tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25536516031618919812024-03-12T21:04:17.799-05:00Three Little BirdsMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-73291353583535392552011-07-26T21:22:00.002-05:002011-07-27T12:26:55.498-05:00Precious!So Almost 2 year old Baby H spent the night with her Pops and LaLa this past weekend. Big THANK YOU to my parents for letting me get some much needed rest and a few last minute things done around the house. I had to share my favorite picture they sent from the weekend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYmKyWE5b8E/TjBJsUxm1sI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/HhOuVFdHN_Y/s1600/photo-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYmKyWE5b8E/TjBJsUxm1sI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/HhOuVFdHN_Y/s1600/photo-8.jpg" /></a></div>I think these two are each others biggest fans! We hear all about Pops's truck. Love this picture!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-49230424732413680942011-07-24T21:09:00.000-05:002011-07-25T09:36:32.896-05:00I might need a new title huh?Still here, still pregnant. Very pregnant. About 97% pregnant I believe. Ha.<br />
So we need to switch the name of the blog...again. But I want a different address too, so I will let you know when/if that changes, as there will soon be four little birds in our nest!<br />
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Sorry to have dropped off the blog. We have had a few changes in our home life and it means a little less free time for mama. But we are really thankful for the extra work and income that the Hubs is getting. Y'all just say a prayer for him as he is driving back and forth to Memphis those few days. He finishes up his degree at Belhaven at the end of October and we are just anxiously anticipating the new opportunities that may come our way as a result. Don't worry Oxford friends, we are not going anywhere with a newborn in tow! This spring we decided to take at least a year and prayerfully consider what God has in store for us in the future. Right now I am just trying to sort through the noise so that I can hear a bit more clearly. Intentional praying is a skill that I am not proficient in, or maybe it is the listening? Perhaps a combination of both.<br />
Lately I tend to be a pray when I think about it person. Just little short prayers, bullet prayers I think they call them. I am really looking forward to maternity leave...for lots of reasons. But I am planning to use this time to be more intentional about my prayer life. And have fun with my new little one of course.<br />
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So here is the latest progress on the baby room:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYb7wB2Lm4w/Ti15vegcPjI/AAAAAAAAAOE/_tVKVTWwOVE/s1600/IMAG0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYb7wB2Lm4w/Ti15vegcPjI/AAAAAAAAAOE/_tVKVTWwOVE/s320/IMAG0067.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcfW8ho4UBg/Ti15xIuovKI/AAAAAAAAAOI/C4wyznThUW4/s1600/IMAG0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcfW8ho4UBg/Ti15xIuovKI/AAAAAAAAAOI/C4wyznThUW4/s320/IMAG0065.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
We cannot wait to find out who will be living here!<br />
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And here is the latest progress on the belly:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGca6f8gwVk/Ti154xOC1iI/AAAAAAAAAOM/qoHWQY_opdc/s1600/IMAG0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGca6f8gwVk/Ti154xOC1iI/AAAAAAAAAOM/qoHWQY_opdc/s320/IMAG0070.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Also cannot wait for whoever is living in there to GET OUT!<br />
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Back to the doctor on Wednesday and hoping for some good news! We have everything ready now, even put the infant car seat in the car - I thought having two cribs in our house was a shock. I was not prepared to have my entire backseat covered with car seats, books and remnant goldfish. You know what would make a million dollars? A hand vac that you kept in your car! Like in the trunk or something and charged off the battery. Man, I would buy a car just for that reason.<br />
Don't steal my idea, you heard it here first! And I need that million, we are about to have two in diapers and daycare!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-29386095976762070252011-05-23T20:59:00.006-05:002011-05-23T20:59:00.371-05:00Catching up...Whew! Being pregnant with a toddler is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Or it is at this point anyway. God bless our sweet daycare teachers! So let's see, it has been almost a month since I have posted anything. Unfortunately nothing remarkable has happened, save the exceptional weight gain I have experienced, 12lbs in four weeks, eek! But my OB assured me that is it "all baby." Girls, this is how you know you have a good OB.<br />
So here are some pictures from Easter, yep Easter was a while ago. The problem is our family photographer relocated to Birmingham, so unfortunately you will only get quality pictures on major holidays from this point forward. And our babies better be satisfied with phone pics of themselves - I mean who are we kidding, by the time they care about pictures of themselves everything will be on high tech devices, so really we are doing them a favor by saving a step.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kqSHhQgXCI/Tdpp4L0U5XI/AAAAAAAAAN0/oAwIL5Ck4L8/s1600/H+%2526+Boppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kqSHhQgXCI/Tdpp4L0U5XI/AAAAAAAAAN0/oAwIL5Ck4L8/s320/H+%2526+Boppy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it's obvious to say they are related!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When this little girl was born she looked exactly like her Daddy, so what does it mean that at almost two years old she looks very much like my father-in-law?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmeV_CckMXY/Tdpq5iHKOVI/AAAAAAAAAN4/3iawnl_hUjA/s1600/showing+bubbles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmeV_CckMXY/Tdpq5iHKOVI/AAAAAAAAAN4/3iawnl_hUjA/s320/showing+bubbles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bubbles have become one of our favorite activities, along with sidewalk chalk, playing in the yard and bossing around Lola. We are entering the phase of dirty and daily baths are pretty much a necessity. This wouldn't be too much of a problem, except that she has decided she doesn't really like bath and if she has to get in one she would rather not sit down. I have no idea where this determined nature comes from. Ha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---pL6R7vTkA/TdpsGeUyBnI/AAAAAAAAAN8/uo2bSf0aV5U/s1600/easter+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---pL6R7vTkA/TdpsGeUyBnI/AAAAAAAAAN8/uo2bSf0aV5U/s320/easter+2011.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> This is one of the few family pictures we have. I keep thinking that a nicer camera will make me take more pictures, but I really prefer the arrangement we have right now: someone else documenting our lives is much more convenient and time saving. I joke, but seriously if it wasn't for one sweet sister-in-law we would only have about half the pictures of our child that we do. <br />
