews) sweet & adorable Abe...(a 2nd cousin)Landry (nephew) and Gina (SIL) share some giggles... Virginia, Kara and Brianna (2nd cousin, niece, 2nd cousin)

Ready or Not? Off To School!

2011-09-06T18:45:00.004-05:00

This is one of those images etched somewhat abstractly in my mind since I was a little girl, I think. Sending a child to his/her first day of school. To be honest, I never pictured a little brown boy but God had different (and much better) plans! The first-day-of-school picture which I thought corn-y as a child and now ESSENTIAL as a parent.

I was greeted this morning with the scampering of footsteps and a huge smile before he proudly proclaimed, "This is my first big day of school!"

Saying Good-Bye To J-Man

2011-09-06T12:53:00.005-05:00

For those following along. We said good-bye to Jonathan on Friday evening.

Just as he quickly entered our lives 9-weeks ago, I received a phone call on Thursday afternoon that he'd be returning to his family the next day.

We miss his blond curls & his infectious giggles but trust that our time together AND our saying good-bye are all part of God's perfect plan for our lives & his.

"Luff (love) you, buddy!"

No, Never Alone

2011-08-22T09:36:00.006-05:00

There is a classic hymn entitled 'No, Never Alone'. The lyrics of the chorus, No, never alone, no never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me a alone...; a simple reminder of God's constant presence in our lives.

Last night, we heard a sweet voice from the backseat singing the X-man version, "Leave me alone, God. Oh, leave me alone." Somehow, his translation is just NOT the same :) :)

Fun @ Morton Arboretum...

2011-08-18T13:15:00.006-05:00

We've been laying kind of low lately since navigating the boys in/out of the car can sometimes seem like wrestling a grizzly bear. A really loud, really angry, mama-pitching-a-fit-because-youre-messing-with-her-baby type of grizzly bear, I might add.

But, yesterday I found some extra oomph! and decided it was time for an adenture. We had some reduced admission passes to the Morton Arboretum and I figured, if nothing else, it would provide a new space for running off some energy.

We 'debuted' the Sit'N Stand stroller borrowed from my SIL which I was hoping would provide some assistance in managing the little ones while on-the-go. Those reading this who are seasoned parents might already guess that even though Alexander hates riding in a stroller, he insisted on being strapped into the riding portion and refused to stand in the back. Oh well.

The crankiness did subside once inside the Children's Garden where the boys spotted water and dirt, more appropriately identified by moms as MUD. Lots of fun was had before the littlest one starting melting down in the heat & got all mad when he discovered he'd emptied his sippy cup and I did not have a refill available immediately!

The frog did not turn into a princess. Better luck next time, X-man :)

X-Man Quote of the Day

2011-08-18T07:35:00.006-05:00

An early morning coversation.
X: Daddy. Do you know what the Lord said?
BWS: Hmmm...What did the Lord say?
X: And the Lord said, Jonathan shall only play with the dump truck.

(unstated) TRANSLATION: And if he touches my fire engine again today, fists are gonna fly!

One Of My Favorite Summer Photos...

2011-08-12T12:27:00.002-05:00

Best of buddies! Isaak (2yr), Drew (2yr) & Alexander (3yr).

The Most Desperate Place on Earth?

2011-08-11T17:04:00.016-05:00

"These too small children, listlessly clutching small bundles composed of everything they own in the world, barely look up. And, on the few occasions I do catch their eye, I see my own children's eyes looking back at me. It makes me want to scream, but instead I nearly cry." Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent (CNN).

Faduma Sakow Abdullahi and her five children tried to escape starvation in Somalia by journeying to a Kenyan refugee camp. Only one day before they reached their destination, her 4-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son died of exhaustion and hunger. At first the 29-year-old widow thought the two were merely sleeping when they wouldn’t get up after a brief rest. She had to leave their bodies under a tree, unburied, so she could push on with her baby, 2-year-old and 3-year-old. Were it not for God's hand of mercy, would Alexander be one of the little ones suffering? Is his family in Ethiopia okay? Have his grandparents, his aunts/uncles, his mother/father been forced to walk for countless days to a refugee camp simply in hope of securing a drink of water? No answers. Only questions. Will you join me in petitioning our Father for comfort, protection & peace for those in the horn of Africa who find themselves living in one of the most desperate places on earth? Photo Credits: Rebecca Blackwell

Your Little Ones MIGHT Be Hungry IF...

2011-08-11T11:57:00.000-05:00

...you open the refrigerator to find this.

Either that, or evidence of a really large rodent on the loose; i hope not!)

Another Rule...

2011-08-10T12:06:00.011-05:00

This morning at breakfast Jonathan was tossing his Cheerios on the floor, whining & screaming. I spoke to him in my I-mean-business voice with a bit more VOLUME than necessary. The X-man looked at me and said...

X: Mom. You're making bad choices. My heart is so disappointed. You're not following my rule. (Hmmm...these phrases sound vaguely familiar...)
ME: Your rule, huh? What rule might you be talking about?
X: The one in my pocket (reaches into his pocket and extends his hand)
ME: Hmmm...what does this rule say?
X: Thou shalt not shout! It's for you, Mom.

Argh! From the mouth of babes! Oh for grace, more grace!

Look What I Found, Mom!

2011-07-30T13:48:00.006-05:00

(excitedly waving a $20 bill) X: Mom! Look what I found!

ME: Wow! Where did you find that?

X: It was just sitting right there. Right on that desk! We have money. Let's go to McDonalds!

(Earlier in the week while driving past the Golden Arches, Xander asked to stop @ McDonalds for a cheeseburger. I told him we did not have money to spend at McDonalds. He quickly went into problem-solving mode & suggested we use our 'Aldis quarter' which we keep in the truck; certain that would buy him a cheeseburger).

ME: Actually, that money is not yours. It belongs to dad.

(slight pause) X: Okay. We can wait until dad's not home. THEN, we can (take the money and...) go to McDonalds!

