I need a Mantra!

What do you chant to yourself as you are trying to sort through your kids stuff? I did so good a few months ago, now I am stuck in the guilt-rut again! Somebody tell me you won't be offended if I give something away that you gave them!
I keep thinking... "but they love that - when they play with it... but they have so much stuff they don't have time to play with it all...."

Edit: Sorry, that was me venting. It's hard when the job is just so overwhelming, and I don't know how to truly get started. But I think, after calling Annie for inspiration, that now I have an idea of how to get going. We will get it done! And both girls will be able to fit in one room! :-)

A Slightly Random Request...

So, I was thinking about Gabe and my schedules. We don't have a calendar that we share, mainly because I just don't write on them. I like to, I want to, but how do I know he will look at the right one?

What I would like is some kind of desktop calendar-- not sure if I would like it to be accessible online, cause that's a little weird, but one that could stay open on our desktop and we could each fill it in and know the other would see it...

Any ideas?
Thanks!

She's so Smart...

Melia: I know how people make scissors, Mom.

Me: You do?

Melia: First they kill the sharks, then they take their teeth out, and then put these things on (handles), and put this in (screw) to hold it together. That's how they make them.

New Comment

I heard a new one at work the other day-- and this matters because I have definitely reached the point of every person asks the same question or says the same thing.... my conversations have been less and less thought-provoking... (at least with random people I run in to)

But this was good!

"You have an impressive profile..."

HA! Take that, "You have HOW long?"~!!!!!

It's FreeSale Time!

For all my local friends and family (and anonymous readers? ;-), it's freesale time again! I LOVE Freesale, even though I have yet been able to actually attend on the day of to see the blessing it is to the community, but the pictures speak volumes. Lines a block long, people carrying their treasures away, prayer partners sharing their faith, tears of joy...

FreeSale is our church's big spring ministry to the valley- We all bring in our good, clean, usable items, and on Friday our church body is blessed, then on Saturday morning the community is blessed. Everything is free- the rules are that you can only take what you can carry, and only what you will use. This will be our 4th or 5th year (?) and it is amazing to see the church packed with the items to give away. The gospel is always presented before the church is opened, food/snacks are available, Easter service invitations, and personal prayer to anyone who needs it.

If you would like to participate in any way... Starting this Sunday (29th) after church, then every day from Noon-4pm, the church will be open for donations. Then Saturday, you can come and partake of the sharing. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call or comment.

It truly is a blessing to be a blessing!

Newboys :-)

We had a great time! Besides the many things that went wrong right before we left-- Ziva got out and ran down to the new development before turning back (she can fly, literally), and our babysitter got lost, so was late, and silly Gabe reading an editorial while we were standing in line at Subway (he just needs to stay away, cause most of those newspaper people don't think like he does...) But I told him he needs to lighten up and smile, cause this is my birthday :-) so he did.

Three (!) openers- I thought would take forever, but they moved pretty quick-
Bread of Stone: Good. Catchy music.
Vota: Started out with two songs previously recorded by someone else, made me wonder if they were a tribute band (no...) then sang a song with profound lyrics- ended up being really enjoyable. "If you don't see the real me, you won't see what Grace has done. If you don't see my weakness, you won't see what Love has won. If you don't see the distance between the darkness and the Son, you won't see....." See? Profound... I love songs that really make you think....consider being transparent....
Decemberadio: It's alway funny to see hard rock type personas praising God, just because of the stigma attached to spiky bleached rocker hair :-) But they were good, even though I don't necessarily "do" punk- I do enjoy live music :-)