Thanks to wonderful parents we have gotten all of the spring cleaning done in our yard and minimal planting completed. This will be a low maintenance summer yard year. We have half cleaned out a room for our new baby and my plan is to have it done by the end of June, with about four weeks to spare until arrival. So hopefully we will come up with some names by then.<br />
We are loving our CSA and I have learned how to use green leafy things in so many ways. Disguising spinach or kale in a fruit smoothie is a perfect way to pump up my green adverse toddler. Our home is becoming more of a regular spot for dinner with friends, which we love. And The Hubs and I have both been challenged and are learning a lot about our relationship and our relationship with God. Exciting times. <br />
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Ok, I am going to try to be better about posting and taking pictures to post. I need to get in the habit now, or this second baby will end up having a baby folder instead of a baby book.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-40548378506716041382011-04-28T19:16:00.000-05:002011-04-28T19:16:00.442-05:00Diaper Bags: what gives?So here I am browsing through the <a href="http://www.cribsieawards.com/">Cribsie Awards</a> and have discovered several things: 1) this is a pretty awesome time killer 2) it is also a helpful and revelatory site. So I am browsing down the categories and I see one of the categories is "Chicest Diaper Bag that Doesn't Look Like a Diaper Bag." Yes seriously, that really is a category. But you know, in the hospital they don't give you the option of "Post-partum Body that Doesn't Look Like I Just Had a Baby." So who are they fooling? I am pretty sure that everyone will notice the adorable, but sometimes drooling and smelly infant in your arms. But maybe if you have a super cool really expensive diaper bag they won't think its yours!And I am sure no one gave a second thought to that expanding beach ball under your shirt.<br />
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So here are some of your baby disguising options:<br />
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<a href="http://www.katespade.com/baby-accessories/designer-diaper-bags/kate-spade-nylon-stevie-baby-bag/PXRU1942,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU1942_color=001&start=5&cgid=baby-items">The Kate Spade Stevie Bag </a>- I know I have seen several of these floating around town.<br />
<a href="http://www.petunia.com/collections/original/touringtotes/">Petunia Pickle Bottom's Touring tote</a><br />
<a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Mom-and-Baby/643/pc/638.uts">Anything Vera Bradley</a> - especially if you are from the South<br />
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I am fortunate enough that I had a friend make a bag for Not so Much Baby H that has held up beautifully for almost two years now, complete with changing pad. You can find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ashbdesign">Facebook</a>. Of course with our excellent timing, it is starting to look like we may need to invest in another bag. Either a regular one or one that is a bit larger so that we can put both babies things in one bag. Thoughts or suggestions? <br />
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Edit: I began this post a few days prior to the storms that came through. We are all ok and hope that you are too! There was quite a bit of damage in Oxford, one of our church families lost their entire house. We continue to hear about more damage across the south and pray for those who lost more than just earthly possessions. <br />
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Also, there will be an Easter post coming soon!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-14065177778043758542011-03-23T20:43:00.000-05:002011-03-23T20:43:00.140-05:00Time WarpI thought it would be fun to do a little comparison with these babies of mine. Since, let's face it, that is what I will be doing for the next year or so. They are already SO different. This little one is so still and Baby H was a mover and a shaker. I always felt great with Baby H and well... so far with this baby I have had 4 months of nausea, followed by 2 weeks of cold that ended with a sever ear infection and then another 3 weeks of cold/allergy/sinus funk that has resulted in a bruised rib/ torn side muscle. Fun times people. Fun times. And I still have 4+ months to go - no telling what is in store for me next.<br />
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I thought I would share these pictures taken at nearly the same time but two years apart. Yes, only two years.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here is one of me with Baby H at 20+ weeks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fRB1kjIwbek/TYpmSsARsPI/AAAAAAAAANk/0nChB3ws3k0/s1600/belly+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fRB1kjIwbek/TYpmSsARsPI/AAAAAAAAANk/0nChB3ws3k0/s320/belly+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is one of me with Baby on the way at 20+ weeks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zpN6gvgBJLI/TYpmvB0xFpI/AAAAAAAAANo/f7LRsCSfhNo/s1600/IMAG0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zpN6gvgBJLI/TYpmvB0xFpI/AAAAAAAAANo/f7LRsCSfhNo/s320/IMAG0031.