RECIPE: Asian Beef Tacos

2011-07-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

We recently purchased a quarter of a cow. WoW! Does that kind of purchase put a dent in the grocery budget! :)

I like beef, and let me tell you, this is REAL GOOD beef, but in general, I am more of a chicken-girl. I knew this purchase would require some diversity in my typical menu planning so I started searching for some recipes. JACKPOT! I found this slow cooker (a.k.a. perfect for steamy summer days when you do not dare start the oven!) recipe in the July 2011 issue of Women's Day.

Simple & delicious. You can't go wrong with that combination!

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp grated ginger
1 to 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (omitted b/c I did not have in my pantry)
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
* 1-1/2 lb. flank steak, cut into 2-1/2 inch thick strips
4 scallions (substituted green onions)
1/2 small head iceburg lettuce, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
8 small flour tortillas
3 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

*I used chuck roast, b/c I did not have a package labeled flank steak and there was NO WAY I was going to buy beef at the store!

DIRECTIONS: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce and cinnamon. Add the beef and turn to coat. Cover and cook until meat is tender & shreds easily, on low for 7-8 hours/high for 5-6 hours. Fifteen minutes before serving, thinly slice the scallions lengthwise. In a bowl, toss the lettuce, scallions, cilantro and vinegar. Serve teh beef in the tortillas and top with lettuce mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

CraZy, CRaZy Hot!

2011-07-25T07:00:00.005-05:00

With the temps in the triple-digits, we've been staying indoors more than normal. But with two very active boys needing to burn some energy, I gathered up tubs, buckets & cups and let the boys loose for 1/2 hour with the hose. Xander had a blast but Jonathan was soon begging/whining to return indoors. He does NOT like to be hot, EVER! By the way, legally, I cannot post any pictures of Jonathan on a public space; thus the reason you're still seeing pictures of only the X-man.

If Eyes Could Talk...

2011-07-23T20:00:00.001-05:00

...then my little man is SELDOM silent :)

A Moment of Reflection...

2011-07-23T01:06:00.006-05:00

I quickly skimmed thru posts in the past month or so and realized this blog has been lacking some heart lately. An accurate representation of my life, I guess. I find myself caught up in the logistics of the day without really absorbing the moments as they pass me by. (If you're always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you are in?)

I am certain of God's presence in my life, especially these past (3) weeks as we have adjusted to our role in Safe Families and the challenges/delights that Jonathan has brought into our family, but I can sense a distance, too. I am often distracted by whys? and what-ifs? and whens? The close of the day often finds me exhausted, sometimes physically and sometimes mentally (and being totally honest, some days both!). My days have purpose but my VISION is foggy. My heart is peaceful and yet seemingly unstable, too.

Tonight I am praying for rest -- body, mind & soul. For a renewed focus on what is REALLY important, and the discipline to not become distracted by minor inconveniences. And the ability to "be still & know that He is God" amidst the flurry of life & its responsibilities. Would you join me in that prayer?

Tutorial: How To Eat a S'more

2011-07-21T11:54:00.001-05:00

Sorry. My battery was getting low so images are a bit fuzzy.

insert as BIG of a bite as possible...discover your sticky, MESSY hands...begin licking off the sticky-ness... continue licking off the sticky-ness (until you realize it is NOT working & demand a wet-wipe immediately)

Backyard CampOut

2011-07-19T11:41:00.017-05:00

Alexander's adjustment to having Jonathan is our home continues to be a bit of a struggle, some days okay & some plain NOT okay. In an attempt to calm his heart/fears, we have specifically carved out some special daddy/son time. Per the X-man..."for just us BIG boys, not for mommys" (or Jonathans, not stated but implied)!. This past weekend, that equaled a campout in the backyard. NOTE: I graciously sacrificed my involvement in the activity to stay in the air-conditioned, bug-free house with Jonathan! :)

The grand adventure ended about 12:30AM when Alexander woke Blake with the words, "Dad. I'm done sleeping in this tent. I want to go in my big-boy bed." No worries! Blake got over his crushing disappointment of the relocation request:) no campout is complete without a campfire...learning how to put marshmallows on a roasting stick...first attempt at roasting (some perished in the fire!) future fireman? what do you think?

Celebrating: 4th of July

2011-07-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

After a action-packed weekend of out-of-town family activities, we spent the 4th watching our local parade and attending the fun family activities at the town lake. It was hot! hot! hot! so we drank lots of water & lemonade; should have packed more.

In the evening, the 'big boys' (Blake & Xander) had some special daddy/son time together watching fireworks on a blanket (which Xander insisted they found @ the park but which had been strategically placed by daddy several hours earlier!) & eating popcorn WAY past bedtime.

loved getting his face painted with a big 'firebreak' (...does kinda make sense)

I look a tad-bit miserable in this picture (which, honestly, I was!). I now understand why my mom was always telling us kids, "Stop touching me!" on hot/sticky days! Oh...but I love this little (I mean, BIG) boy of mine!

Tutorial: How To Eat An Ice Cream Cone

2011-07-08T11:50:00.007-05:00

OPEN REALLY BIG (Quick! Before It Drips!). CLOSE CAREFULLY. (Quick! Before It Drips!) YUMMY-YUM!

Oh, Yes! We Had a Potty Party!

2011-07-07T07:00:00.008-05:00

As an incentive while potty training, GmaH. told Alexander that if he kept his big boy pants dry & learned to go on the potty like (daddy, grandpa, U.kevin -- we used all the motivation we could find!) that she would throw him a Potty Party.

He instantly began making plans -- although the potty training part was FAR, FAR from instant! He requested a blueberry cake. A cake as tall as he was. And he wanted to invite his cousins to the party.

Fast forward several weeks to this past weekend when we celebrated in style! Although far from glamorous, and held together from toppling by two skewers, Alexander celebrated his success with the TWINKIE cake of his dreams! P.S. Lest you think we have mastered the potty-ing, we are not quite there but OH SO! much closer.

So proud of himself!

We decided Twinkies must have been MUCH better when we were KIDS :)

Introducing Miss Brooke...

