| Your Irish Name Is... |
 |
Jeff's Irish Name:
| Your Irish Name Is... |
|
and Shelby's Irish Name:
| Your Irish Name Is... |
|
No fair, I like Shelby's best!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
With St Patrick's Day Coming I Couldn't Resist
My Irish Name:
Jeff's Irish Name:
and Shelby's Irish Name:
No fair, I like Shelby's best!
Jeff's Irish Name:
and Shelby's Irish Name:
No fair, I like Shelby's best!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Moving Toward a Milestone
When I was pregnant with Shelby, I anxiously awaited my 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage had taught me this was a milestone. A major one. I was no less apprehensive after 12 weeks and I approached each visit with my ob and ultrasound with some degree of trepidation. This pregnancy has little exception. I go for a 12 week check up this week. I have had no unusual symptoms and am sure everything will be fine. But I still have nerves. We plan on bringing Shelby so she can hear the baby's heartbeat. Not that she'll understand what she is hearing, but it will help us to make her feel involved.
With this pregnancy, with Shelby already here, I am very tired as to be expected and find myself with little time for all the worries I cultivated with Shelby.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to the maternal fetal specialist for an ultrasound and counseling. Everything went fine. Of course, I had to sign about 30 forms declining all genetic testing on myself, Jeff and the baby and sign that I was fully aware of what I was declining. We declined this testing with Shelby as well. We read the literature. We consulted friends and family and we prayed. The answer was obvious, any child would be a gift. All we could hope for was to be the best family for the child we were given. We are not wearing rose colored glasses and we are aware this baby might have any number of challenges. But it is in accepting what God has given that we are challenged ourselves to use the gifts we have received.
With this pregnancy, with Shelby already here, I am very tired as to be expected and find myself with little time for all the worries I cultivated with Shelby.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to the maternal fetal specialist for an ultrasound and counseling. Everything went fine. Of course, I had to sign about 30 forms declining all genetic testing on myself, Jeff and the baby and sign that I was fully aware of what I was declining. We declined this testing with Shelby as well. We read the literature. We consulted friends and family and we prayed. The answer was obvious, any child would be a gift. All we could hope for was to be the best family for the child we were given. We are not wearing rose colored glasses and we are aware this baby might have any number of challenges. But it is in accepting what God has given that we are challenged ourselves to use the gifts we have received.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
"God Will Not Test You..."
"God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
I was reminded of this on Friday as I had (like Alexander in the book) a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day. It started early with weather that was less than desirable. I had to leave early to ensure I wasn't snarled in any weather related accidents. The wind pushed my little car as I crossed the river on the big draw bridge. I said a prayer for the teenagers killed in Alabama the day before, knowing they never stood a chance.
I got to work and the day started pretty much like any other. Plenty of grumpy customers who feel like their cell phone woes are worse than anything anyone else in the world is going through. At 8, I went on break. I went downstairs to get a chicken biscuit, but they were all out, so I settled on a blueberry muffin. As I went back upstairs, the power went off in the building. We have a back-up generator, so I was none too worried.
I got back up stairs to find that only one side of the building had power restored by the generator. The side I don't sit on. So, our whole team was told to move as few of our things as we could get by with to the empty desks on the other side of the floor. That's great and all, but what happens when the people those desks belong to come in? As soon as we were settled, power returned to our side. So, it was on the move again. I was scheduled for an online training, which I was stuck on a call and missed. I was rescheduled, logged in late, and then could not access the training. On top of all this, the computer at my desk, had power, but would not log on. So, I moved to a co-workers seat across from mine who was taking a few days vacation as his family was visiting from Jersey.
One after another, my customers screamed, raged and were grossly insenstive about their cell phone issues. I patiently explained solutions to various problems all the while praying for more patience as it was already wearing thin. The day was rough for others too. My supervisor said "Thank you God for comp time!" and took off a few hours early.
I made it through the rest of my day, leaving at 2:30 to go get Shelby at daycare. As I meandered through traffic to get to daycare listening to classical music, it hit me. I wasn't bitter or crying or upset. My pregnancy hormones were in check the whole day. I wasn't being hunted down like an animal in Darfur, I'm not dodging bullets in Iraq, I'm not hungry or thirsty or imprisoned. Without thinking of it, I had been offering up my problems of the day. After all, many of the ill people I had spoken to had bigger problems in their lives that were only being expressed through their interaction with me. I could leave their problems at work at the end of my day and go hold my beautiful baby girl. As for those suffering in the world at large, I could close the newspaper or change the channel. Something I know they wish they could do. At a red light I quietly said a prayer for those suffering, in pain, dying, experiencing war, or hunger, or imprisonment.
"Lord, I know my load is light in comparison to so many in the world, but I offer this light load so that someone else may feel the relief that comes from your love and presence in his or her life."
I was reminded of this on Friday as I had (like Alexander in the book) a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day. It started early with weather that was less than desirable. I had to leave early to ensure I wasn't snarled in any weather related accidents. The wind pushed my little car as I crossed the river on the big draw bridge. I said a prayer for the teenagers killed in Alabama the day before, knowing they never stood a chance.
I got to work and the day started pretty much like any other. Plenty of grumpy customers who feel like their cell phone woes are worse than anything anyone else in the world is going through. At 8, I went on break. I went downstairs to get a chicken biscuit, but they were all out, so I settled on a blueberry muffin. As I went back upstairs, the power went off in the building. We have a back-up generator, so I was none too worried.
I got back up stairs to find that only one side of the building had power restored by the generator. The side I don't sit on. So, our whole team was told to move as few of our things as we could get by with to the empty desks on the other side of the floor. That's great and all, but what happens when the people those desks belong to come in? As soon as we were settled, power returned to our side. So, it was on the move again. I was scheduled for an online training, which I was stuck on a call and missed. I was rescheduled, logged in late, and then could not access the training. On top of all this, the computer at my desk, had power, but would not log on. So, I moved to a co-workers seat across from mine who was taking a few days vacation as his family was visiting from Jersey.
One after another, my customers screamed, raged and were grossly insenstive about their cell phone issues. I patiently explained solutions to various problems all the while praying for more patience as it was already wearing thin. The day was rough for others too. My supervisor said "Thank you God for comp time!" and took off a few hours early.
I made it through the rest of my day, leaving at 2:30 to go get Shelby at daycare. As I meandered through traffic to get to daycare listening to classical music, it hit me. I wasn't bitter or crying or upset. My pregnancy hormones were in check the whole day. I wasn't being hunted down like an animal in Darfur, I'm not dodging bullets in Iraq, I'm not hungry or thirsty or imprisoned. Without thinking of it, I had been offering up my problems of the day. After all, many of the ill people I had spoken to had bigger problems in their lives that were only being expressed through their interaction with me. I could leave their problems at work at the end of my day and go hold my beautiful baby girl. As for those suffering in the world at large, I could close the newspaper or change the channel. Something I know they wish they could do. At a red light I quietly said a prayer for those suffering, in pain, dying, experiencing war, or hunger, or imprisonment.
"Lord, I know my load is light in comparison to so many in the world, but I offer this light load so that someone else may feel the relief that comes from your love and presence in his or her life."
Hahaha
Sometimes you just have to be reminded of simple things to smile or laugh. This little guy is certainly proof that God is good.
In Case, Just In Case, You Haven't Heard
Yes, I have been busy lately. So I am sorry my posts have been sporadic at best. But we do have some exciting news at our house. Baby Herrett # 2 will be here sometime around September 26, 2007. Unlike the Balducci family, this time we will be finding out the sex of this baby. We loved not knowing with Shelby, but we have a few logistical kinks with our house we have to figure out before the baby gets here. The consensus is we are getting another girl, but we'll find out in a few more weeks. I am almost eleven weeks now. Not showing, but feeling this pregnancy.
For those familiar with my pregnancy with Shelby, here is a run down of what's the same and what's changed:
1) Morning Sickness: not the same wretching I had with Shelby just mild nausea.
2) Food: I had major food aversions with Shelby, this baby is hungry ALL THE TIME!!!
3) Headaches: thus far, I have been spared with this pregnancy.
4) Heprin shots: they're baaaaaaacckkkk!!!!!!!!
5) Gestational Diabetes: although it's questionable if I ever had it the first time, I was advised to go on the diet. I do this more or less successfully. Lots of fruit in the diet now.
6) Fatigue: unbearable with an eight-month-old to chase down.
I consider myself lucky to be doing as well as I am for still nursing an eight-month-old. Amazingly, my milk has actually increased a little. We are busy, busy teaching Shelby to crawl, keeping the dogs in line and prepping for this little one.
So, if I don't get back to you right away or post, you're not far from my thoughts!
For those familiar with my pregnancy with Shelby, here is a run down of what's the same and what's changed:
1) Morning Sickness: not the same wretching I had with Shelby just mild nausea.
2) Food: I had major food aversions with Shelby, this baby is hungry ALL THE TIME!!!
3) Headaches: thus far, I have been spared with this pregnancy.
4) Heprin shots: they're baaaaaaacckkkk!!!!!!!!
5) Gestational Diabetes: although it's questionable if I ever had it the first time, I was advised to go on the diet. I do this more or less successfully. Lots of fruit in the diet now.