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know that your first response was "Wow you look great and haven't aged a bit." RIGHT?! And then you can go ahead and say what I am thinking - that belly in the second shot looks a lot bigger. Yikes! Oh and yes it is the same tank top, for my fashion conscious readers. I have heard all about the showing earlier, but I didn't know that meant you showed bigger too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-778983471193569702011-03-16T19:45:00.005-05:002011-03-16T19:45:00.132-05:00No wordsThere really are no adequate words to describe the range of emotions that I have gone through over the past month. A range of EXTREME emotions. I have gone from complete and utter stress and despair to high celebratory joy, to be brought down by grief - and there is the ever present overtone of anxiousness that I can't escape. I am not going to go into the details of the causes but let's just say the sermon I heard Sunday could not have come at a better time. Jesus calms the storm, Mark 4:35 - 41. It is no secret to me, nor the Hubs that I have some real worry/anxiety issues. I am better than I used to be, but they have gotten to the point of frustration - the point and which I am ready to really do something about it. So, God and His incredible timing gave me these verses:<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v41004035-1">35 </span>On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, <span class="woc">“Let us go across to the other side.”</span> <span class="verse-num" id="v41004036-1">36 </span>And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. <span class="verse-num" id="v41004037-1">37 </span>And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. <span class="verse-num" id="v41004038-1">38 </span>But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” <span class="verse-num" id="v41004039-1">39 </span>And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, <span class="woc">“Peace! Be still!”</span> And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. <span class="verse-num" id="v41004040-1">40 </span>He said to them, <span class="woc">“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”</span> <span class="verse-num" id="v41004041-1">41 </span>And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”<br />
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So the part that I had always overlooked was where Jesus said "Let's go across to the other side." Now why would he have suggested this journey's destination had he not intended to reach it? Anyone who knows me knows that I always have a keen eye on the weather, especially if things are predicted to get stormy. Throw in a large body of water and you might as well throw me the Valium. So if I was on the boat I would have been the first person to inform Jesus of my personal assessment of the situation. And then politely but emphatically suggest "Stop sleeping and get up and DO SOMETHING!"<br />
But in an effort to conquer, over the next few weeks or however long it takes I will just keep repeating this tailored version to myself and imagine Jesus saying "Megan, why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" and then plead for an increase in faith in my weak moments. Because I know that God would not have told me I would get to the 'other side' and then not let me get there to meet Him. Amen?<br />
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Oh and looking forward to heaven and angels. Here is a picture of one sweet angel baby!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zvemhjLN8rM/TYDYP-9C9eI/AAAAAAAAANg/T84QBNGICoE/s1600/IMG00173-20110315-1821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zvemhjLN8rM/TYDYP-9C9eI/AAAAAAAAANg/T84QBNGICoE/s320/IMG00173-20110315-1821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-91569659908562777952011-03-01T20:38:00.002-06:002011-03-01T20:38:00.509-06:00Back from TexasOne of my favorite Christmas presents this year was a trip to Austin, TX to visit my sister! My friend Meg went with me and we had a wonderful and relaxing time. The relaxation was much needed. That and a lot of Mexican food, seriously I never eat so well anywhere else. I don't know what it is, but the food there is always so fresh and healthy. Most of the restaurants we visit are all about local growers and sustainability. And there is always a vegetarian and most of the time vegan option. So everyone was happy! And I finally managed to get my pregnancy weight gain on to the positive side, I gained 2lbs so I am now 2+ over my pre-pregnancy weight. My OB will be so proud, and will stop threatening me with Ensure shakes, nasty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PhaSWI0k7vA/TW0Hr7sDQlI/AAAAAAAAANc/cRc28zCNYes/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PhaSWI0k7vA/TW0Hr7sDQlI/AAAAAAAAANc/cRc28zCNYes/s320/IMG_0586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This pic was taken from my favorite meal of the trip, ha. Really it was a ton of fun and really good to see Boo Boo for several uninterrupted days. We did a little bit of shopping, went to this handmade art pop-up store, and did a lot of walking. I needed the walking. This poor baby is not getting nearly the amount of exercise that H got. But I guess it's the baby's fault because I was also not nearly this sick for this long either! Not that I am complaining, by this time with H I had gained 15lbs so now I just have less to come back from. Not to mention chasing a toddler helps - of course there is still plenty of time left to pack it on so I better not speak too quickly!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-29649281580031621052011-02-08T20:40:00.000-06:002011-02-08T20:40:00.554-06:00Not whining... I am not whining, but I came across <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/06/mommy-is-busy-right-now.html">this article</a> that made me want to say "YES that is me!!" Though the thought of planning a vacation is a luxury that I can only dream about right now. Warning: this is more about the working mom dilemma of balance. Now, don't get your panties in a wad non-moms and stay-at-home moms. This is not the gauntlet being thrown. I am adult enough to recognize all walks of the womanly life, and I know that none of them are easier or better than mine. Ok now that's done...<br />
So here are some lines to ponder (if you cheat and don't read the article), and I really want to know your thoughts...<br />
"First, any illusion that mothers might have had about full-time employment as a “lifestyle choice” has, in this economy, been stripped away. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 77 percent of American women with school-age children work; a quarter say they sometimes work from home; a third work on the weekends."<br />
So that means there are A LOT of us out there, in all forms. Part time, full time, work at home...etc. I work is because I like to eat, not because I love getting up at 6am everyday. But here is the line that made me think, and I am not sure I totally agree with it:<br />
"Beneath these newer realities of modern life lies an indisputable truth: American corporate structures and marriages still do not fully accommodate the working mom."<br />