2011-07-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

My little sister (Brenda), husband (Mike) and 2-year old son (Isaak) welcomed little Brooke Avery to their family on June 24th. I was so anxious to see her that I think Blake considered hiding the car keys after I hung up from hearing the good, good news. :)

But this past weekend, I did get to see (and more importantly, snuggle) the littlest member of our family. So, so sweet with lots of cRaZy dark, soft hair. I had lots of hair as a baby and was secretly hoping she might resemble her [favorite] aunt Christine. Alas, she's a spitting image of her older brother, Isaak.

So thankful to have a new niece/cousin to love!

A Guest In Our Home...

2011-07-01T11:04:00.010-05:00

"Who should we contact to coordinate the date/time for meeting this little boy?"
"The child is waiting. Can you be (at this address) within the hour?"

This is a summary of the phone conversation that took place last night about 7PM at our house. A 15-month old boy needed a 'safe family' to stay with for a couple of weeks & God choose us. We are thrilled/exhausted/anxious/amazed with the opportunity.

A little background. We were introduced to the Safe Families program several months ago. Since 2005, Safe Families for Children has offered sanctuary to thousands of children, minimizing the risk for abuse or neglect and giving parents the time and tools they need to help their families thrive. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and support parents so they can become Safe Families for their own children.

God made it clear this was a ministry He wanted us to become involved in (amidst our fears!). Because we already have an open license with DCFS, becoming certified as a Safe Family was more streamlined than 'starting from scratch' so were able to complete the online training, paperwork, etc. rather speedily.

Within days, we began receiving notifications of children/mothers/parents/families who needed a helping hand. Children abandoned. Mothers overwhelmed. Medical/Financial crisis. Lost jobs. Homelessness. Incarceration. During crisis such as these, children are especially at-risk for neglect or abuse as their parents struggle to cope with crushing circumstances and emotions.

So, here we are on a new journey; thankful to be His hands & feet.

PRAYER REQUEST: As you can probably imagine, becoming a big brother overnight has 'rocked' Alexander's world. Please pray that God will give us an extra measure of grace/wisdom as we face challenges in the days/weeks ahead.

WANTED: Book Recommendations

2011-06-28T14:07:00.010-05:00

I am working on an article for the Titus2 newsletter. While the focus of the article will explain the benefits & the joys of reading, I am hoping to include a list of must-haves or best-of-the-best suggestions for books so readers can either purchase them OR, what I like to do, check them out at the local library.

I am especially looking for recommendations for Bible storybooks/toddler devotionals, but the article will cover a variety of topics so ALL recommendations are welcome (and appreciated!) Just leave me a comment with your family's favorite(s). And, thanks!

By the way, if you'd like to receive a free trial issue of the Titus2 newsletter, simply email me your mailing address before August 1st and I will include your name in the next distirbution.

Oh, and the current favorite at our house? The Bears in the Bed and the Great Big Storm (Paul Bright/Jane Chapman). Really cute story. Just ask Alexander, he has it memorized! :)

Conversations: Xander and Alea

2011-06-22T13:44:00.002-05:00

I was in the other room with Maille this afternoon while Alexander and Alea were finishing up their lunch. Here are a few snippets of their conversation.

CONVERSATION #1
X: So, how was your day?
A: Good.
(This is a possible re-inactment of our oh-so-exciting dinner conversation!)

CONVERSATION #2
X: How many drops of rain did you get?
A: Oh...Ummm…five.
X: I had 20 inches!
(Xander is a regular meteorologist. He often listens to the radio/weather forecast and says alarmingly, "Do you know what that man, said? He said there are gonna be more thunderstorms!")

CONVERSATION #3
X: Giggling.
A: Giggling.
X: Obnoxiously giggling.
A: Giggling.
X: Don’t spit, Alea.
(Oops! Time to intervene!)

CONVERSATION #4
X: Hey, Maille. DId you get a haircut?
(Uh, nope. She’s been practically bald for all 5-months of her life!)

In Training

2011-06-21T00:31:00.011-05:00

Since a friend (Braden) came over last week & spent some quality time teaching him how to throw/swing, Alexander has been totally into baseball. We purchased a T-ball stand at a garage/rummage sale on Saturday and he's been spending lots of time practicing in the yard -- in between the thunderstorms we've had the past couple of days.

No, Mom, no! You stand over there!

Swing.Batter. Batter...SWING! Yes; I am aware he missed the ball by a mile!

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

NOTHING IS QUITE AS STRONG AS THE GENTLE STRENGTH OF A FATHER'S HAND.
As Alexander would say (and I would agree), 'You're my most-favorite daddy!' We love you!

I Need a Friend. No, I Need a Cousin!

2011-06-17T14:46:00.010-05:00

While I can read books by the dozen, I have never considered myself a very good 'playmate'. It seems Alexander heartily agrees with this observation b/c lately, he's been asking for a friend to play with. Or a brother. Or, usually, he'll say, "Mom. I need a friend to play with. No, Momma. I need a cousin!"

He adores his cousins, especially Isaak and Drew, who he considers his buddies. He told me he likes Landry, but he'd rather play with Isaak and Drew b/c Landry (4-months old) is just kinda small! We were able to enjoy LOTS of cousin play time recently while Blake was out-of-town but I unfortunately only a few pictures. We were swimming most of the time and I quickly found that cameras & little boys (who cannot swim!) simply don't make for a good combination. NOTE: For some reason, Drew is MIA. Next time, Drew-by!

I think Isaak looks so grown-up in this picture. Maybe b/c he is going to be a BIG BROTHER any day now! little dudes & best buds!Sweet Landry Jay is always ready with a grin! Seious cute-ness!

Photograph Attempts

2011-06-17T07:00:00.006-05:00

Sometimes I like to switch my camera from 'the sports setting' (which I have found is the required setting to properly capture a full-of-energy little boy). Here are a couple of attempts at a non-candid-kid style of photography, although you will notice the little man is in 2 of the 3 shots proving he still is my favorite subject!

A Hat For Every Head

2011-06-15T16:00:00.005-05:00

We were goofing around outside one afternoon and Alexander created a new 'hat trend'. I think you've got to have really tight curls to pull it off :)

Planting Sunflowers...