6) Fatigue: unbearable with an eight-month-old to chase down.
I consider myself lucky to be doing as well as I am for still nursing an eight-month-old. Amazingly, my milk has actually increased a little. We are busy, busy teaching Shelby to crawl, keeping the dogs in line and prepping for this little one.
So, if I don't get back to you right away or post, you're not far from my thoughts!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
New York Subway Hero (CBSNews)
This story happened about a month ago. On Ash Wednesday it is helpful to remember that Jesus gave His life for us and sometimes real sacrifice is what He asks from his children. Imagine if we all loved our family and friends as if they were a part of Christ. Now imagine we rememeber that all men and women are our brothers and sisters and part of Christ. Perhaps we would be as unselfish as Wesley Autry.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Valentine
So everyone's new favorite thing to ask at work is what are you getting for Valentine's Day?
Jeff and I haven't really done Valentine's Day in a few years, so I never even think of it. Problem is, most people don't understand that. So, this year, I said, "We have a baby, that's what we got for each other for Valentine's Day."
People look at me like, "Yeah, right."
But, it's true.
So, I was really tickled to find this Anti-Valentine's List. Come on, you can't really say you don't agree with most of these!
And for all those who are not just "in love" but truly love each other. Remember, Valentine's Day is every day that you smile at one another and appreciate all that you have.
Jeff and I haven't really done Valentine's Day in a few years, so I never even think of it. Problem is, most people don't understand that. So, this year, I said, "We have a baby, that's what we got for each other for Valentine's Day."
People look at me like, "Yeah, right."
But, it's true.
So, I was really tickled to find this Anti-Valentine's List. Come on, you can't really say you don't agree with most of these!
And for all those who are not just "in love" but truly love each other. Remember, Valentine's Day is every day that you smile at one another and appreciate all that you have.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Let Them Know You Never Forget
Please offer your prayers for all the unborn and their families. Please remember them in your prayers not just today but always.
We can never forget those whom we lost, but through our prayers they will live on forever in our memories.
We can never forget those whom we lost, but through our prayers they will live on forever in our memories.
In Just Two Weeks!
Photo courtesy of NFL.com and the official website of the Indianapolis Colts.
Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy are going to the Super Bowl! It didn't look good last night when I fell asleep, so this was pleasant news when I awoke this morning.
AND...
They will be playing the terror of the midwest Chicago Bears.
This will be an exciting Super Bowl.
Friday, January 19, 2007
No Rest for the Weary
Today I was going to rest. Today my naps were not going to be interrupted by barking dogs or ringing phones or anything else. Today I wouldn't have to get dressed.
And then the mail came. And in it were insurance forms for my doctor's office which I needed to get to them ASAP. So, I was out of bed, showering, dressing and driving into town. Now, as I was making my way over the bridge, I noticed that traffic was awfully slow in the other direction. The doctor's office is about 2 blocks from daycare. So, I took a deep breath and decided that despite still not feeling well, since I was in town and in the neighborhood and Jeff would have to battle the traffic going back across the bridge during rush hour, that I would go ahead and pick the baby up.
Whew! I'm exhausted again now that I typed all that!
And then the mail came. And in it were insurance forms for my doctor's office which I needed to get to them ASAP. So, I was out of bed, showering, dressing and driving into town. Now, as I was making my way over the bridge, I noticed that traffic was awfully slow in the other direction. The doctor's office is about 2 blocks from daycare. So, I took a deep breath and decided that despite still not feeling well, since I was in town and in the neighborhood and Jeff would have to battle the traffic going back across the bridge during rush hour, that I would go ahead and pick the baby up.
Whew! I'm exhausted again now that I typed all that!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
It's So Cold
It's so cold outside that I find myself wanting to doze off to Christmas movies! Like A Christmas Story. Now, if only someone would buy me a red-ryder bb gun with a compass and a stock and this thing which tells time.
From a Not So Sick Time
This was us a few months ago. I like looking at pictures from before my current illness. It helps me remember that I won't always be this tired and this zapped for energy.How Can
a six-month get up at 2 am (she had been down for ten hours) and still be up at 6:45 when her father took her to daycare? And wide awake and full of energy? Miss Diane is sure for a quiet day at daycare today!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Lousy
That's how mono feels in a word. Lousy because I feel like I'm not able to take as good care of my daughter. Lousy because a walk to the mailbox exhausts me. Lousy because I have no appetite and can barely taste or smell food.
But good that I have a little free time to do some painless weight lifting, like a few extra rosaries!
But good that I have a little free time to do some painless weight lifting, like a few extra rosaries!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sick and Very Tired
I was diagnosed with mono yesterday. I am out of work for at least two weeks, maybe more depending on what my doctor thinks. So, my limited postings may be even more limited as my energy is small and my child's needs are large. Amazingly, she is very responsive to my not feeling well, which is reassuring to me. I feel as if God is blessing her with compassion which is allowing her to soothe herself to sleep with less than five minutes of crying at night, among other things. Please pray that I will be healed soon and be able to return to my normal level of activity in all areas of life.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Important News from Our House
Jeff, who once boasted to have read no more than 5 books in his life by choice, will have to read 75 books this semester. And he wants to do it!
So, we are now making a list of children's books for his class. Guess this means Kristen will be reading or re-reading 75 books this semester too.....
So, we are now making a list of children's books for his class. Guess this means Kristen will be reading or re-reading 75 books this semester too.....
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
One of my favorite
actresses past away. Remember the name Yvonne de Carlo? Probably not but you would remember her face and most famous character. I loved how she reinvented herself to enjoy a long career. And I loved her most famous characters natural mothering under unnatural circumstances.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Missing
My great-grandpa died on Thursday morning. He was 95-years-old, so this wasn't completely unexpected. I do have the consolation that he is no longer missing my great-grandma who died the fall of 1999.
Rest In Peace Grandpa Ben...we'll see you again someday!
Rest In Peace Grandpa Ben...we'll see you again someday!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
This Last Week
of 2006 was full of ends. Obviously there was the end of the year 2006, but for me, it was framed by four deaths. Three of them you all were aware of. One you could not be unless you are a family member.
1) James Brown. He died Christmas Day. The man had his problems, but as I listened to news reports of his body lying "in state" at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem and of people dancing and singing in the streets, I was made to think of how I want people to memorialize me. I would prefer not to have a somber ceremony. I want people to dance and sing and remember me not as being gone, but of the life I lived. I think of the New Orleans' funerals with the bands. That kind of celebration.
2) Gerald Ford. Talk about inheriting a mess. I think Gerald Ford showed us that you have to make the best out of whatever situation life hands you. He lived with integrity and best of all, he was never bitter but always considered it a blessing to serve as the leader of our country.
3) Saddam Hussein. I don't believe in the death penalty. Ever. I think this is evidence of a sad trend of death in our world. I don't deny Saddam was a horrible person and deserved to be punished. I believe that only when God sends the Angel of Death should one succumb to it.
4) My sister-in-law's mother. When we gathered for Christmas dinner at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house, my sister-in-law shared that her first experience with death was when she was eleven years old and just before Christmas her dog was killed by a passing motorist. She described not wanting any presents, just her dog back. Two days after telling us this story, her mother passed away after a long battle with dementia and other various illnesses. Luckily, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and nephew were there. I think of how painful this must be as my sister-in-law is an only child and this happening just after a joyous Christmas. I feel for my nephew, who will never remember the grandmother who wanted him so badly.
I start 2007 thinking of how these ends will yield new beginnings. God Bless You All.
1) James Brown. He died Christmas Day. The man had his problems, but as I listened to news reports of his body lying "in state" at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem and of people dancing and singing in the streets, I was made to think of how I want people to memorialize me. I would prefer not to have a somber ceremony. I want people to dance and sing and remember me not as being gone, but of the life I lived. I think of the New Orleans' funerals with the bands. That kind of celebration.
2) Gerald Ford. Talk about inheriting a mess. I think Gerald Ford showed us that you have to make the best out of whatever situation life hands you. He lived with integrity and best of all, he was never bitter but always considered it a blessing to serve as the leader of our country.
3) Saddam Hussein. I don't believe in the death penalty. Ever. I think this is evidence of a sad trend of death in our world. I don't deny Saddam was a horrible person and deserved to be punished. I believe that only when God sends the Angel of Death should one succumb to it.
4) My sister-in-law's mother. When we gathered for Christmas dinner at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house, my sister-in-law shared that her first experience with death was when she was eleven years old and just before Christmas her dog was killed by a passing motorist. She described not wanting any presents, just her dog back. Two days after telling us this story, her mother passed away after a long battle with dementia and other various illnesses. Luckily, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and nephew were there. I think of how painful this must be as my sister-in-law is an only child and this happening just after a joyous Christmas. I feel for my nephew, who will never remember the grandmother who wanted him so badly.
I start 2007 thinking of how these ends will yield new beginnings. God Bless You All.
Baby's First Christmas
Shelby's first Christmas will go down as the Christmas we became proud owners of a nebulizer. It will also be the Christmas where she got her first rain slicker from Nan and Poppy, the Christmas in which we got rain, rain and more rain but NO SNOW!, the Christmas we got our cards two days late, and the Christmas we first felt a new element to the season as we saw it through five-month-old eyes.