I don't know why but this line really stuck with me, for several reasons. Maybe it was the word, "accommodate" that made me think twice. On the one hand, there are several things that I feel could be remedied to help women (mom or not) feel that they are equally valued in corporate America. And as a mom, yes, I would make some changes if they asked me. But no one is really asking - and is that the problem? Not so much that there do not appear to be solutions, but that no one has even considered that there is an issue here.<br />
However, should my business be required to "accommodate" me when I was the one who set my path to working motherhood? But did I have a choice (about the working, not the motherhood)? However, why should I not be considered worth accommodating? Is having a family just a professional bump in the road with predetermined and less than favorable outcomes? <br />
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Just some things to ponder. And gender equality issues notwithstanding, I would like to say that having a working mom - to me, and I am biased - would seem to be a perk. Can you imagine the capacity and strength of character that it takes to have two full time jobs? Where really there are no "days off" and multi-tasking is not even thought about as a talent, it is just a way of life.<br />
I know this is not a new issue, and I don't have any solutions. But it is something that consumes my thoughts these days. So I just thought I would put it out there.<br />
And I am just not going there about the marriages. :)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-5343951670734374782011-01-26T13:25:00.001-06:002011-02-03T11:33:11.287-06:00The Not-So-Weekly UpdateSorry! We have been busy and then sick and then VERY sick at the Prescott house.We are all tapering down off of our super antibiotics, slowly but surely.Who else is ready for spring weather?? Oh wait, that is what got us into this predicament. Thank goodness it is February, the beginning of the end right? RIGHT?<br />
Well, because we like to keep it interesting at the Prescott house it wasn't just our colds that kept me away. I have been under the weather for the last couple months now with a whole other type of bug...yep that is right another little Prescott doodle bug will be making his or her appearance this summer!<br />
We are just thrilled and would love your thoughts and prayers for these next few months!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=due-aug&utm_medium=ubb&utm_campaign=badges"><img src="http://images.thenestbaby.com/badges/tb_sig_august.gif" /></a>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-56857225339428071852011-01-11T17:58:00.000-06:002011-01-11T17:58:00.638-06:00We survivedBut just barely. I went to work today, the roads were fine. I am pretty sure that either my child or husband will not survive tomorrow if daycare doesn't open. I'm taking bets on who will come out alive...feel free to leave yours in the comments section. And I'll let you know when I get home today who is still breathing. Forget betting on Lola she went into a mental break somewhere around the time when the babe became mobile. Poor dog is in permanent survival mode. It's nice to know I have some company though.<br />
Here is an awesome video done by a local photographer. Really smart!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/18649053" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/18649053">Zero to 10...... inches of snow on the Oxford square</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1882598">scottburtonphotography</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-83381202780126490362011-01-06T20:49:00.001-06:002011-01-06T20:49:00.551-06:00My head is spinningI feel like I was hurtled into 2011 through a time warp. There is SO much going on. Babies, weddings and birthdays OH MY! Most of the events are good though we did find out some sad news of two deaths in our family, on the Taylor side. I just feel like an incredible amount of life has happened in the past 6 days. I am terrified this is indicative of what the next year will look like. Scary.<br />
Well I can tell you that this year, this six days of this year, has been incredibly full! The first day of the new year we loaded into the car and drove up to Memphis to meet The Moustache, other wise known as my sister's rather serious but not to be labeled dating partner. We also had a great dinner with some wonderful family friends - it's an annual event. And we all marveled at how much everyone has done and how our kids have grown. Yikes, <i>our </i>kids, yep I have a child, sometimes I forget that. Then the next day Boo and the b.f. drove down to Oxford to hang out with us and the Baby Girl on her own turf. She has turned into quite the performer these past few months. Anyway, back to The Moustache (I prefer this spelling, it's fancy). He seems level headed, but its hard to see beneath all that facial hair. Appears outdoorsy while using $18 deodorant, so I am sensing some hidden high maintenance needs.No judgment here, I use at least 4 hair products. It was fun and what a risk taker; to meet the family and friends of a person you are so interested in - I mean we could be crazy. Bravo for him for staying at my parents house for four nights!<br />
Monday was a blur of laundry - that is somehow still not done. And work has been busier than ever. What is it about the holidays that make you feel like to need a break before returning to work?<br />
That is why I am so incredibly thankful for what might be my favorite Christmas gift - a trip to Austin, with babysitting included. Woo hoo!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-14338400488652607682010-12-29T20:41:00.004-06:002010-12-29T20:41:00.548-06:00I know...I know...For all 16 of you who read and/ or follow this little blog, here is a solid attempt at not making every other post an apology for a lack of posting. <br />
There it's out there, I am a blog slacker and I know it. The intention of the blog, or blob as some fondly call it, is to keep those of you who live in far far away land informed about our happenings. No they won't be daily, but darn it, surely I can manage weekly right?<br />
So here is a quick Christmas recap: driving, birthday dinner, driving, Christmas Eve lunch, driving, Christmas Eve dinner, crying baby, Christmas morning lounging and SNOW, driving, lunch and then ahhhh...<br />
Would you believe it I was given the gift of a mid-day nap?! Our sweet baby girl took to marathon 2.5 and 3 hour naps at my parents' house (that never happens at our house) and I was allowed to indulge in a rather extravagant 1.5 hour nap myself, unheard of.<br />
It must have been all the lights, present opening and toy playing that wore her out. She had such a big time. We loved having her participate in Christmas this year! She was obsessed with the Christmas trees and their lights, and every gift she saw prompted a chorus of "Open, open open!" Which sounds a lot like "Opie, opie, opie." And all Santa figures got a hearty "Ho ho ho." Just precious, really.<br />