2011-06-14T15:25:00.010-05:00

One of Alexander's favorite books, especially to read with GmaS. is entitled, 'Mortimer's First Garden.'

In the book, Mortimer can't imagine that seeds have any use beyond the immediate gratification of being eaten. As he is staring outside at a brown landscape and wishing for green, Mortimer overhears a mother and two children talking about a "springtime miracle," discussing planting one small seed and getting back many seeds. He looks at his last precious sunflower seed and decides to plent it. Later, convinced that the mircale won't happen, tempted to dig up the seed and eat it, Mortimer hears the voice of God: Wait. Mortimer finally gets results—a tall, glorious sunflower with many seeds to gather, eat, and use for next year's garden. As he cozies down into his bed of seeds, he thanks God and prays for a friend to share his bounty with, and a smiling black spider settles down nearby.

A few weeks ago, GmaS. and Alexander planted their VERY OWN sunflower seeds. Here are a few snapshots of their garden adventure.Gma is such a GOOD and patient teacher.

working the soil...

putting in the seed...patting the soil over the seed(s)... ...and the most fun part: watering! (aka MAKING MUD!)

From the Mouth of Babes

2011-06-12T08:15:00.006-05:00

Friday night Alexander prayed at the dinner table, "Thank you, Lord (pronounced more like LAWD with a bit of southern twang!)...that my mommy did not yell at me today. Thank you, Lord, that she could control her anger." Yep, nothing like a child to bring to light one's struggles. At least I got a 'good report' before the Lord :) And yes, I know we shouldn't have, but Blake and I starting giggling like crazy.

PART TWO: So this afternoon in church I whispered a reminder to the X-man. Our conversation went like this.
ME: Xander. Remember. If you need to go potty, you tell momma.
X: Sure, momma. I will. (slight pause). And momma, if YOU need to go potty, just tell me, okay?

Intensive Potty Training - Day #3

2011-06-01T13:17:00.006-05:00

I will not bore you with our escapades of the last three days; we'll just say it has been a LONG week!

We have been potty training on & off again for almost 2 years and while I am quite certain I've done something terribly wrong thru the whole process, I am determined that success has got to be in the not-too-distant-future.

Amidst extra loads of laundry, spraying/scrubbing/dabbing up the carpet/rug, etc. I figured I would share some inspiration for today; mostly for myself, I guess, but I'll share anyways. TOPIC: Perseverance! :)

I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday. (Author Unknown)

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot & hang on. (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

Try and fail, but don't fail to try. (Stephen Kaggwa)

How long should you try? Until. (Jim Rohn)

Hands-down the most challenging parenting task I have tackled so far. But, they say it can be done. Here's hoping THEY are right!

Sweet Miss Maille...

2011-05-28T13:55:00.002-05:00

Alea and Maille are back from their family vacation -- WooHoo! -- which means Alexander has been re-united with some of his favorite girls. I snapped a couple pictures while babysitting earlier this week; these are my favorite ones capturing little Maille's sweetness.

Impromptu Stair Repair

2011-05-27T13:39:00.004-05:00

On a complete whim, or (IMO wink! wink!) as an attempt to justify a study break, Blake decided to dis-assemble our basement stairs. The ugly/stained carpeting had bugged him for years and I think he'd simply had enough. So, out the stairs came & for a couple of days, we navigated from our office/laundry room/playroom/familyroom in the basement to the rest of our house via a six-foot ladder. Since we have 3 stairways from our master bedroom attic to the basement, I usually pick up a decent amount of momentum upon my descent. Let's just say I turned the corner and almost tripped over the ladder on SEVERAL occasions when forgetting about the impromptu home repair project.

Anways, the new oak/stained stairs are now in place and look incredible (thanks, sweetie!). Here are some shots of the boys hard at work. In case you are wondering, Alexander wears gloves about 80% of the time. They're his farming/mowing/digging/working/planting/playing gloves. The bigger, the brighter, the better! :)

Springtime Blooms...

2011-05-14T11:15:00.006-05:00

Although quite 'horticulturally challenged' personally, I SO very much appreciate the gift others have in designing/tending their yards & flower gardens. My husband's prime stress relief activity is 'puttering' about in our yard. Thanks to last weekend's sunshine-y weather, our yard experienced a burst of color & texture with his latest plantings. Here's a snapshot of a few of the current blooms.
This lilac bloom is ESPECIALLY thrilling. This lilac bush (or, more accurately TREE) was as tall as our 2-story high house when we moved in almost 8-years ago. We trimmed it back -- significantly -- and anxiously anticipated the appearance of the violet-colored blooms and heady frangrance. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. This is our first bloom in 8-years!

Freezer Friendly Recipes

2011-05-10T15:08:00.007-05:00

I am in a freezer-friendly meals funk. I LOVE to prepare meals for friends/family or just have a last-minute-dinner-option stashed away in the freezer. But I'm totally running low on ideas. My usual recipes when sharing with others: lasagna (with take&bake bread, veggies or salad fixings), chicken enchiladas (with salsa & chips, frozen farm-fresh corn, applesauce), baked oatmeal (with bacon, yogurt & fresh fruit).

Now, my SIL (Jolynn) recently made some scrumptious meatballs. The recipe is from the Taste of Heaven cookbook available here, by Kristy Luginbuhl. Not only can you easily make multiple batches, I 'heart' the fact that this allows for customization based on family size (small family gets a few, large family gets A LOT!). Here's the recipe.

1lb. ground beef
3/4 cup oatmeal
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1 tsp. salt
SAUCE:
1-1/4 cup brown sugar
1 can tomato soup
1/3 cup vinegar
2 tsp. mustard

Mix together meatballs and form into balls; place in a 9x13 pan. Combin sauce and pour over meatballs. Bake at 350-degrees for 1 hour. SERVES 6-8.

So, here is where I request a little 'blog participation' from ya'll. If you have a go-to freezer friendly recipe, I would love for you to share in the Comments. Thanks!

Brokenness...