And the Newsboys... introducing Michael Tait as their new lead singer. Because my thoughts matter so much... I'll share ;-) I was bummed Peter Furler wasn't going to be the frontman any longer, but then excited because it would be fun to see Michael Tait in one of his first performances with the Newsboys. But when they started out... I struggled with being judgemental- It's not the same show. And by the end, I was appreciative. It's not supposed to be the same show. Peter was a huge part of what the show was, and Michael will be as well. But they certainly do not carry the same presence or create the same atmosphere. If you have the priviledge of seeing them, keep this in mind. Both men are excellent performers, but very different in style! Enjoy the differences! And you just may be blessed by a double concert of sorts- mostly Newboys, with a little dcTalk spice thrown in for fun! Plus, you can always enjoy Duncan, the drummer. His faces crack me up! But more than anything, the best part of Christian concerts, at least the good ones, are that you spend your time praising God, and that is always a blessing.

another fun note- during the Vota opener, a trim black fellow came out and stood right in front of us, then moved his way back and around the floor area, whole trip lasting less than two minutes. As he moved away from the front of us, I turned to Gabe and whispered fiercely, "That was him- Michael Tait!"

Oh, and my maternity dress pants don't fit around my belly. jo-oy. at least I have a dress that I can wear for Easter. I wonder if I can find nylons?

And, (I know this is the last one) I was really surprised to see how many people were Not there. I will be curious to see the numbers in the paper today- lots of open space. Pretty disappointing, considering when they were here a couple years ago, 10,000+ people turned out at the park... but that was a free concert... Is $20-$40 bucks high for tickets? I didn't think so, but... Or were people concerned about the lead change? Or is Thursday not a good night? Just wondering... I am definitely encouraged, though, to attend more concerts here- the seating is great, and it's small enough that there is no nose-bleed. When will we get another Christian band in?

I *am* here...

I know, I haven't posted anything! Even since my birthday! It's just been a busy-ish type week, plus with the beautiful days outside, I've had the girls outside playing and running and playing and running, and.....

A few updates:

* We bought two chicks, probably blue Cochin's, really trying for hens. I'd been trying to pick up some full size pullets (girl chickens) but this year (no surprise) it is really hard to catch them in the store. Sold out by 9:30am was one quote. Unfortunately, we lost one due to my own bad judgement... :-( The girls actually did quite well with it, and we will try for some araucanas tomorrow morning... For right now, we have one very lonely little baby who loves to be held.

* Saturday was Annie's baby shower- too much fun! And so much pink! We hung around afterwards for several hours and enjoyed a nice relaxing day just talking and admiring new baby things- speaking of which, now I can show you the picture of her shopping cart cover I made. I was pretty happy with it, considering I hadn't done one in 3+ years. Like my funny little model?

* Thursday was my birthday; I am now 30. Oi. I was pretty melancholy, mainly from the physically and emotionally exhausting trip from the day before. But I had my 31 week appt, and we scheduled baby's C-section for May 18th, if he waits that long. My dr just laughs at all the people who think I can't possibly go another 8 weeks. I guess he's seen bigger people than me ;-) I do have a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses, plus two really good tickets to go see Newsboys this week! (Isn't Gabe smart? He bought floor level, on the aisle... Genius!) This was a surprise because he kept telling me he couldn't get the time off... sneaky, I love it! And my friend Tasha made me cupcakes - yum! A helpful boost for my worn-down emotions.

More later, but I thought I should check in with you ;-)

VBAC Consultation

Well, the results were what we had prayed for, but not what I was hoping for. We did get a clear answer, and it is that a VBAC is not in our future.

First, I am a mid-line candidate (not terribly good, not terribly bad). Second, my 2nd section made this candidacy worse, not better. Third, dr will be in California when I am due, and most of his call partners would not willingly take a patient like me.

So, at my appointment tomorrow with regular dr, I will probably be scheduling my 3rd C-section. And that's ok. I do believe that for a while now, God has graciously been preparing my heart for this result, from many different angles. So while I am disappointed, I am not broken up about it. I am determined that He gets the glory, whatever the situation, so I am thankful that I see one of the best doctors in the valley, and that this will work out better and easier for everyone involved.
(But we can be praying now for a fast recovery!)

Quite the Beginning of My Day...