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I hope that all of you had a blessed and restful Christmas. I was grateful for all of our wonderful gifts! And thanks to having many helping hands I got to relax. My sister was and still is in town from Austin and while I am jealous of my parents having her all to themselves while I am back at work this week, I am looking forward to this weekend and getting a little more time in with her.<br />
So now I must get to menu planning, I love most all things about a small town, but there are only a few places to pick from for New Year's Eve and while I love all of them, I just can't bring myself to want to get out. I am thinking of a simple gathering a friends with lots of cooking and maybe some champagne? We will see what actually transpires. I can't recall actually being awake for midnight for the past several years, I am such a granny. So if I can find some friends that don't mind hanging out with a granny we might have a plan.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-71566728299318243512010-11-18T13:05:00.003-06:002010-11-18T13:05:00.685-06:00In violationUnless you have been living in a cave, or are my sister, you have heard the outcries of the airline patrons and the defense of the TSA agents. Just Google it people...crazy stuff.<br />
It brings a lot of questions to mind. I mean I am sure there are plenty of TSA agents who do not want to be feeling the booties of the overweight American public - yes I said that. Then again for every good bunch of apples there is a rotten one. Conversely, I don't know that I would want to subject myself or my HYPOTHETICAL unborn baby to the radiation emitted by these scanners. And now I will bring it home for you: would you let your sweet wide eyed toddler be exposed to either of these examinations?<br />
Can you imagine? <br />
And here is another question I am asking, where are the airlines on all of this? We haven't heard from them. Well we have heard from pilot unions - and I am with them on minimizing repeated exposure to radiation, but that means repeated pat downs. Eww. Never mind the fact that once they get through the screening process we send them to man their million pound flying machines. But this can't be good for business, what with skyrocketing air fares and paying for you luggage to fly with you.<br />
Just questioning the effectiveness of the whole process.<br />
And what can those machines really see anyways? Doesn't look like much to me.<br />
Look, don't misunderstand me, I am all for protection and safety. But I am just not sure this is the best way. I don't pretend to know what is the best way. But a three year old screaming at the top of her lungs "don't touch me, DON'T TOUCH ME!" to a stranger, like her parents taught her to do cannot be the best solution.<br />
Thoughts? Offenses? Solutions?...like anyone is reading this anyway. :)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-31025379067112587192010-10-20T08:52:00.000-05:002010-10-20T08:52:10.073-05:00The BlogoshpereIn the online world most of us read what we relate to right? So most of my blog roll consists of mommy bloggers, a few friends, and some about cooking. Hey everyone has a fantasy, mine happens to be that I will, someday, return to cooking meals for our family. For now the Hubs does it - and man, does he do a good job! <br />
So I am reading these blogs about parenting from the perspective of these moms, most of them with the dry wit and sass that I fancy we have in common. But here is the problem - they are starting to scare me! Most of them are about kids that are older than Not-So-Baby H. Stories about wearing the same princess gown for weeks on end or only eating one certain type of meal (these are not so serious) or others about 6 year-olds refusing to learn to wipe their little heiney or boycotting the pool at swim lessons. Yikes! <br />
They leave me wondering if I am cut out for this parenting thing? I have a few years to prepare for the crises and battles that lie ahead. I guess I am just looking and praying for solutions that doesn't leave me remembering my child's early years as a constant battle of the wills. <br />
That and maybe I need some new blogs in the rotation - that are not directly about parenting. So throw me whatcha got!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-24376820012408229322010-10-18T12:58:00.006-05:002010-10-18T12:58:00.374-05:00Did you miss us?I know I have been M.I<i></i>.A. for a while and I could explain why, or I could have filled the last month with posts of what was happening. But frankly all that whining is exhausting and I am not the only one around here who is tired of hearing a constant stream of high pitched noises. Granted it was all cause by good reason, in my mind I am totally justified. But I will spare all of you. <br />
Here is a quote that pretty much embodies how I feel about the last week of these several less than stellar ones: I finally got to exactly where I wanted to be, she said, so why won't all these growth experiences go away & leave me alone? - Brian Andreas<br />
I love <a href="http://www.storypeople.com/storypeople/Home.do">Brian Andreas</a> art, print, poems etc. Check him out you will love him! Perfect for a pick me up or when you want to write a note and can't think of what to say.<br />
I actually own one of the StoryPeople. It was my very first Christmas present from the Hubs, back when we had first started dating!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-58334637989114897932010-09-17T20:00:00.006-05:002010-09-17T20:00:00.518-05:00You can find me in my bomb shelterYou guys! I have been reading a lot about product toxicity, hormone disruptors and what not. It's enough to make me want to get a bubble for each of us. Except that I can't. Because that bubble might be made of materials that make us grow hair in places it's not supposed to be and release particles out into the air and live in our lungs FOREVER!! But I digress...that is what you come here for, right? For the digressions. Can you imagine what it is really like to be inside of my mind. Oh the poor sweet Hubs, how <i>does</i> he live with me?<br />