2011-05-07T13:31:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Created to be a holiday of celebration. A day to express thankfulness & to honor the women who have inspired us, loved us, prayed for us. But for me, it's more. It's different. And (perhaps suprisingly)difficult.

It's not that I find it hard to give thanks for the gift of motherhood. I am thrilled for the opportunity to be Alexander's momma.

It's not that I find it impossible to express my appreciation for my mom, MIL (and others) -- although I sometimes struggle with the obligation/expectations which holidays bring; I'm more of a random acts of kindness person.

I guess, perhaps it's this. My heart HURTS. Tears are just below the surface. I cannot escape reflecting on 'the flip side' of Mother's Day. Empty arms. Miscarriages. Stillbirths. Death. Heartache. Estrangement. Divorce.

I hear the echo of shattered dreams. Maybe next year at this time we'll have a baby to love. The results indicate you'll never be able to conceive a child. I'm sorry; the cancer cannot be stopped. Your adoption application has been denied.

We live in SUCH a broken world. One in which birthmothers are 'forced' to surrender their much-loved child to anothers care because of poverty. Foster children are returned to homes only to find themselves abused again (and again). Diseases invade seemingly healthy bodies. Accidents steal lives (prematurely). Our world is BROKEN and unfix-able.
EXCEPT thru Jesus Christ. Thru brokenness, HE SHINES. May He shine thru YOU. And thru ME, too.

LYRICS: In Brokennes by Steve Green. "When life becomes a shattered dream; that's slipping thru my trembling hands; I need to know that You are near; To know you see each falling tear; When there is no one else who understands.When I can't find the words to speak; You hear the pain in each heartbeat; Before I even call to You; In my deepest hour of need; That's when you come and pour Your mercy on me. Your beauty shines; Your love surrounds; Where cries of brokenness are found, bring hope alive; Help me believe and trust You one more time; In brokenness You shine; In brokennes You shine."

Baked Spinach&Pea Risotto

2011-05-03T15:00:00.004-05:00

What do you think of when you hear the word 'risotto'?

Me? Tricky. Stirring. Complicated. More Stirring. Hard-to-master. Lots of stirring. Only chef extraordinaires should attempt.

Wrong-O. Not anymore! I made this recipe (Real Simply, April 2011 issue) and it is...InCreDible! (and easy! and delicious!)

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 shallot, chopped (substituted yellow onion)
kosher/coarse salt & black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine (used Vermouth)
3 cups low-sodium vegetable/chicken broth
1 cup Arborio rice (do NOT substitute!)
1 cup frozen peas
4 ounces (about 2 cups) fresh spinach, roughly chopped (used closer to 3 cups)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1oz), plus more for serving

Heat oven to 425-degrees. Heat the butter in a medium dutch oven or ovenproof pot over medium high heat. Add the shallot, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook, stirring often, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring until almost evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth and rice and bring to a boil.

Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook until the rice is tender and creamy, 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the peas, spinach, Parmesan, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper to the pot and stir to combine. If the risotto is too thick, stir in up to 1/4 cup hot water. Sprinkle with additional Parmesane before serving. Serves 4.

Mulching Day!

2011-05-01T14:16:00.003-05:00

My guys LOVE to be outside. After the rainy, dreary, gloomy days which have at times seemed endless, it was awesome to have a day filled with sunshine & warm temperatures.

We got a truckload of mulch delivered Friday afternoon & the boys went to work. Blake told me that the X-man said several times throughout the afternoon as they were working in the yard, "It's just us boys, right dad?" He's definitely learned 'the art of hammock-ing' from his momma :)

Elijah's Birthday...

2011-04-28T11:25:00.006-05:00

The Saturday we were in Nashville just so happened to be our nephew, Elijah's birthday. He informed us on Saturday morning, AND throughout the day, that we had ACTUALLY missed his ACTUAL birthday because he ACTUALLY turned 7 while we were sleeping, about 2AM in the morning!

FUNNY STORY: We brought a small I-am-so-glad-we-are-family gift for each of the Plattners. On Saturday afternoon, I assembled all the gift bags and lined them up on the bed in the guest bedroom awaiting the evening's party. 9 bags, in a row. Upon exiting the room, I must not have pulled the door completely closed. Some time later, Elijah told his mom, "Mom. I was walking down the hallway & the door was open, so I just look in and saw gifts on the bed. Uncle Blake & Aunt Christine must be REALLY excited about my birthday. They brought me A LOT of gifts!" I think he was slightly disappointed when he only recv'd ONE of the bags :)

Happy 7th Birthday, Elijah!

Digging in the Dirt...

2011-04-27T16:46:00.006-05:00

Although I love the benefits, oh-so-fresh & healthy foods, I do not like gardening. I mean, it is just so much work! :)

There's the digging in the dirt. UGH! And pulling weeds. And watering plants. And watching for bugs. EEK!
And then the harvesting. Blicking beans. Shelling peas. Cleaning potatoes. Washing lettuce/spinach.
Whew! I am exhausted already...and slightly hungry, too!

Now that I've broadcasted my lazyness to ya'll AND probably embarrassed my mom who has a garden the size of a small field, let's just say I was thrilled when Saturday's afternoon activity in Nashville included GARDENING. (They did the work; I took the pictures!) Alexander joined in the fun & had the time of his life 'helping' my neices Anissa, Moriah and Emily.

a boy & a spray nozzle (water hose): what a combination! these are Anissa's "gardening tatoos" from carrying bags of topsoil... picking lettuce with Emily...

In Nashville with the Plattner Pals...

2011-04-26T09:29:00.006-05:00

We spent this past Easter weekend with Blake's sister & family in Nashville. The Plattner Pals, are so much fun! Alexander was LOVING it! With seven cousins at his beck-and-call, there was always someone to play with, read with, play with, explore the woods with, play with, chase after, ETC. Here are some snapshots of our time together.

SISTERS: Savannah Rose & Emily Marie (in PINK!)... COUSINS: the sweet blue-eyed Savannah and Xander performing a concert all their own... BB: there was lots of hoop-action on the driveway... THE REFEREE: When the action got too 'active', Xander took to the sidelines to observe...