We just got back from visiting Gigi and Papa today and Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa. Although our visit was far too brief, we enjoyed one another's company and exchanging gifts and memories.
We just got back from visiting Gigi and Papa today and Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa. Although our visit was far too brief, we enjoyed one another's company and exchanging gifts and memories.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
A Welcome Christmas Present
Just minutes old...
3-4 hours old...
Uncle Trevor, Daddy Zach with baby Tyler, and Grandpa Ted
Zach, Jessica and Tyler
A first look at the little guy for Mama and DaddyMy new baby cousin, Tyler Edwin Beckingham, born December 20, 2006 at 1:37 pm weighing 6 lbs 5 oz and 18 inches long. This little peanut was born a few weeks early to Jessica and Zach.
Monday, December 18, 2006
It's Quiet in Our House
so I don't know what to do. Jeff is picking Shelby up because my "check engine light" came on this morning. I am so not used to having the dogs and house to myself. I am listening to some Christmas music and trying to relax and enjoy myself, but I feel a little selfish, maybe I will try baking some cookies or something!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Success Is...
1) Doing all your Christmas Shopping in one attempt
2) Already having everything you need to bake your holiday treats
3) Getting all those presents wrapped
4) Having all your presents under the tree
5) Managing to get all the laundry washed, dried, folded, and put away in one day
6) Thanking God for it all
2) Already having everything you need to bake your holiday treats
3) Getting all those presents wrapped
4) Having all your presents under the tree
5) Managing to get all the laundry washed, dried, folded, and put away in one day
6) Thanking God for it all
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Wrong Answer
"Oh I heard that, but I wasn't going to tell you about it," is not the right answer when your husband says, "I think I'm going to get your muffler replaced because it's rattling."
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Chimichanga
I love the show 2 and 1/2 Men. In one episode, Alan hires his ditzy girlfriend Candy to be his office assistant. Alan is a chiropractor. In one of her bright moments, Candy takes and x-ray of a chimichanga she has just purchased. When Alan asks why, she answers, matter-of-factly that she wanted to know what was inside it. When Alan then asks the obvious follow-up question as to why she would order it if she didn't know what was in a chimichanga, Candy answers, "Because I like saying chimichanga."
Believe it or not, there is a moral to this story. And no, it's not be careful who you date. Or don't hire your girlfriend. It's a little more significant.
How about don't do something just because it sounds cool or looks good on paper?
I've seen a lot of people lately make bad decisions. And not like I poured regular instead of diet coke bad. I mean awful decisions with nasty repurcussions.
In the neighboring, much larger city a college student waited in line for hours at Wal-Mart to get 2 Playstation 3s. When he got home, he was attacked and the units were stolen from him. When sherriff's deputies went to serve a warrant to one of the attackers, the alleged attacker was shot and killed.
Might have been a cool unit. Cool enough to steal. But even if this young man hadn't been killed, he would have been facing charges like assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft and larceny. He was all of 19-years-old. Now, he's dead and no one is a winner. The young man who was originally robbed is still recovering from his injuries.
So, before you think something sounds cool enough to do, take a moment. That's all it takes is a moment of sound thinking to make sure you aren't going to regret this decision.
Believe it or not, there is a moral to this story. And no, it's not be careful who you date. Or don't hire your girlfriend. It's a little more significant.
How about don't do something just because it sounds cool or looks good on paper?
I've seen a lot of people lately make bad decisions. And not like I poured regular instead of diet coke bad. I mean awful decisions with nasty repurcussions.
In the neighboring, much larger city a college student waited in line for hours at Wal-Mart to get 2 Playstation 3s. When he got home, he was attacked and the units were stolen from him. When sherriff's deputies went to serve a warrant to one of the attackers, the alleged attacker was shot and killed.
Might have been a cool unit. Cool enough to steal. But even if this young man hadn't been killed, he would have been facing charges like assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft and larceny. He was all of 19-years-old. Now, he's dead and no one is a winner. The young man who was originally robbed is still recovering from his injuries.
So, before you think something sounds cool enough to do, take a moment. That's all it takes is a moment of sound thinking to make sure you aren't going to regret this decision.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A Good Old Fashioned Family Christmas
that's what Clark Griswold extols the virtues of in the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. As we famously remember this includes digging a Christmas tree out of the frozen ground, lighting the house to the point that auxillary nuclear power must be used for the rest of the city (we have a neighbor with these aspirations), and having the entire extended family stay in their home.
So, what really constitutes a "good old fashioned family Christmas?" We all think of Norman Rockwell and Currier and Ives prints, but let's get real. Families are scattered across the country and globe now. While lots of moms and dads are thankfully able to stay home with kids now, a lot cannot and even those who can are not always able to create mammoth feasts and elaborate desserts. And then there is a debate as old as Charlie Brown, artificial or real Christmas trees. Not all of us are Clark W Griswold's who will go on the search for the perfect real tree. Many of us cannot be bothered and prefer the new artificial models that settle themselves. And then there was a man I saw on tv who said, "Artificial tree, artificial Christmas."
I think what makes a 'good old fashioned family Christmas' is two things. Jesus and family. Celebrating the birth of our Lord might include Santa or cookies or caroling but it should include family. Whether it involves visits over long distances or short ones or even telephone calls to those we hold dear, spending holidays with family are what it's all about.
So, what really constitutes a "good old fashioned family Christmas?" We all think of Norman Rockwell and Currier and Ives prints, but let's get real. Families are scattered across the country and globe now. While lots of moms and dads are thankfully able to stay home with kids now, a lot cannot and even those who can are not always able to create mammoth feasts and elaborate desserts. And then there is a debate as old as Charlie Brown, artificial or real Christmas trees. Not all of us are Clark W Griswold's who will go on the search for the perfect real tree. Many of us cannot be bothered and prefer the new artificial models that settle themselves. And then there was a man I saw on tv who said, "Artificial tree, artificial Christmas."
I think what makes a 'good old fashioned family Christmas' is two things. Jesus and family. Celebrating the birth of our Lord might include Santa or cookies or caroling but it should include family. Whether it involves visits over long distances or short ones or even telephone calls to those we hold dear, spending holidays with family are what it's all about.
Accepting Life
Yesterday, I posted about dogs not taking down our Christmas tree (which thankfully still hasn't happened). I know many people would laugh at that fear, but being a dog owner for five + years now, I have reason to be fearful.
Our second Christmas in this house, we bought our tree at the hardware store, brought it home, and decorated it. It was beautiful! We took time to place every ornament in just the right place. Our lights twinkled. Ours was to be a happy Christmas. One day, I came home from work after Jeff to find that I was somehow to blame for the Christmas tree branches that Gilligan, our beagle, threw up. He had eaten them right off the tree. I quickly pointed out that I had just come home and the tree was eaten and thrown back up while Jeff was home and supposed to be watching the dog. That was the end of the story. Or so I thought. I then went to plug in the tree to discover an entire strand of lights out. I searched for the unconnected plug only to discover that it wasn't a disconnected plug, but a wire that had been chewed threw. Ala Christmas Vacation. Except, luckily, our tree had not been plugged in at the time of said chewing, so Gilligan survived. I was hot. At this point, Jeff sheepishly admitted he had come home and basically ignored the dog to water the tree and readjust a few ornaments and then went outside to clean up the yard. Have I ever mentioned that Gilligan can be extremely jealous? Especially of Jeff's attention. Knowing that his behavior had caused Gilligan's reaction, Jeff made plans for his day off (the next day) accordingly. When I came home the following day from work, the tree was redecorated with the damage strand of lights replaced (it required the complete removal of all lights and ornaments and their replacing) and nothing on the bottom third of the tree.
So, I accept as a part of life that my dogs might topple a Christmas tree or open a present or tear apart a stocking. In my house, these things just happen.
Our second Christmas in this house, we bought our tree at the hardware store, brought it home, and decorated it. It was beautiful! We took time to place every ornament in just the right place. Our lights twinkled. Ours was to be a happy Christmas. One day, I came home from work after Jeff to find that I was somehow to blame for the Christmas tree branches that Gilligan, our beagle, threw up. He had eaten them right off the tree. I quickly pointed out that I had just come home and the tree was eaten and thrown back up while Jeff was home and supposed to be watching the dog. That was the end of the story. Or so I thought. I then went to plug in the tree to discover an entire strand of lights out. I searched for the unconnected plug only to discover that it wasn't a disconnected plug, but a wire that had been chewed threw. Ala Christmas Vacation. Except, luckily, our tree had not been plugged in at the time of said chewing, so Gilligan survived. I was hot. At this point, Jeff sheepishly admitted he had come home and basically ignored the dog to water the tree and readjust a few ornaments and then went outside to clean up the yard. Have I ever mentioned that Gilligan can be extremely jealous? Especially of Jeff's attention. Knowing that his behavior had caused Gilligan's reaction, Jeff made plans for his day off (the next day) accordingly. When I came home the following day from work, the tree was redecorated with the damage strand of lights replaced (it required the complete removal of all lights and ornaments and their replacing) and nothing on the bottom third of the tree.