Any hoo. I have several site and blogs that I have stumbled upon and wanted to share them with you. And encourage you to consider your cleaning supplies and toiletry products. Of course I cannot afford to completely start over, but I have decided to replace each product as I run out. So, Wednesday I bought my first what I will call 'safe' product. Some eyeliner. And it is awesome! Stays on all day, doesn't itch. Great so far. And then today I was forced to make a second purchase...don't you hate it when you forget deoderant? Man, I do. A quick trip to Walgreens and I was fixed right up. And that is the great thing, I don't have to always go to crazy places to get good stuff. I can find a lot of good things here in little ole Oxford! <br />
<br />
I spend a decent amount of time researching a product before I make a purchase. Here are the sites that have really helped me this week:<br />
<a href="http://www.goodguide.com/">The Good Guide</a> and <a href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/"> Skin Deep</a><br />
It is totally worth it to check these out. It takes some time, but it's not hard to decipher once you get the hang of it. Oh and I also stumbled upon this great blog: <a href="http://nomoredirtylooks.com/">No More Dirty Looks</a> which is quite informative and funny. Because yes you can get carried away, so a little humor helps a lot. <br />
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Just something to think about it. With a little research and planning this CAN be done! And it can be accessible and affordable. That is what I hope you will take away from this. You don't have to be all or nothing. You can make little changes, as you go - which is much more effective for a lifestyle shift. Let me know what you think! Or if you have any suggestions for product or site favorites.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-74516319980845828642010-09-06T20:53:00.000-05:002010-09-06T20:53:33.430-05:00Lovin' a long weekend!And looking forward to a four day work week. It's so nice to be able to skip over Monday and go straight to Tuesday. Our weekend was VERY full. We made it to the in-laws family reunion, after what we thought<i> was </i>the shorter route turned out to be the longer route. Oops. Thanks to my favorite sis-in-law all three of us made it there happy and in one piece. Never hurts to bring some live backseat entertainment for a restless baby.<br />
A baby who decided that she is no longer going to be a baby. This weekend was full of new things! H refuses to let me feed her with a spoon anymore, she can do it all by herself - thank you very much. But she does let me help her so she ends up eating at least 75% of whatever is in the bowl of choice. You can just imagine where the rest of it goes. She has learned lots of new words and phrases including: Hi, hello Lola, and Hi baby! SO precious. And after over a month of cruising H decided that she no longer needed help getting around. Look mom no hands!!<br />
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And one sad 'last' to the weekend. It was the last time that the pool was open until next summer. We have absolutely LOVED going to the pool! By the end of the summer we had a little fish in the water. She went from clinging on for dear life to voluntarily putting her face in the water and jumping off the steps. H also did some swimming, and we are hoping to brush up on those skills at some point over the winter at the indoor pool. Just so she doesn't forget what she has learned from summer. Sadly, like so many things I am not sure we have any pictures of our pool adventures and all those cute swimsuits!<br />
Hope everyone had a great weekend and said good bye to summer and good riddance to all that heat!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-57318461641500488222010-09-03T18:00:00.002-05:002010-09-03T18:00:00.904-05:00Belated Birthday RecapWell since it has been two weeks since the big celebration I better fill you guys in on all of the happenings before I totally forget them! Thanks to my brilliant sister-in-law for capturing the days events. We had both the camera and the Handycam out for packing, but they somehow never made it into the bag. It's a good thing we know people who like to take pictures, the only evidence of my pregnancy are on the iPhone. Well that and the stretch marks. I digress...<br />
The party was wonderful! It was so sweet to have so many family, from both sides, around to celebrate. And the baby girl was in rare form. She had a big time and showed out for everyone! I think she had a little help in her performance from her first taste of sugar. She was not too sure about her birthday cupcake at first, but after accidentally tasting the icing she was hooked. I had to take it away, I just didn't think she needed the whole large cupcake with that insane amount of icing all at once.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TIFHtNqAbvI/AAAAAAAAAKo/i9epIEYsGsQ/s1600/cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TIFHtNqAbvI/AAAAAAAAAKo/i9epIEYsGsQ/s200/cupcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TIFIOGSNAmI/AAAAAAAAAKw/VBm_6mKmj50/s1600/eating+cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TIFIOGSNAmI/AAAAAAAAAKw/VBm_6mKmj50/s320/eating+cupcake.JPG" /></a></div> Baby H loved unwrapping her presents and playing with them. Funnily enough she actually <i>did</i> love the presents more than the paper - quite the change from Christmas!<br />
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And most of you may remember this particular toy - I think you are all old enough, maybe. My sweet cousin and her husband found this old school telephone! I remember playing with the very same one when I was little. Of course Baby H has only ever seen an iPhone, so she wondered why this one didn't light up. But she LOVES the wiggly eyes and the dinging.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TIFK7r4oU6I/AAAAAAAAAK4/pV8zeRQQSxc/s1600/phone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TIFK7r4oU6I/AAAAAAAAAK4/pV8zeRQQSxc/s320/phone.JPG" /></a><br />
By the way this first birthday brought all kinds of noises to our house!! Prior to this we only had one or two rattles, not that it kept her from making her own noise. I think out of all the toys she received, only three or four DID NOT MAKE NOISE! So thank you all for that, and my pharmacist thanks you as well... every time he fills my Valium order.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-77786317971003849852010-08-27T13:32:00.001-05:002010-08-31T09:53:15.465-05:00Final day of detoxI survived it! Ha, no really, it was great, after the first few days that is. But now, I notice a significant change in the way I feel. I feel cleaner and lighter. My skin looks awesome and I have more energy. I have to say, the one thing that I have noticed the most is how much better I sleep and fall asleep. Cursed with being a light sleeper, I have always struggled with waking up several times a night, for no reason. This is particularly annoying when it takes a minimum of thirty minutes to fall asleep. But for the past few days I have gone to sleep quickly and only woken up once! This waking can be attributed to the 75 ounces of water I am drinking daily. It is nearly impossible to get them all in before 4pm.<br />