KITE FLYING: Hey, a few inches off the ground count as kite-flying, right?

MORIAH: I love the look of pure excitement on her face as she rushes about the cul-de-sac...

So, what did we do in the afternoon? Stay tuned!

Some Recent Xander-isms...

2011-04-15T13:23:00.005-05:00

#1 While observing me check my apperance in our full-length mirror before leaving for church. "Momma. You need to put some of that tummy away." NOTE TO SELF: Spend more time at the gym!
#2 While driving in the car & after being denied a request, the X-man said in a cautionary & quite mature voice. "I'm getting upset." NOTE TO SELF: Research 'Anger Management Classes.'

#3 Overheard while sharing lunch with his playmate. "Alea. Do you love me?" NOTE TO SELF: Keep an eye on those two! :)

One of THEM Moments...

2011-04-14T17:17:00.003-05:00

Earlier this week I experienced one of those can-i-get-a-do-over moments. Here's how it played out. NOTE: The folloing events all occurred in about a 6.2 second timeframe.

Alexander and I were in the basement.

I smelled smoke.

I ran upstairs and screeched.

Alexander followed...and screeched louder.

The timer went off.

The smoke alarm went off.

The UPS man knocked on the door (indicating a package).

Call me crazy, but as I peeked out the window, I do believe I saw the deliveryman leaving our driveway at a faster-than-normal pace :)

Prayer Request...

2011-04-12T09:16:00.009-05:00

My good friend. A friend of my heart. A friend who loveth at all times. A compassionate listener. A ready encourager. A follower of Christ. A friend of Christ. She was recently diagnosed with cancer. And she's scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Would you pray that her heart can be filled with peace & courage? Her name is Lois.

Family Weekend

2011-04-06T08:40:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, we hosted Blake's family for a fun-filled family weekend. I was distracted with the 'organizing' that I did not take many pictures and those I did take...um, not so good. One of the activities was a visit to Extreme Trampolines, which was a totally fun couple of hours for both adults & kids. Here are some pictures of our time there. As mentioned earlier, quality leaves a bit to be desired -- do you know how hard it is to take photos of individuals always in motion?

We spent some time swimming together at a local hotel on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. During lunch on Saturday we had a little impromptu celebration of Dad & Mom's upcoming retirement where we gave Dad a couple of imaginary (wink! wink!) retirement projects & enjoyed some homemade sauerkraut using the crock that Blake recv'd for Christmas. In the evening, we spent a nostalgic evening eating Giordano's pizza which is not available in the three states where Blake's siblings live (yummy!) and played our own version of Minute-To-Win-It games (lots of laughs!)

More X-Man Style Files

2011-04-04T08:10:00.002-05:00

There was this post. And then this one. And now for the X-man's latest fashion-forward entry. Pajamas, snow boots, gloves and shades. Ow!

Recipe: Homemade Granola

2011-04-02T08:46:00.012-05:00

Alexander and I have been making homemade granola for the past several months. While we have tried a couple of recipe combinations, thanks to a recommendation from my good friend Kasey, I think I have found THE recipe in the Artisian Bread in Five Minutes A Day cookbook. Granola tends to be a very kid-friendly kitchen project. At our house, I measure and Xander dumps.I typically put my mixing bowl inside a jellyroll pan so if anything lands OUTSIDE the bowl, I know it should have been INSIDE. While I mix the liquid ingredients, the X-man stirs (and stirs, and stirs, and stirs...) the dry.

gathering the ingredients...

stirring the dry ingredients... ready for the oven...i like to store my granola in a glass jar; kind of old-fashioned nostalgia, I guess

NOTE: I have tried repeatedly to post the recipe ingredients & instructions but having some 'technical difficulties' so I will try to do so later.

Cranky!

2011-03-23T01:35:00.010-05:00

Here's a confession for ya'll. I've been cranky lately. Not just KIND OF cranky, but really QUITE cranky. If in doubt, ask my hubby and he'll confirm this statement :) WHY you might (naively) ask? Oh...let me TELL you why!! Ooops. Sorry. I didn't mean to yell at ya'll. By the way, did I mention the recent crankiness? Okay. Here's why!

Too much time on my hands & knees pleading for my son to identify the EXACT location of his latest potty-training accident.

Too many hour-long meals where I find myself repeating (with decreasing amounts of patience)..."Chew & swallow. Come ON already. Chew & swallow."

Too many nights of coughing fits disrupting sleep -- the X-man's & my own.

Too many temper tantrums between the bookshelves @ the library, the aisles of the grocery store, the lobby of the YMCA, the...INSERT MOST ANY PUBLIC PLACE.

Too many loads of laundry (see afore mentioned 'accidents') in combination with a snotty nose being wiped repeatedly with the sleeve of one little boy's shirt.

Too many conversations (otherwise identified as yelling matches) beginning with "Alexander! What are you doing? I told you NOT to do that!" followed by my contrite son's apology, "I know. We don't do that. I know, mom."

Seriously, sometimes I think I might just lose my mind. Seriously, folks! Argh! I want to close this post with some profound thought or magical 'attitude adjustment' equation. But you know what? Got nothing. No quick fix. No epiphany on how to make things better tomorrow. Except this one thought that keeps rolling around my head, "...when he came to the end of himself..." a paraphrase of the text in Luke 15 which tells of the account of the prodigal son. A few verses later that text reads, "...the younger son got up and started back to his father." I acknowledge that I, too, have come to the end of myself. Here it is, the wee hours of the morning and I am awake wondering how to fix the ugliness of the past few days. How to protect the coming days from being filled with crankiness & impatience & a repeat of the former days. And I realize, the only way for that to occur is if I, like the prodigal son, get up & start back towards MY Father. The One who is always patient, always compassionate, always forgiving, always waiting for a wayward child to return. So. Maybe I won't lose my mind. Maybe I will attempt instead to simply set my mind on Him.