So, I accept as a part of life that my dogs might topple a Christmas tree or open a present or tear apart a stocking. In my house, these things just happen.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Days are passing
and I have not sent out a single Christmas card or even begun my Christmas shopping. I could come up with a lot of excuses, like, for example, I have a five-month-old who is starting solids. But it's not that. I just haven't done it. Simple as that. I refuse to dwell on it. After all, I have gotten our tree up (a real one) and decorated. And the interior of our home is done. I have started Princess Shelby on peas (which she loves). I have bought the ingredients for my baking adventures. I got a lot of meat last weekend and it was all on sale! So, days are passing, and some things aren't getting done. But, Shelby still goes on walks almost daily, Jeff and I are well, our dogs have decided they will not take down our Christmas tree this year...we are living in the peace that comes from Christ's love.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Moving On Up
from just breastmilk to breastmilk and rice cereal. I know it's not very LLL of me to introduce rice cereal at five months, but, I have a baby who is no longer satisfied with breastmilk alone. So, we have a baby who is starting solids.
But this isn't the real thrust of this post. It's about looking back and seeing how far we had come. Two Christmases ago, we were sadly contemplating the holiday season as our first baby was to be due around the 23rd but was lost during my seventh week. We were also looking at the scary process of surgery I would undergo in the hopes it would prevent losing any other babies. Then, last Christmas, we had a picture from our first ultrasound showing a tiny life no bigger than a peanut at that point. July seemed so far away! Now, here we are, with a five-month-old healthy, beautiful baby girl who is cutting teeth and graduating slowly to solids.
I am forced to remember that life moves at God's speed, not our own. We were given Shelby when we were ready for her. And it seems to be part of God's plan, not ours (ours was to wait until six months) to start cereal now. We are moving on and up in life with the grace and love of God
But this isn't the real thrust of this post. It's about looking back and seeing how far we had come. Two Christmases ago, we were sadly contemplating the holiday season as our first baby was to be due around the 23rd but was lost during my seventh week. We were also looking at the scary process of surgery I would undergo in the hopes it would prevent losing any other babies. Then, last Christmas, we had a picture from our first ultrasound showing a tiny life no bigger than a peanut at that point. July seemed so far away! Now, here we are, with a five-month-old healthy, beautiful baby girl who is cutting teeth and graduating slowly to solids.
I am forced to remember that life moves at God's speed, not our own. We were given Shelby when we were ready for her. And it seems to be part of God's plan, not ours (ours was to wait until six months) to start cereal now. We are moving on and up in life with the grace and love of God
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Please Pray
for my friend Kim, her son and her family. Her son was hit by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Iraq last week. He was with two other Marines, one who was killed and the other who was hit in the head and whose survival is precarious. Kim's son was hit in his lower body and is in Rammstein in Germany awaiting return to the US for treatments. Kim has been at work and been a trooper, but all prayers of strength for this mother are greatly appreciated.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Glory and Praise to Our God
Who alone gives light to our days
Many are the blessings He bears
To those who trust in His ways
~Dan Schutte
Our dear sister in Christ, MaryEllen, has passed on from this world at approximately 9:15 last evening surrounded by her daughter, sisters and many friends. The Lord ended the earthly life of one of His greatest evangelists, a woman whose faith moved mountains and energized children and youth for years. I thought of the lyrics above from Dan Schutte's Glory and Praise to Our God when I learned of MaryEllen's homecoming. MaryEllen was always trusting of God's direction, even when it was scary or contrary to what she wanted. We were immensely blessed by her life and are touched to know she received God's greatest blessing at last. And now, MaryEllen, because I know how much pride you took in being Irish, I send you home with this blessing:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and, until we meet again,
may God hold youin the palm of his hand.
God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will give new life to our own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in us.
~Romans 8:11
Many are the blessings He bears
To those who trust in His ways
~Dan Schutte
Our dear sister in Christ, MaryEllen, has passed on from this world at approximately 9:15 last evening surrounded by her daughter, sisters and many friends. The Lord ended the earthly life of one of His greatest evangelists, a woman whose faith moved mountains and energized children and youth for years. I thought of the lyrics above from Dan Schutte's Glory and Praise to Our God when I learned of MaryEllen's homecoming. MaryEllen was always trusting of God's direction, even when it was scary or contrary to what she wanted. We were immensely blessed by her life and are touched to know she received God's greatest blessing at last. And now, MaryEllen, because I know how much pride you took in being Irish, I send you home with this blessing:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and, until we meet again,
may God hold youin the palm of his hand.
God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will give new life to our own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in us.
~Romans 8:11
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Something I'm Thankful For
but probably won't see this year are snowflakes. They are all unique and remind me that God's love extends to all creation even though we are not all the same and often go ways God doesn't want us to.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Apology
I apologize for my post yesterday. It was childish and selfish and I realize that, but I am not going to delete it as we all need reminders sometimes of our negative ways to help deter us from going down those roads again.
I am ashamed of my post even more so because in the midst of all of this happening, one of my friends is losing her battle with cancer. I actually like to think of it as her winning her battle to get to heaven, but cancer is a horrible way to get to this everlasting reward. She will be leaving behind a six-year-old little girl, many students whose lives she touched in Miami and Raleigh and many teens she counseled as a youth leader. One of these former teens wrote in a guest book at a support site that when she was a teen, this woman's faith scared her it was so strong, this former teen went on to say that now she is so thankful for that kind of faith and that my friend is one of the most influential people in her life. After learning of her imminent return to the Father, I immediately offered up my suffering for her. So I might not be able to get up to see my parents and I had 24 hours of sickness, she has endured much more than I have. How dare I throw myself a pity party while she struggles through her last few hours.
So, again, I am sorry for my childish discourse yesterday. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.
I am ashamed of my post even more so because in the midst of all of this happening, one of my friends is losing her battle with cancer. I actually like to think of it as her winning her battle to get to heaven, but cancer is a horrible way to get to this everlasting reward. She will be leaving behind a six-year-old little girl, many students whose lives she touched in Miami and Raleigh and many teens she counseled as a youth leader. One of these former teens wrote in a guest book at a support site that when she was a teen, this woman's faith scared her it was so strong, this former teen went on to say that now she is so thankful for that kind of faith and that my friend is one of the most influential people in her life. After learning of her imminent return to the Father, I immediately offered up my suffering for her. So I might not be able to get up to see my parents and I had 24 hours of sickness, she has endured much more than I have. How dare I throw myself a pity party while she struggles through her last few hours.
So, again, I am sorry for my childish discourse yesterday. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I am
feeling like a loser. I got food poisoning so I missed a day and a half of work on a short work week. Plus, now, my car won't start. I know the battery is dead because nothing is working on it. I can't figure out what happened except maybe yesterday when I was sick and getting the baby out of the car her door didn't close all the way or something and left a light on which ran the battery out? Now, this isn't a huge deal except that tomorrow is the day before Thanksgiving. I won't be able to get this replaced. My mom just sent me gas money to come and visit over the weekend, but it looks like now, unless somebody comes and picks me and the baby up and brings us back, we won't be going. I feel like the ultimate holiday loser! How do these things happen to me?
Sunday, November 19, 2006
It Happened...
Rutgers lost its first game of the season last night. The good news is they will still probably get a bowl game invitation and now the pressure of being unbeaten is removed. Our home was a little bit sad this morning with this news, but we are very thankful that we live in a country where we have the freedom to root for whatever team we would like!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Teetering
on the brink of a cold/sinus infection/allergies. Boy that wipes you out. Shelby and Jeff are both well, so I count myself very lucky. It's much better for me to be sick than one of them.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Cleveland Rocks
The Browns won their game today! We got to 3 and 7. Just for the record, all of Shelby's teams won this week! Go Browns!
Every Mama Needs A Friend
So, I've created a blog dedicated to my own product reviews and shout-outs. It's called A Mama's Friend and I also plan to include reviews of great movies, books, cds, and shows for kids and families. I hope you'll stop on by when you get a chance!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
God Bless Sister Isaac
Sister Isaac Koenig is recognized as an Albert Schweitzer Honors Scholar on Nov. 9. This award is given annually by the UNCW Honors Scholars Program and Randall Library to a person from the area who exemplifies the attributes or interests of Albert Schweitzer. UNCW/Caroline CroppSister Isaac is a member of our parish and she runs the Tileston Outreach Clinic as well as the outreach programs that provide staffing to the soup kitchen, clothes and furniture for the needy, placement for people being released from prison and others. Her caring and loving nature is known by all members of St Mary Parish. Congratulations on this honor!
The Little Football Team That Could
Go Scarlet Knights! Some may have doubted you in the past and even laughed at your efforts, but you perservered. Now 9-0, you stand proud of your achievements but careful as pride comes before the fall. Thanks for a great season so far!
My Little Ogre Princess
I am a Disney Princess. I took the quiz and I am Belle. No shocker there with my nose always in a book and all this looking for inner beauty I do.