I woke up this morning to the crunch of gravel, then a triple knock on our front door. Roll over, put on my glasses; it's 6:40am. I hop out of bed, (well, I guess you can't call it hopping anymore...) and head out to the couch to peek out the window to see what or who is at the door. Now, I can't specifically see the door, but well enough to know there's no one there. I sit there for several minutes, watching for any signs of activity. None. At first, my primary fear was that someone had hit Kerzon and was dropping him off on our porch.

After about 7 minutes, the jeep across the street starts up and leaves. When they are gone from sight, I opened the door to find nothing.... So I headed back to bed.

7:17am.... The computer speakers make two loud buzzing noises, then I hear doors from the driveway. I lay in bed, because no way am I getting up in my pj's to go out there alone, especially when Gabe will be home in 15 minutes.

He gets home with no more weird occurances, and I describe my morning. He heads out to see if anything is odd or out of place (which is funny; our driveway is full of "out of place" things) and finds a surprise-- Kerzon is curled up in the passenger seat of my van. Poor guy was locked out there all night!

After Gabe comes back inside, we get a phone call from a county deputy. Apparently the 7:17 noises I heard were his patrol car setting off our computer (I don't know...) and the doors were him opening my van to turn off my hazard lights :-) I guess the neighbor called in after I didn't answer the door, and he stopped by to turn them off... Not sure how I missed the neighbor leaving the door, unless it was a quick knock and run... The deputy didn't knock because he recognized Gabe's name and knew shift work was involved. I'm just so thankful for an explanation to a morning's events which had me pretty uncomfortable...

Deputy's quote: "There was a cat in the van; not sure if that was by design or not...."

One of His Many Toys

Gabe helped me to finally post his videos on here- last week (or two weeks? I can't remember) he went out with some co-workers to play in the mud. He came home with a great big smile on his face, saying "That was way too much fun!" and his characteristic chuckle (which I adore...)

Enjoy the videos- he loves to share his fun :-)

A worthwhile read

I thought this article was interesting... Depressed, but preparing.

I don't agree with everything, especially her statement that the only one we depend on is ourselves. God is our provider, not me, but I can work to make myself a more useful tool for Him to use to help others. But I thought it gave a good perspective- and a reminder that if you're not thinking ahead, you very well may be caught behind.

How the Puppies Lost Their Spots...

On a Sewing Kick

Pics to share...

The "Garden Party Sun Dress" fabric I bought at Joanns ($10+change = enough for two dresses w/ coupon) that Melia picked out... You just wash, iron, measure, cut, sew the back and hem the bottom. Very easy. For most people. I struggled some. You see, I don't have a mechanical mind. And a sewing machine is a machine. So don't laugh, but Gabe has to help me alot with understanding how it works. And the fact that I completed this.....

...makes me very proud of myself. Ok, not supposed to be prideful? How about satisfied? Pleased? Smarter than I was before, anyway...Kiera's pillowcase dress I told you about. Very simple, like I said, but she loves it and it'll be great for summer days playing outside.

And a couple more pics, cause they are just so cute. Above, spinning in their new dresses...

Now that you've seen the dresses, tell me what kind of straps I should do... poll on the right side :-)

My Mind is Gone... And cooking for the freezer...

I just took pictures of five different topics that I've been meaning to post on, and can't decide which one to do first.... concentration/focus is absent from my abilities, so I will do my best. I keep thinking I'm going to have a baking day/OAMC, but with my lack of brain power, at this point I'm doing good to do a little here and a little there.
A few nights ago, I had Gabe pick up a rotisserie chicken and we ate that for dinner and I saved the rest for enchiladas the next night. Let me tell you- oh, yummy! The chicken was still so moist and tender- fantastic! (And for those of you wondering, yes I burned the nachos...)Anyway, back to my point: I had enough to make three extras, so I thought I would give this method a try.