Springtime Yardwork

2011-03-14T14:00:00.002-05:00

So, last week on a semi-warm (read: not frigid!) day, Alexander decided it was time to get a jumpstart on some springtime yardwork. And thus, he began his preparations for doing some 'daddy-work'.

Frogger boots. CHECK.
Daddy's ten-sizes-too-big gloves. CHECK.
Fav Jacket (insert 3-yr old rolling eyes, "It's not a sweatshirt, mom. It's a jacket!"). CHECK.

First he lugged a broken branch from the neighbors yard into our own -- thanks, buddy!

Then he decided it was time to remove the last remaining snow off the grass. It's been bugging him all winter long that Blake has been clearing the driveway onto HIS grass. Alas, his restoration of the backyard was interrupted by the dreaded naptime. Oh well, there'll be more work for another day.

Request: Pray for Ethiopia Adoptions

2011-03-14T08:13:00.006-05:00

We have many friends who are in various stages of adopting Ethiopian children into their families. Because we continue to be email recepients of our adoption agency (CHSFS) who helped us bring Xander home, we have been hearing & reading much in the past week about DRAMATIC changes taking place within the Ethiopian program.

In a nutshell, the Ethiopian Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs has created a plan (which went into effect on March 10th, 2011) which calls for the processing of only five adoption cases per work day; a 90% decrease which by the numbers means a reduction from processing over 4000 adoptions per year to less than 500! For those children who are currently institutionalized and legally available for adoption, the Ministry's plan will increase their time in institutions for up to 7-years! The Joint Council of International Children's Services calls the Ministry’s plan tragic, unnecessary and a disproportionate reaction to concerns of isolated abuses in the adoption process, failing to reflect the overwhelmingly positive, ethical and legal services provided to children and families through intercountry adoption.

My heart is breaking at the thought of so many orphans/children left for so long without forever families. If interested, you can read more about this issue & sign the Joint Council Emergency Campaign for Ethiopian Children petition by clicking HERE.

Xanders Newest 'Crush'...

2011-03-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

So, we've been spending a lot of time with two of Alexander's bestest girlfriends lately, Alea and Maille.

While Alea and the X-man continue their love-hate relationship, only in agreement in NOT wanting to share with one another :) my little guy is definitely smitten with the youngest of the the duo.

He LOVES to hold baby Maille and when she starts 'expressing her displeasure/discomfort' shouts at me authoritatively, "Don't take my baby! No, mom. Don't take my baby...(and then, while sweetly patting her tummy)...It's okay, Maille. It's okay."

Here's my best attempt at a picture of Xander with his newest heartthrob. Maille looks a wee-bit scared but I assure you, she's in good hands :)

Can You Guess Who?

2011-03-10T11:18:00.002-06:00

...is headed to swimming lessons on a dreary, rainy morning?

Ahh...Tapioca Pudding!

2011-03-08T13:24:00.003-06:00

Hamburgers. American (imitation) cheese slices. Hand-sliced dill pickles. Just a little bit of mustard. And tapioca pudding. A meal combination I remember fondly from my grandma Z's formica-topped kitchen table.

I recently purchased some seed pearl tapioca at an Amish store in Arthur, IL and have revived the comforting goodness of homemade tapioca pudding. I'm not certain this is exactly how grandma made hers (or my mom, who has kept the tradition alive) but I think they'd both enjoy the creamy goodness (recipe compliments of http://www.101cookbooks.com/). I hope you do, too.

3 cups milk, divided
1/2 cup small pearl tapioca
2 extra-large eggs YOLKS, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp. vanilla extract)

Pour 3/4 cup of milk into a medium-sized thick-bottomed pot. Add the tapioca and soak for 60-minutes. Whisk in the egg yolks, salt, sugar and remaining milk. Scrape the vanilla bean along its length with a knife and add bean 'paste' along with the bean itself to the pot. NOTE: If you are using vanilla extract, stir it in at the very end, after the pudding is completely cooked.

Over medium heat slowly bring the mixture just barely to a boil, stirring all along (about 15-minutes). Reduce the heat and let the mixture fall to a simmer; keep it here until the tpioca is fully cooked (another 10-20 minutes). The tapioca will tell you when it is ready; beads will swell up and become almost entirely translucent. The custardy part of pudding will thicken dramatically as well. CRITICAL! Keep stirring to avoid dreaded scorching.

Remove from heat and let cool just a bit. I like this best when served warm, but is still delicious cold as well. Serves 4-6. Or, if you're open to real honesty. Blake & I can finish this off in one evening! :)

I Will Exalt You...

2011-03-06T01:01:00.004-06:00

I recently completed a group Bible Study which included a unique activity. The author, Beth Moore, unwrapped the words of Paslm 30:1-3 and 11-12 asking us [the study participant] to fill in the gaps with our own words/life experiences. It was an exercise similar to the idea of 'praying Scripture' and it impacted my heart to think very personally about my life intertwined within the words of David (author of the Psalm) and within the holy words of Scripture. Should you be interested in completing the exercise yourself, here are the words, and the gaps, as an outline to offer praise to God.

I will exalt You, O Lord, for You _________________________ and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to You for help and You _________________________. O Lord, You brought me up from the grave; you spared me from _________________. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with _______________ that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you praise forever.

Thought for the Day

2011-03-04T00:49:00.001-06:00

These words were found etched on a prison wall in a Nazi concentration camp.

"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.
I believe in love, even when I do not feel it.
I believe in God, even when He is silent."
-- AUTHOR UNKNOWN

No one knows if the individual who etched these words [a prisoner] survived the unimaginable days within the camp but this I believe. An individual who possesed such faith is surely, at this very moment, walking the streets of heaven. May we follow in his/her footsteps.

Look Who's THREE!

2011-03-01T07:00:00.005-06:00

Alexander officially turned three sometime between 11:59 and 12:01 today (or is it yesterday)? As if there's not enough confusion with having two moms (a birthmom & a forever mom) and being born in one country (Ethiopia) and living in another (US), it is just plain strange not to have a birthday that appears on the calendar. But alas... all that is forgotten when not only one but BOTH sets of grandparents come over AND bring grandpa & grandma-great, too!