Shelby, my sweet baby girl is not a Disney Princess. Oh, don't get me wrong, she's a princess alright. She has all the cutest little girl outfits, lots of pink and purple, and I'm sure her father has plans to give her a car for her 16th birthday. But Shelby is a princess of a different sort altogether. Shelby is a Dreamworks Princess. More specifically Princess Fiona. She's beautiful but don't expect her to see it. She loves the outdoors. She likes sports (just try to get her attention when hockey or football are on--especially Rutgers or Wisconsin football). And she can burp like a boy--er, champ. And while she is a beautiful baby, there is this matter of her temperment which is normally cheerful and sweet, but once we've crossed the point of no-return, she's an ogre.
So, here's to my little Ogre princess. I wouldn't have her any other way.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Seeing It Again
People have told me since Shelby was born what a beautiful baby she is. Her skin is olive and she bore no stork bites and since she was breech and a c-section baby her head has always had perfect shape and she bore none of the battle scars of a naturally delivered baby. Of course we thought she was beautiful, but we could not believe how complete strangers would approach us (and still do) to share their thoughts on her.
Perhaps the sweetest stories of this have come with my encounters with children with her. When Shelby was just a few weeks old, I had to go to an outpatient center in the hospital to get my blood drawn. While we were waiting, Shelby was in her carseat asleep, a mother with two young boys came in. The oldest was about four and he casually walked by her carseat, sneaking a peek as he did. I pretended not to notice as he obviously didn't want to be found out. A short while later, he came by again and this time, stopped and bent over, close to her face. He looked up at me, looked me right in the eye and whispered, almost reverantly, "She's so beautiful." I smiled back at him and said thank you. It warmed me how sweetly he had examined her and how he saw in her little sleeping face all the innocence and gentleness we all see in newborns. He was in awe of the power and beauty of new life. He helped me to appreciate what so many had told me before. Physically, yes, Shelby is beautiful, but she is also a reminder of the beauty of newness that God gives us in the form of these tiny little babies.
Perhaps the sweetest stories of this have come with my encounters with children with her. When Shelby was just a few weeks old, I had to go to an outpatient center in the hospital to get my blood drawn. While we were waiting, Shelby was in her carseat asleep, a mother with two young boys came in. The oldest was about four and he casually walked by her carseat, sneaking a peek as he did. I pretended not to notice as he obviously didn't want to be found out. A short while later, he came by again and this time, stopped and bent over, close to her face. He looked up at me, looked me right in the eye and whispered, almost reverantly, "She's so beautiful." I smiled back at him and said thank you. It warmed me how sweetly he had examined her and how he saw in her little sleeping face all the innocence and gentleness we all see in newborns. He was in awe of the power and beauty of new life. He helped me to appreciate what so many had told me before. Physically, yes, Shelby is beautiful, but she is also a reminder of the beauty of newness that God gives us in the form of these tiny little babies.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Toys
I don't remember liking a whole lot of toys as a kid. I liked stuffed animals, and I loved books. But not so many toys.
My husband and I traveled to our favorite store with Shelby yesterday and Jeff wanted to peruse the toy aisle. There is a lot of stuff out there! Nothing really for a baby as young as ours, but all kinds of developmental toys, tech toys, board games, make-believe, anything you can imagine. For Christmas we agreed to pretty much get each other stuff for Shelby. Now remember I said how there is an array of toys out there now, well, I have a feeling we will be able to duplicate some of our purchases anyway.
My husband and I traveled to our favorite store with Shelby yesterday and Jeff wanted to peruse the toy aisle. There is a lot of stuff out there! Nothing really for a baby as young as ours, but all kinds of developmental toys, tech toys, board games, make-believe, anything you can imagine. For Christmas we agreed to pretty much get each other stuff for Shelby. Now remember I said how there is an array of toys out there now, well, I have a feeling we will be able to duplicate some of our purchases anyway.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
A Strange Realization
It is easier on me when Shelby has a runny nose cold than a dry congestion cold. I find it makes my life much easier if I have a snotty nose to wipe rather than a congested one to suction out.
(Can ) Father-son bond of Dick and Rick Hoyt
Thanks to my mom for sharing this video with me, I have seen the Hoyts on the Iron Man Competitions before so some of this video was not new to me and get ready it is a true heart wrencher. All of us who are parents just want our children to be normal and have every oppurtunity afforded to them, but few of us are as challenged by our children's abilities to provide them this as Dick and Judy Hoyt. But wherever there is the love of a parent, there is God's love making things happen. Please read below the writing of Rick Reilly and then enjoy the video.
STRONGEST DAD IN THE WORLD
[From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly]
I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots. However, compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.
Eighty-five times, he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times, he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.
Dick has also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing, and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?
And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.
``He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. ``Put him in an institution.''
But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11, they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. ``No way,'' Dick says he was <>told. There's nothing going on in his brain.''
"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.
Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? ``Go Bruins! And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, ``Dad, I want to do that.''
Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described ``porker'' who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. ``Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. ``I was sore for two weeks.''
That day changed Rick's life. ``Dad,'' he typed, ``when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''
And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.
``No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years, Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, and then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983, they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.
Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''
How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried.
Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud being passed by an old guy towing a grow n man in a dinghy, dont you think?
Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? ``No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for ``the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.
This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick f inished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time'? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.
``No question about it,'' Rick types. ``My dad is the Father of the Century.''
And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago, he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. ``If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' one doctor told him, ``you probably would've died 15 years ago.''
So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.
Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.
That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.
``The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, ``is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.''
Thanks to my mom for sharing this video with me, I have seen the Hoyts on the Iron Man Competitions before so some of this video was not new to me and get ready it is a true heart wrencher. All of us who are parents just want our children to be normal and have every oppurtunity afforded to them, but few of us are as challenged by our children's abilities to provide them this as Dick and Judy Hoyt. But wherever there is the love of a parent, there is God's love making things happen. Please read below the writing of Rick Reilly and then enjoy the video.
STRONGEST DAD IN THE WORLD
[From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly]
I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots. However, compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.
Eighty-five times, he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times, he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.
Dick has also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing, and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?
And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.
``He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. ``Put him in an institution.''
But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11, they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. ``No way,'' Dick says he was <>told. There's nothing going on in his brain.''
"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.
Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? ``Go Bruins! And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, ``Dad, I want to do that.''
Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described ``porker'' who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. ``Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. ``I was sore for two weeks.''
That day changed Rick's life. ``Dad,'' he typed, ``when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''
And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.
``No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years, Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, and then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983, they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.
Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''
How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried.
Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud being passed by an old guy towing a grow n man in a dinghy, dont you think?
Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? ``No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for ``the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.
This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick f inished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time'? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.
``No question about it,'' Rick types. ``My dad is the Father of the Century.''
And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago, he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. ``If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' one doctor told him, ``you probably would've died 15 years ago.''
So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.
Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.
That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.
``The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, ``is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.''
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Because the Weather is So Beautiful
Autumn has come to southeastern NC. Finally. And today was a beautiful day for Mama and Shelby to enjoy the weather.
Of course, we also should tell you that being outside is one thing that Daddy and Shelby see eye to eye on.
I forget
if I am supposed to sleep when Shelby sleeps or do work then.... I am already a victim of "mother's amnesia."
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Is the Grass Greener?
Suzanne recently showed the pictures of her beautiful boys in her last two birth announcements. She has five boys. There was a family in our parish growing up that had five boys and another with five girls. I always asked my mother which she thought would be more stressful, a house of only boys or girls.
Mom always answered the same. Boys.
I have three younger brothers.
I'm the only girl.
My husband and I decided immediately that we did not want to know the sex of our baby before she was born. I guess I should mention here that Jeff is one of four boys. No girls. So it was nothing short of miraculous to his family when he called to say he had become the Daddy to a GIRL. His mother told me I broke the mold and my "genes must be stronger."
The reaction from my family was also one of excitement. My youngest brother had demanded constantly that we find out the sex of the baby and went so far as to suggest to my parents that they contact my OB and have her email them the sex so I didn't have to know. My parents knew better than to try something so silly. My father told everyone after I called to say we had a daughter that he thought I had never let myself think I might have a baby girl. Maybe he's right, maybe I did that subconciously. But I honestly had no idea what I was having until I heard my husband yell, "It's a GIRL!" in the OR.
I wonder is the grass always greener? I wonder what it would be like to have a boy or a household of them like Suzanne and Rachel
. Actually I don't have to wonder that hard. I lived it. But I know it must be different to be the mother of so many. That's a lot of football and baseball games and impromptu wrestling matches in the den and forts and swords made out of sticks. And then I think, I only have one daughter, what about the family I knew growing up with five little girls? That's five sets of pigtails, five itchy Easter dresses, five senior proms, FIVE WEDDINGS!
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law have a little boy. When we said we wanted to have another baby in the next two years, they immediately seized on the idea we were "trying for a boy." When we looked at each other, shrugged and said, "not really, we'd be just as happy with another girl," they seemed a little perplexed. I mean, doesn't everyone want one of each? Sure we would like to have one of each at least! But children are gifts from God the Father himself. When we got pregnant with Shelby we wanted a baby. Any baby. We were beyond even asking for healthy. That's why we didn't find out the sex and why we won't find out the sex of any future babies. As badly as I wanted a sister, I thank God for giving me three healthy brothers. And I would love for Shelby to have someone to love the way I love them, brother or sister. No the grass isn't greener,on my side of the fence it's the same sweet Kentucky bluegrass it always was. And believe me, it is for you too.