Also a bonus, I have lost 10lbs! Woo.Surely a large part was water weight, but who cares?! I feel great. Lighter even. So I am planning to keep up a modified version of this eating plan. And try to do the detox maybe once every two months. Just to keep bad habits like refined sugar and yucky fats at bay. Don't really miss dairy, but I have not been to a Mexican restaurant yet.<br />
Today is the last day of the detox so the Hubs and I are going to celebrate with a movie, woo hoo. He is so excited because my average annual attendance to Malco is about 4 movies, so he will totally go see a girly one with me if it means I will actually go. We haven't decided if we want to see a self-indulgent woman whine and dine her way across the Eastern Hemisphere, or yet another rom-com about bucking the traditional family system. Hey, an escape is an escape and I will take that break from reality for a 100 or so minutes.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-83755047911570280632010-08-24T12:20:00.002-05:002010-08-31T09:53:15.466-05:00detox: for life!So I am on day 8 of an 11 day detox plan...it isn't nearly as bad as it sounds. It is a 7 day prep with a one day liquid fast and then 3 days post-fast. It is the <a href="http://www.annlouise.com/23/diet-detox/13/">Fast Track Detox</a> and it really is great, once you get used to it. I did the same author's Fat Flush Plan years ago when I had lots of issues, and it made a remarkable difference in my life. Seriously. So far I have lost 9lbs, most of which I think was water being held by all the nasty things I have eaten over the last year.<br />
I got the Hubs to do it with me, and my sister is doing it long distance - though she is a day ahead, lucky her fast is behind her. The Hubs managed to hang tough for 4 days, but the no gluten and no caffeine was a deal breaker for him. I can't blame him. However, we have both seen a marked difference in how we look and feel and how we think about food. I used to be crazy strict about food but pregnancy has a way of changing things. And I never really got back on track. Reading this book teaches you a lot about food toxins and what they do to your body. Now, there are plenty of things that I love that I cannot wait to eat again, so no finger pointing coming from me. Maybe just not eat as much or as often. But I can tell that this has made an impact on our family and I am very grateful that my husband is embracing this new and improved style of eating for major lifestyle enhancement!<br />
Today is the Miracle Juice fasting day and I have made it to noon, I am halfway through the fasting day!! Sitting down to a mani/ pedi to take my mind off it and reward myself for being disciplined and sticking to it. I will let you all know that I have survived and what the results were!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-9617519161144128062010-08-13T17:49:00.001-05:002010-08-31T09:53:15.466-05:00New EraSort of...I am looking at a weekend that will hold two fairly major events in my life. Who knew they would both be on the same day? Well God knew, but He didn't tell me until sometime this past spring. Ha!<br />
This Saturday will hold both my ten year high school reunion and my first child's first birthday! I just let out a huge sigh as I typed that. There is a lot of life that has happened in both of those time lines. Unfortunately we are not going to make the reunion. There is a rather large sporting event in Oxford this weekend, so we are staying here to participate. I am doing the 5k and the Hubs is doing one of the bike rides. I guess this is our way of saying that we are still cool and somewhat fit. Really I am afraid that these events will confirm our worst fears - we are no longer the spry twenty somethings we think we are. This is also the argument the Hubs likes to use for Baby #2, you know the "we aren't getting any younger" one. Somehow that evokes a less than thrilled response about physically carrying another human being for the better part of a year. Another, because Soon-to-No-Longer-Be-Baby H has recently discovered that being held and carried is her favorite thing, next to holding our fingers and following her belly around the house on tiptoe.<br />
Hope everyone has a fun weekend in store.I am hoping that by sometime tomorrow evening I will reminiscing over a glass of wine about the last year of parenthood and comparing it to the other previous 9 or fewer years that seem productive but less full than the last couple have been!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-39092026103266597242010-08-06T18:05:00.003-05:002010-08-10T09:14:17.051-05:00Feedback pleaseAs you can see there is a new look here. And a new title and header. So with all of that I would really like to change the address to go along with it - but I can't figure out how to do it! Well really every imaginable combination of related words seems to be taken. So bear with me as the address no longer matches the title or theme. I am working on it.<br />
I promise this will not become a regular thing, me changing thing up on you all of the time. This was prompted by my background expiring and I figure I can always work with a bird theme. There are lots of metaphors there for family and life. I really should get with it and design my own background and title/ banner...but who has the time?<br />
Any helpful bits of advice or tips are much appreciated!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-47100915867073268802010-08-01T08:24:00.000-05:002010-08-31T09:53:35.638-05:00All Joy No FunDid any of you read the article last week from New York Magazine <a href="http://nymag.com/news/features/67024/">All Joy No Fun - Why Parents Hate Parenting</a> ? If not, you need to allocate about 20 minutes and go read that right now. Parent or not.<br />
Did you read it? WOW right? Ok, now did you read some of the comments? Let me say that I was rather impressed with several of the readers' comments. Intelligent and insightful even. They gave more weight to the article for me. But back to the article...<br />
Heartbreaking...such a limited view on parenting and the choices (or not) behind it. Look, I'll be the first to tell you that I never saw myself as a mom, or maybe it was just that I never saw myself as what <i>I</i> thought the typical 'mom' looked like. Not that I didn't have a good role model.<br />
And insert aside here:<br />