It was a heart-prayer while waiting to be matched with a child that we would get to celebrate our child's first brithday TOGETHER as a family and Sunday we celebrated our little guy's THIRD birthday with a party. And family and presents and cake and birthday candles and all that good stuff, too!

REMINDER: Weekend To Remember

2011-02-28T17:00:00.006-06:00

AND THE WINNER IS...Penny (&Peter). Congratulations!

Just a reminder to post a comment HERE by 8AM tomorrow morning if you'd like a chance to win FREE registration to a Weekend To Remember event sponsored by FamilyLife.

Time Management 101 E-Book

2011-02-26T13:00:00.001-06:00

Thru the past several years, I have followed the MoneySavingMom blog which is a great resource for finding online coupons, retail/online deals and tips for juggling life. The author of this blog, Crystal Paine, introduces herself as first and foremost a child of God, who is passionate about glorifying Him (...she continues saying, All I have and all I am is thanks to my Creator and Redeemer...)

While Crystal's blog provides links to all kinds of homeschool-ing, craft-ing, bargain-ing sites and suggestions, recently I've spent some time reviewing & focusing on her tips for Time Management. Which is why I was excited to see that she compiled her thoughts on this topic in a new Time Management 101 e-book which you can either download OR print.

If you are looking to discover ways to more efficiently plan your days (and who of us are not!), I would highly recommend this resource.

More Indy Cousin Playdate...

2011-02-25T11:00:00.003-06:00

While visiting cousins Jonah & Jared in Indy, we visited the Children's Museum which I think it about the 'funnest' place on earth for kids. Lots of creative people coming up with ideas to encourage families to spend time together! We visited the new Dora the Explorer exhibit followed by the the Egypt exhibit, Playscape area (think water, sand, blocks, trains, etc) and after lunch, the dinosaur adventure area.

jonah is 'working' an Egyptian storefront store..

here is the X-man digging up dinosaur bones...and pretending to be a baby dinosaur. love those (fish) lips! jared serving up coffee/tea... playing with the dinosaurs (and crocodiles)...

Happy Birthday, Jared!

2011-02-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

The X-man and I spent the past couple of days in Indy with cousins Jonah & Jared and U.Peter and A.Penny. We had lots of fun, especially since we were able to join in a birthday celebration for Jared -- who turned 3 just one week ahead of Xander. These little guys are buddies -- well, at least when they're not playing with the toy/object that the other wants to play with! :)

birthday balloons were a big hit...

U.Peter was thinking when he said, "there are 3 boys so there must be 3 balloons!a sweet moment as A.Penny read bedtime stories...Jared with his birthday hat...big brother Jonah is pretty excited, too...10-4 good buddy! learning to operate the new walkie-talkies...

Another WTR Giveaway

2011-02-19T05:25:00.006-06:00

Blake & I have been gifted with an additional 'ministry partner certificate' to Family Life's Weekend to Remember Conference which we are unable to take advantage of. So....we're giving it away to one of you! The certificate entitles you to attend a Weekend To Remember of your choice for FREE. It expires August 31, 2012.

Check HERE for details regarding locations & dates for upcoming events. The Weekend to Remember can help a struggling marriage find hope OR make a good marriage even better. Either way, it's a WIN-WIN.

Please post a comment by 8AM on Tuesday, March 1st to enter the giveaway.

Too Funny!

2011-02-16T10:10:00.007-06:00

After drinking an over abundance of liquids the night before, on Sunday morning Alexander woke up with a soggy diaper which had soaked thru his pajamas. As I walked toward his crib he warned me in a VERY serious voice while pointing to his soppy PJs.

"Momma. There is something gross down there. And it might be infected."

Where do they come up with this stuff?!?

EBATES.com = Cash Back

2011-02-03T11:00:00.000-06:00

When it comes to saving money every little bit counts!

Here's a quick/easy way to earn a small kickback for shopping online (at over 1200+ online stores).

All you have to do is sign-up here. It's free! Then, whenever you are ready to place an order online, go to Ebates first and search for the website you're ordering from. More often than not, it will be listed. Click through the link to the website and place your order. NOTE: There are often coupon codes listed on the Ebates site which you can apply to your order, too, such as %-off discounts, free shipping, etc.

Upon placing your order, you'll be credited with cash back for a percentage of your purchase. Most cash back rewards are credited to your account within 48 hours (although some stores can/may take up to thirty days to confirm your cash back). The cash back amount averages 4% and while it might seem like a small amount, for me it is definitely worth clicking thru Ebates to place an order for something I am already planning to purchase.

When you first sign-up with Ebates, you get a $5 bonus (applied to your account once you have placed your first qualifying order). Then, as long as your eligible savings total $5.01 or more, you'll receive payment via a Big Fat Check or a credit to your Paypal account (you choose) every three months.

Ebates has a nice referral program too which pays you $5 for every new sign-up your referral link generates. If you try the program out and like it, you may as well pass the word along to your friends and help them earn a little cash back on their online purchases, too, right?

African Peanut Soup

2011-02-02T11:08:00.006-06:00

A winter snowstorm is a perfect reason for a SOUP day.

This recipe was passed along by a friend -- it may have originated in Uganda but not completely certain. Ground nuts, in this case peanut butter, are a staple in African cooking used to thicken dishes, add protein and contribute flavor.

2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium chopped onions
2 red bell peppers
4 garlic cloves, chopped
28-ounce can diced tomatoes
8 cups chicken OR vegetable broth/stock
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. chili powder
2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup cooked brown rice

Saute the veggies in oil. Add rest of ingredients. Simmer until rice is tender. Add peanut butter just before serving & stir until incorporated. TOPPING OPTIONS: salted peanuts for crunch and/or sliced green onions for a bit of color contrast.

MY VARIATIONS: I used a can of Rotel (instead of diced tomatoes) only b/c I realized at the last minute that was all that was in the pantry. Since I usually serve this as a meal, not a side dish/appetizer, I like to double the amount of rice & add just a bit extra peanut butter.