Mom always answered the same. Boys.
I have three younger brothers.
I'm the only girl.
My husband and I decided immediately that we did not want to know the sex of our baby before she was born. I guess I should mention here that Jeff is one of four boys. No girls. So it was nothing short of miraculous to his family when he called to say he had become the Daddy to a GIRL. His mother told me I broke the mold and my "genes must be stronger."
The reaction from my family was also one of excitement. My youngest brother had demanded constantly that we find out the sex of the baby and went so far as to suggest to my parents that they contact my OB and have her email them the sex so I didn't have to know. My parents knew better than to try something so silly. My father told everyone after I called to say we had a daughter that he thought I had never let myself think I might have a baby girl. Maybe he's right, maybe I did that subconciously. But I honestly had no idea what I was having until I heard my husband yell, "It's a GIRL!" in the OR.
I wonder is the grass always greener? I wonder what it would be like to have a boy or a household of them like Suzanne and Rachel
. Actually I don't have to wonder that hard. I lived it. But I know it must be different to be the mother of so many. That's a lot of football and baseball games and impromptu wrestling matches in the den and forts and swords made out of sticks. And then I think, I only have one daughter, what about the family I knew growing up with five little girls? That's five sets of pigtails, five itchy Easter dresses, five senior proms, FIVE WEDDINGS!
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law have a little boy. When we said we wanted to have another baby in the next two years, they immediately seized on the idea we were "trying for a boy." When we looked at each other, shrugged and said, "not really, we'd be just as happy with another girl," they seemed a little perplexed. I mean, doesn't everyone want one of each? Sure we would like to have one of each at least! But children are gifts from God the Father himself. When we got pregnant with Shelby we wanted a baby. Any baby. We were beyond even asking for healthy. That's why we didn't find out the sex and why we won't find out the sex of any future babies. As badly as I wanted a sister, I thank God for giving me three healthy brothers. And I would love for Shelby to have someone to love the way I love them, brother or sister. No the grass isn't greener,on my side of the fence it's the same sweet Kentucky bluegrass it always was. And believe me, it is for you too.
Fishers of Men
If I had had a son, I would be a proud mother to have him become a priest. Maybe someday I will have a son and perhaps he will be a part of the priesthood. I am so blessed to have my daughter's Godfather be a priest and this video shows some of the reasons priests are such blessings to all Catholics.
If I had had a son, I would be a proud mother to have him become a priest. Maybe someday I will have a son and perhaps he will be a part of the priesthood. I am so blessed to have my daughter's Godfather be a priest and this video shows some of the reasons priests are such blessings to all Catholics.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Wondering....
how to start my newest writing project. Being a Catholic mother who works outside of the home has generated interest in writing possibly an article maybe something longer about mom's in my situation. I struggled with going back to work. I wanted nothing more than to stay home with my daughter. But as I've said before, no matter how we ran the numbers, we would be homeless if I did.
I have to wonder, how do other moms do it? I am reminded of a wonderful pediatrician who was a member of our parish growing up in Raleigh. She had three children and worked still as a doctor. Her healing hands were meant to not just be known by her children but by the children of others who she saw in her practice. Being a doctor was another vocation along with being a mother. So, if you know any moms who are Catholic and work outside of the home, send them over to my blog and I will see what I can do to get in touch with them.
I have to wonder, how do other moms do it? I am reminded of a wonderful pediatrician who was a member of our parish growing up in Raleigh. She had three children and worked still as a doctor. Her healing hands were meant to not just be known by her children but by the children of others who she saw in her practice. Being a doctor was another vocation along with being a mother. So, if you know any moms who are Catholic and work outside of the home, send them over to my blog and I will see what I can do to get in touch with them.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
A Blessed Event
On September 30 Shelby Clare was baptized into the Catholic faith. She is now one of every 6 people blessed enough to belong to the family that is the Catholic church.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Because Someone Reminded Me How Much I Love These and This Song...
The Rainbow ConnectionWritten by Paul Williams and used by Kermit the Frog, of The Muppets, Jim Henson Productions
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
and someone believed it,
and look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
All of us under its spell,
we know that it's probably magic....
Have you been half asleep
and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa
Sunday, October 15, 2006
If you enjoy my blog
"Our State Fair....
is a great stat fair, don't miss it, don't even be late! It's dollars to doughnuts at our state fair, the best state fair in our state!"
We traveled to Raleigh yesterday for the State Fair. Shelby didn't really get it, but come on, she's three months old. We enjoyed the food and exhibits (especially our favorite, the garden exhibit). We missed out on rides (none with a baby), most of the animals (as someone, who shall remain nameless but was not me or Shelby, claimed the smell made him sick), and the grist mill (because it was a little too loud for the baby's sensitive ears). But we still had a great time and are already planning our trip for next year.
Want to see how other kids prepare for the state fair, check out some award winning recipes from Danielle's kids...
We traveled to Raleigh yesterday for the State Fair. Shelby didn't really get it, but come on, she's three months old. We enjoyed the food and exhibits (especially our favorite, the garden exhibit). We missed out on rides (none with a baby), most of the animals (as someone, who shall remain nameless but was not me or Shelby, claimed the smell made him sick), and the grist mill (because it was a little too loud for the baby's sensitive ears). But we still had a great time and are already planning our trip for next year.
Want to see how other kids prepare for the state fair, check out some award winning recipes from Danielle's kids...
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Doing Better
We've had a couple of trying weeks as my mother-in-law stayed with us which, as everyone knows it is a trying time when any relatives stay with you for an extended period. But this last week we were in the process of going "back to normal" or as normal as life with a three-month-old can be.
Now the schedule is supposed to begin. I hate schedules. So, we'll see how this goes.
Now the schedule is supposed to begin. I hate schedules. So, we'll see how this goes.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Yeah it's been a while
Being a mom who works outside of the home is hard. Really hard. Mothers already have no time to themselves. If you work outside of the home at a part-time (read: 40 hours a week) job, you have even less than that. So, sorry I'm not quite the blogger right now. Stuff happens.
Shelby Clare will be baptized next Saturday, September 30. Yes she was born in the middle of July, but this was the first oppurtunity we could take when all of her grandparents would be present.
Shelby is, by the way, a two 1/2 month old dynamo who weighs 15 lbs and is 24 inches long and growing!
Shelby Clare will be baptized next Saturday, September 30. Yes she was born in the middle of July, but this was the first oppurtunity we could take when all of her grandparents would be present.
Shelby is, by the way, a two 1/2 month old dynamo who weighs 15 lbs and is 24 inches long and growing!
Friday, August 04, 2006
An Update
My mom felt like I was too harsh on Mel Gibson.
So, here is an addendum. I do believe in forgiveness. Not forgetting (just think about if we forgave those that crucified Jesus and then forgot about the action!) but forgiving. I also believe that we all make mistakes and we should be responsible for our mistakes because that is part of learning from them. I also believe we should pray for one another especially those that have made grievous errors in life.
Have I forgiven Mel, yes, Jesus calls me to do that. Did he learn from this mistake? I surely hope so. Only time will tell.
One point that I hope I made in the last post and still make here is that when you put so much of yourself into a project you also assume responsibility for that. When Mel Gibson made The Passion of the Christ he brought the word of God to many who may not have been exposed to it. Part of Christ's passion is John 13:34-35. In fact, that passage comes right before Jesus tells Peter that Peter will deny him three times. Mel needs to remember that with the privilege to tell this story comes an awesome responsibility. That is to live its message.
God Bless You Mel, I hope something like this never happens again.
And God Bless You for reading this and hopefully learning something from it!
So, here is an addendum. I do believe in forgiveness. Not forgetting (just think about if we forgave those that crucified Jesus and then forgot about the action!) but forgiving. I also believe that we all make mistakes and we should be responsible for our mistakes because that is part of learning from them. I also believe we should pray for one another especially those that have made grievous errors in life.
Have I forgiven Mel, yes, Jesus calls me to do that. Did he learn from this mistake? I surely hope so. Only time will tell.
One point that I hope I made in the last post and still make here is that when you put so much of yourself into a project you also assume responsibility for that. When Mel Gibson made The Passion of the Christ he brought the word of God to many who may not have been exposed to it. Part of Christ's passion is John 13:34-35. In fact, that passage comes right before Jesus tells Peter that Peter will deny him three times. Mel needs to remember that with the privilege to tell this story comes an awesome responsibility. That is to live its message.
God Bless You Mel, I hope something like this never happens again.