My mother was/is quite possibly one of the most amazing, accomplished and complicated people I have ever had the pleasure to call friend. And I appreciate all of her qualities even more, now that I have my own child. There is an entirely new level now that we are 3 generations. It's like the bonus round in Super Mario, but without the annoying music. Want to love, understand and appreciate your mother more than you thought possible - have a baby.<br />
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...and we're back.<br />
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I agree that there are new expectations of parenting as outlined in the article. There is a lot of competition and judgment going around too. And this is just as apparent in the Christian community as it is elsewhere. <br />
I have to agree with one of the comments, but refine it and say that having kids will not make you ultimately happy, neither will not having them. Same goes for being married, getting <i>the</i> job or whatever other goal you have. We have to consider how we measure our happiness. Or our joy.<br />
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I have a million verses I could stick in here about where my ultimate joy comes from but here are a few of my favorites:<br />
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full." John 15:11<br />
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"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13<br />
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And one that is a little harder, but helps me all the time...<br />
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"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing for your faith produces steadfastness." James 1: 2-4<br />
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The joy/ happiness robbing is a 360 problem as well, economy, leave conditions, current social issues, technology and so on influence us in more ways than we know. No wonder our heads are spinning and we are always second guessing ourselves - when every other blog post or news article says there is a newer and better way to do things.<br />
Ultimately we do have a choice. We have the power in this struggle. There were and still are days when I have to stop and reevaluate every hour. Am I going to choose joy? Lord help me choose joy, and remain in You for that joy.<br />
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I don't have a concrete response for this, I just thought it needed to be shared. Tell me what you think!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-63160859429423254312010-07-14T17:15:00.001-05:002010-08-31T09:53:35.639-05:00What is THAT?!I love my sweet baby, but for once...just once, I would like to get out of the house without snot or drool on my work clothes. Impossible you say? Well can I at least notice it before I am halfway through the work day? Preferably before I have seen about ten people who are rather important or well known in the community.<br />
Granted, when you live in a small town everyone <i>thinks </i>they are important - so maybe I have only seen about two important people. But THEY weren't going to say "Hey lady what is that on your pants leg?" Oh this? Hmm, looks like a baby booger to me! It's part of my outfit. It's my final accessory, no ensemble of mine is complete without it. All the mommas are wearing them. What? You don't have one? HOW JEALOUS ARE YOU?! <br />
I mean I could avoid touching her altogether, but how can you resist this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TD3up1D9WYI/AAAAAAAAAJU/tbeJa1oZhuM/s1600/photo%2810%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qyjqPPwEPdY/TD3up1D9WYI/AAAAAAAAAJU/tbeJa1oZhuM/s320/photo%2810%29.JPG" /></a></div>And thanks for all of your prayers! I am thrilled to report that The Hubs has secured temporary employment. We are all very excited about buying Charmin over the scratchy generic brand for the next little bit. Our bottoms and noses thank you too! Because if there is one thing I hate to sacrifice it is quality TP - and I know many of you are bobbing your heads at your screens right now.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553651603161891981.post-23769406380275247062010-07-11T10:36:00.000-05:002010-07-11T10:36:03.307-05:00Okay okay okay....It has not been all doom and gloom over here at the homestead. And we have seen several examples of God's provision for us so I don't want to overlook that. It really has been amazing. I guess the real lesson so far for me has been realizing that I am really good at trusting the Lord on a short time frame, but not so much on the long one. I mean I was ok until last week - which was week four of Job Search 2010 for those of you who are counting. For some crazy reason my switch flipped and I went into panic mode. But after some prayers, a wonderful chat with a sweet friend, and a couple of serious blessings and one major miracle - I am feeling much better.<br />
There I was telling my dear friend, who is having some struggles of her own, to back up and get some perspective - but I wasn't doing the same thing. So I decided to make a mental list. And here are some of the things I came up with!<br />
1) Since Baby H was born we have not had to buy her a single piece of clothing<br />
2) When we are faithful at tithing - we somehow never miss that money :) <br />
3) Lola has been healthy and a bag of little dog food lasts forever<br />
4) Our house has been much cleaner the last month = very happy me<br />
5) I have lost weight - really it's a good thing y'all, it was a push<br />
6) Our cars are in very good shape and should last us for at least another year or so each, maybe more<br />
7) We have discovered we are very creative chefs<br />
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And by 'we' I mean The Hubs. He is the mastermind and I am the brilliant overseer, motivator and all important baby wrangler. Do you know how hard it is to try to get all three of us eating at the same time? It takes some serious inventive skills and sometimes major hustle to pull it off. But WE do! It's important to me that we eat as a family - before homework and soccer practice take over our evenings.<br />
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I just wanted you to know that we are all ok over here. It's just a bit of an adjustment. But we are making it, and if I can be of any encouragement - make your own list of blessings. It is so easy to get bogged down in the negatives and the stress that you can't see the good things. But it does take a slight shift to get a good view of all of that.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11724854568472611356noreply@blogger.com0