And God Bless You for reading this and hopefully learning something from it!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
No I Don't
feel sorry for Mel Gibson. See, here's the thing, he was doing something illegal, driving drunk. And any of us who did that would show up in the police blotter, so why shouldn't he. Arrest records are public records, so his should be too. The fact that he made anti-semitic remarks is atrocious and I don't think he should hide behind the alcohol because as most of us know, alcochol has another name: truth serum. Mel is a fundamentalist, a Catholic one, but a fundamentalist none the less. Catholics persecuted the Jewish people as a part of the Spanish Inquisition and at other times in other places. Hey, I'm Catholic too, it's not a proud part of our past, but one we have to acknowledge to make sure we don't repeat it. Now, I'm not saying that Mel is a bigot because he is a fundamentalist, but fundamentalists tend to be able to get their message across because they live a life so dedicated to only one way of celebrating their faith (for another example, we can look to my buddy Tom Cruise). I don't feel like the media is picking on poor Mel Gibson at all. When you make a movie called "The Passion of the Christ" you are making a statement that you believe what Christ believed in. I'd like to remind Mr Gibson of one of Christ's most famous beliefs, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35
Monday, July 31, 2006
A Few Hours of Sleep
Last night I crawled into bed at 9:30 pm. Shelby was asleep sometime between 9 and 9:30. She slept until 2:30 when I awoke to hear her stirring. We got up and completed a ritual familiar to many parents, we changed a diaper and then settled on the couch to feed. She nursed for 30 minutes and then fell back asleep. I put her back in her bassinet and went back to bed and slept until I heard her stirring again. At 5:45. She slept for five hours the first stretch and then another 2 hours and 45 minutes the second stretch. I could hardly believe it! What a great 3 1/2 week old I have. But who am I kidding, she is only 3 1/2 weeks old, so she will not be consistent. Plus, so many things can irritate a little baby. But she's an angel, so I will take whatever she gives!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
As Soon As I Said Something...
about my baby girl loving her sling, she decided she hated it and screamed bloody murder uncontrollably every time we tried to put her in it. Oh well, she had a colicky period yesterday but finally settled down to sleep at around 10:30. Maybe she'll decide in a couple of days that she likes it again. We can only hope.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The Sling
My daughter and I have a new best friend. The sling. It lets mama do some work and baby to be close to mama. I recommend them to all mothers with newborns!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Gargoyles
I recently posted about gargoyles, well, recent being within about the last month. Here is one I found on the web that I especially love. I am thinking about buying some for outside our home!
There's nothing like an angel to protect you.
Gifts
I have been, of course, besieged by gifts from all kinds of people since Shelby was born. I am behind on the thank yous (so sue me, I'm sleep deprived). People want to constantly ask me what big things do we want or need. Here's the thing, we have just about all of the big things. She has no pink clothes except what I bought her this week with the money her Granny sent her. But people don't want to buy her new clothes. I'm not sure why. My brothers really want to get her something big, so I reserved the last real big thing for them and I refuse to even mention it here for fear someone will read it and buy it before they do. So, anyone reading this who feels compelled to send a gift, pink or girlie clothes in size 6 mths or larger or size 2 diapers (Luvs brand please, the Huggies and Pampers leak too easily).
Friday, July 14, 2006
If you want...
To see more pix of Shelby and read her updates check out this site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/shelbyclareherrett
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Some New Things I Have Learned
since becoming a mama.
1) Sleep is not overrated.
2) When a baby looks up at you and seems to smile, (even if it is only gas) your heart will melt into your stomach.
3) Dogs are dogs. It's that simple
4) Cleaning and scrubbing really can wait til tomorrow.
5) People who appear to be hard and crusty will dissolve at the sight of a tiny newborn.
6) Always be nice to nurses.
7) Hospital food rocks. Especially because you don't have to cook it.
8) Breastfeeding is hard but is truly what is best.
9) Prayer goes a long way.
10) Take it all with a grain of salt. The doctor might call for more weight checks, and the blood work might not yet be done, but it will all turn out for the best!
1) Sleep is not overrated.
2) When a baby looks up at you and seems to smile, (even if it is only gas) your heart will melt into your stomach.
3) Dogs are dogs. It's that simple
4) Cleaning and scrubbing really can wait til tomorrow.
5) People who appear to be hard and crusty will dissolve at the sight of a tiny newborn.
6) Always be nice to nurses.
7) Hospital food rocks. Especially because you don't have to cook it.
8) Breastfeeding is hard but is truly what is best.
9) Prayer goes a long way.
10) Take it all with a grain of salt. The doctor might call for more weight checks, and the blood work might not yet be done, but it will all turn out for the best!
Monday, July 10, 2006
And We Welcome
Shelby Clare born July 6, 2006 8 lbs 5 oz 20 inches long! She is the love and joy of our lives!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Here's One to File
for the week you were born baby Herrett. Ken Lay, the corrupt founder of Enron, died at age 64. Guess he'll get justice on the other side. An interesting note for baby Herrett, you will be born on the one year anniversary of the London train bombings.
On a lighter note, you share your birthday with Ringo Starr! And your first birthday will be 7/7/07! A lucky number indeed!
On a lighter note, you share your birthday with Ringo Starr! And your first birthday will be 7/7/07! A lucky number indeed!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy 4th of July
Like I would let the entire day pass without acknowledging the country's birthday. We shoot off fireworks and have pancake breakfasts and parades. It was also the day that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away. Happy Birthday America!
I Know I Promised....
but being a new mom in a few days, this one was impossible to pass up! Plus I need to pass time doing something other than counting minutes!
| You Are a Newborn Soul |
 You are tolerant, accepting, and willing to give anyone a chance. On the flip side, you're easy to read and easily influenced by others. You have a fresh perspective on life, and you can be very creative. Noconformist and nontraditional, you've never met anyone who's like you. Inventive and artistic, you like to be a trendsetter. You have an upbeat spirit and you like almost everything. You make friends easily and often have long standing friendships. Implusive and trusting, you fall in love a little too easily. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul |
In Case You Haven't Noticed
I've been obsessed with the blogthings website. I really enjoy it though. It's fun to play around so that works. BTW, I have never had "magic brownies" that Hyde would make on That '70's Show. Just in the interest of complete disclosure. I will try to put some more space with "real" posts before I put too much more from blogthings!
Here are some cute animals, maybe I will try to find them a place in the nursery!
Here are some cute animals, maybe I will try to find them a place in the nursery!I Fully Agree With This One....I am Sweet and Natural Aren't I?
You Are Strawberry Ice Cream |
 A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream. |
I Don't Know How They Came Up With This Based On My Name....
You Are Dave Matthews Band Magic Brownies Ice Cream |
 Not *those* magic brownies! |
And There Are People Who Believe This About Me Too...:)
You Are a Strawberry Margarita |
 You're so sweet it's a little overwhelming, and people are a little afraid of corrupting you... It's a little difficult to imagine you with a margarita. And you're truly a different person after you've kicked back a couple! |
That's Where I Want To Be...
Your 2005 Song Is |
 Beverly Hills by Weezer "My automobile is a piece of crap My fashion sense is a little whack And my friends are just as screwy as me" You breezed through 2005 in your own funky style! |
Monday, July 03, 2006
Candy Heart
Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss" |
 You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive |
One Smart Cookie
You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie |
 Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting. You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying! |
Jelly Belly
You Are a Root Beer Jelly Bean |
 You are truly All American and down to earth. You don't have fancy tastes, and you don't apologize for who you are. You enjoy tradition and proven quality. |
Alias
***Kristen Michel Herrett's Aliases***
Your movie star name: Chips James
Your fashion designer name is Kristen Athens
Your socialite name is Krissy Mike NYC
Your fly girl / guy name is K Her
Your detective name is Panda Sleezeville
Your barfly name is Pudding Cosmopolitan
Your soap opera name is Michel Pinecrest
Your rock star name is Sweet Tarts Cheetah
Your Star Wars name is Kricha Herjef
Your punk rock band name is The Sedate Pinochle Cards
The Amazing Meganame Generatorhttp://www.blogthings.com/meganamegenerator/
Your movie star name: Chips James
Your fashion designer name is Kristen Athens
Your socialite name is Krissy Mike NYC
Your fly girl / guy name is K Her
Your detective name is Panda Sleezeville
Your barfly name is Pudding Cosmopolitan
Your soap opera name is Michel Pinecrest
Your rock star name is Sweet Tarts Cheetah
Your Star Wars name is Kricha Herjef
Your punk rock band name is The Sedate Pinochle Cards
The Amazing Meganame Generatorhttp://www.blogthings.com/meganamegenerator/
Distance
I have a friend who I now over the last 12 months have started considering to be more of an acquaintance. There are a few reasons for this:
1) We are at very different places in our lives and she has no appreciation for the fact that I have accepted a certain level of maturity necessary to be a wife and mother.
2) I can no longer accept the fact that she is unable and unwilling to realize that life is unfair and sometimes we have to compromise our personal comforts for those we love.
3) We never see each other, which is in part because she is unable to have a level of stability in her life that allows her to travel and in part due to the fact that when I visit (infrequently) the area that she lives, I no longer make getting together a priority.
I am being selfish here I feel, but I'm not going to feel guilty about that. I am going through a period in my life where my husband, my child and my family are number one (after only God) and I'm not very interested in quitting different things (jobs, careers etc) based on principle. I have reached a level of maturity that makes me realize that I have to make certain sacrifices because of the level of love for my husband and child in my life. I have accepted that my way is not the only way and that is putting me at a distance with this friend and a few others in my past. To be honest, I like this distance, it helps me to focus on what's important and leave everything else on the side where I can ignore it if I have to!
1) We are at very different places in our lives and she has no appreciation for the fact that I have accepted a certain level of maturity necessary to be a wife and mother.
2) I can no longer accept the fact that she is unable and unwilling to realize that life is unfair and sometimes we have to compromise our personal comforts for those we love.
3) We never see each other, which is in part because she is unable to have a level of stability in her life that allows her to travel and in part due to the fact that when I visit (infrequently) the area that she lives, I no longer make getting together a priority.
I am being selfish here I feel, but I'm not going to feel guilty about that. I am going through a period in my life where my husband, my child and my family are number one (after only God) and I'm not very interested in quitting different things (jobs, careers etc) based on principle. I have reached a level of maturity that makes me realize that I have to make certain sacrifices because of the level of love for my husband and child in my life. I have accepted that my way is not the only way and that is putting me at a distance with this friend and a few others in my past. To be honest, I like this distance, it helps me to focus on what's important and leave everything else on the side where I can ignore it if I have to!
An Angel For You Today
I might have posted this picture before, but here is an angel to guide you through your day. We all have a guardian angel. I have one who seems to have worked overtime in the last ten months. I know this angel looks a little like a fairy, which brings me to this point that angels really don't come in the packages we always think of. Take a group of my favorite angels, gargoyles. Gargoyles assume the shape of the beast to fight the beast. A gargoyle outside your door keeps the evil spirits out of your home. Cherubs are not actually fat, naked babies. They are cute to think of that way though. So, here she is and may she protect you all day.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Friday, June 30, 2006
A Little Girl Has So Many Options
Here is my good friend Gina's daughter Jayla, this picture was titled "my first hair-do." Little girls have such an array of cute clothing options and hair options, I can really see where having a little girl would be really fun in that way.
What are little girls made of, made of
What are little girls made of?
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice,
that's what little girls are made of....
Then there is the picture below of my friend Holly's son Will on his way to the beach in his bouncy seat. Boys do fun things too like play in the mud and bring mama and daddy home surprises in their pock
ets.What are little boys made of, made of
What are little boys made of?
Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails,
that's what little boys are made of...
So, I really don't have a preference when people ask do I want a boy or a girl. I want a healthy baby. I can't wait to meet our son or daughter and find out what kind of personality he or she has!
It's all Starting to Come Together
Well, it finally is all starting to come together a little. I am filing disability claims. I am busy with packing my bags for my hospital stay which is one week from today. I am trying to keep up with all those last minute details. Here's a wonderful thing, my insurance covers 100% of my hospital costs. That makes me feel a lot better. But money is still on my mind, I guess because I've had bad experiences with disability payments in the past. So, I just keep on praying that everything will go well. I'm trying not to listen to people who tell me, oh, you know all the disability payments will be delayed. They aren't helping me at all. I'm just trying to think of all the love for our new baby and ignore the fact that I can't be sure of what the future holds! I guess in that way, it will all come together. Faith and trust in God no matter what happens.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
The Boys
Charlie and Gilligan are enjoying me being home in the final days of pregnancy. The puppies enjoy going outside at their leisure. They like that someone can play with them every once in a while. I just hope that they don't get too used to me being around with the baby coming so soon, once the baby is here, I am afraid that they won't understand why I am not playing with them so much!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away, Just Slow Down
While we aren't getting so much rain as our neighbors to the North in VA, DC and MD, we are getting our fair share. We haven't had any flooding, but what worries me about so much rain is that as we are in the throes of hurricane season, if a storm comes our way, the earth is saturated and the loss of trees and the ease of flooding could be dramatic.
I love the rain, so I don't want it to go away. I just want it to be a little more spread out. Believe me, our garden is benefitting from the rain AND so is our water bill, but slow down, at least a little!
I love the rain, so I don't want it to go away. I just want it to be a little more spread out. Believe me, our garden is benefitting from the rain AND so is our water bill, but slow down, at least a little!
Almost Done
I just about a week and a half, the baby will be here. July 7 is the scheduled c-section. My belly button has popped out so, that must mean we are done. The other night, my husband was saying that the baby's room was done, all it needs now is a baby. So, we are in countdown mode now. Hopefully, I will have an early morning delivery so that I can eat afterwards! Tomorrow is my pre-op appointment and we will find out for sure then!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
An Old Post from a previous Blog
I posted this October 19 of last year. In that time, pregnancy has given me a lot of crosses to bear. And I am back to bathing in DEEP WOODS OFF!
Mosquito Magnet
I am sitting here bathing in what one might think was my favorite scent. Alas, no, Eau de Deep Woods Off, is hardly my favorite scent, but one I often wear. It is late October now, Halloween is less than two weeks away, and I am still getting bitten.Within the last year, scientists have confirmed what I personally have known all of my 26 years. Some people emit fermones that attract mosquitos to them. I am one of the lucky ones with these fermones. It has never ceased to amaze Jeff that as we will be out somewhere how little time it takes for me to get so many bites while he stays itch free. I share this problem with Jeff's step-mother and half-brother and we are fond of sharing our various remedies. I personally choose Deep Woods Off or Skin So Soft. And my choices for itch relief are a benadryl gel or Sarna.
I was tired last night and took every oppurtunity to complain to Jeff about getting eaten alive while in my own home. It would be easy to blame Jeff for leaving open the sliding glass door for the dogs to come in and out in the mornings. It would be easy to blame the dogs for the extra times they cause our doors to be opened and closed. It would be super easy to blame God for creating the mosquitos and their attraction to me. But, I can't.I have come to the fact that mosquito bites, itchy and the pain that they are, are one of the small crosses God has blessed me with. If I can't handle these minor irritations, how will I handle it when God throws me something really difficult? I am attempting to try and kiss my crosses and accept them as part of God's plan. I fail more often than I succeed. But I keep getting up and trying again.
Yes, I am a mosquito magnet, you can rent me to come to your barbecue and deflect the biters from your guests, I'm that effective. And that's okay, because God has made me one because He knows I can bear it.
Mosquito Magnet
I am sitting here bathing in what one might think was my favorite scent. Alas, no, Eau de Deep Woods Off, is hardly my favorite scent, but one I often wear. It is late October now, Halloween is less than two weeks away, and I am still getting bitten.Within the last year, scientists have confirmed what I personally have known all of my 26 years. Some people emit fermones that attract mosquitos to them. I am one of the lucky ones with these fermones. It has never ceased to amaze Jeff that as we will be out somewhere how little time it takes for me to get so many bites while he stays itch free. I share this problem with Jeff's step-mother and half-brother and we are fond of sharing our various remedies. I personally choose Deep Woods Off or Skin So Soft. And my choices for itch relief are a benadryl gel or Sarna.
I was tired last night and took every oppurtunity to complain to Jeff about getting eaten alive while in my own home. It would be easy to blame Jeff for leaving open the sliding glass door for the dogs to come in and out in the mornings. It would be easy to blame the dogs for the extra times they cause our doors to be opened and closed. It would be super easy to blame God for creating the mosquitos and their attraction to me. But, I can't.I have come to the fact that mosquito bites, itchy and the pain that they are, are one of the small crosses God has blessed me with. If I can't handle these minor irritations, how will I handle it when God throws me something really difficult? I am attempting to try and kiss my crosses and accept them as part of God's plan. I fail more often than I succeed. But I keep getting up and trying again.
Yes, I am a mosquito magnet, you can rent me to come to your barbecue and deflect the biters from your guests, I'm that effective. And that's okay, because God has made me one because He knows I can bear it.
Standing Up For What's Right
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5448317
Check out this link. This young boy, Lucas Brown, probably didn't make a dramatic difference in the history of the world, but he knew that someone made a mistake and didn't let the fact that he was young stand in the way of getting it corrected.
Check out this link. This young boy, Lucas Brown, probably didn't make a dramatic difference in the history of the world, but he knew that someone made a mistake and didn't let the fact that he was young stand in the way of getting it corrected.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Pin Cushion
I test my blood sugar 4x a day. I have to give myself shots 2x a day. I hate needles. I used to have to give myself shots in my stomach. Now I have to do it in my legs. Did I mention I hate needles?
It is nothing short of amazing what we will do for our babies. I have turned myself into a human pin cushion for this one. And I'd do it all again (and probably will in another year or two).
I used to think that people who knew me would never suspect I could do these things. Now I realize that people who really know me, knew I'd make the sacrifice for the baby.
And maybe it's not so amazing that I would be able to withstand needles. I am a mosquito's favorite treat and have learned how not to scratch the bites. I camped in tents with my family and had no problem peeing in the woods (and I know which leaves are poison ivy). I guess I'm a little tougher than I expected. We'll see if birthing this baby proves it.
It is nothing short of amazing what we will do for our babies. I have turned myself into a human pin cushion for this one. And I'd do it all again (and probably will in another year or two).
I used to think that people who knew me would never suspect I could do these things. Now I realize that people who really know me, knew I'd make the sacrifice for the baby.
And maybe it's not so amazing that I would be able to withstand needles. I am a mosquito's favorite treat and have learned how not to scratch the bites. I camped in tents with my family and had no problem peeing in the woods (and I know which leaves are poison ivy). I guess I'm a little tougher than I expected. We'll see if birthing this baby proves it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)