I read this idea a while ago, probably linked from Tammy's, so I am not taking any credit! You line the pan with Saran Wrap and place your food on top. When complete, wrap any extra wrap over the top tightly and freeze.

This is what happens: You can remove the food from the pan, therefore not tying up your pan while it sits in the freezer waiting to be used. You can wrap it again in wrap, to try to avoid freezer burn, or just do a layer in foil, like I did. It was pretty well covered anyway.Then label it well, including what pan to thaw and cook it in. Simple, isn't it? I am happy with the results.

And, just to add in another picture, check out my new find, and our old favorite.

The bottom one we have been buying for a while- Gabe makes this fabulous rice dish from it that I just can't copy... But it's so good! I can only find this mix at Safeway, so normally sale price is about $2 each. On Wednesday, I found the top one at Fred Meyer, on sale $1.67/bag! I just about jumped for joy (thanking the Lord for His provision!) because around here, sale prices on peppers are 2/$4, sometimes 2/$3. Grocery Outlet is cheaper, but across town, so not worth the trip just for peppers. But this is a fantastic deal, plus no wasted soft moldy pepper sitting in the fridge! I was so excited, and they tasted delicious in the enchiladas! WOO HOO ;-)

So, is my writing as babblish as my thought patterns?

Question of the Day: Cinnabon

So, what makes Cinnabon cinnamon, Cinnabon cinnamon?

let me guess, it has something to do with high fructose corn syrup.....because I found that in our hersheys syrup I've been using for the girls' chocolate milk. Anyone have a brand that doesn't have that in it?

Random Thoughts at 30 weeks

This pregnancy is certainly different than the other two. I don't want to complain, but sometimes I get really discouraged at 10+ more weeks. I'm having the opportunity to experience discomforts and irritations that I missed out on before- ugh! No wonder some people say "this is it- no more!" So tired and breathless all the time...

I've been motivated to do some sewing- being productive without alot of energy expended (unless you count the brain power drained on trying to understand the directions and verbage!) I made Kiera a pillowcase dress, very simply because I didn't want to fancy up anything I was going to screw up! But it turned out cute- good sun dress for outside summer days. I also bought yesterday some "garden party sun dress" material from Joanns that is in the dryer right now. Melia picked it out... very busy and pink :-) Hopefully I can get those done and share some pictures.

Oh, and I was going to share some further prego details, as last week I had an appt the morning we went to Yakima, and thought you'd enjoy...
I was 29 weeks 2 days, and measuring at 36 cm. (That's quite nearly full term!) Gained 7 cm in 4weeks...
Angie's first comment was that I had alot of water-- 19 cm measured via ultrasound. (22-25 is dangerous levels) No wonder I can't breathe...
And baby's measured weight was about 3lbs 2oz. So at least if my water breaks early because there's so much, he's on his way to being a good sized boy... And if it doesn't, he'll be healthy and plump :-)

A Glimpse Inside the Womb

Thursday we had the amazing and unexpected blessing of being able to travel to Yakima and have a quick visit with a special friend I grew up with in 4-H. This is her job- Wouldn't that be fun to look at babies all day!
For your enjoyment - Baby Isaac, 29 weeks 2 days, measuring 30 weeks 2 days, with lots of interfering umbilical cord in his face :-) which is the blobs you may see.

Face on left, with hand (thoughtful, isn't he?) with I think placenta on right.

Two little feet

Hand playing with feet

Yeah, we think he looks a LOT like Gabe too! :-)
Aren't these amazing?

Following Their Logic

Melia drives Gabe crazy at mealtime. She eats sooo slooowwllyy that she would literally be there half an hour past the rest of us if we made her finish her plate or didn't help her along. Miss Becky (preschool teacher) comments along the same lines- Melia is always the last one eating during snack time, and unfortunately misses out on library time because she's still busy eating. She says that Melia is very perceptive- taking everything in, not missing anything, apparently with her food as well.

Today, I cleaned out the freezer, taking out all those packages that I didn't label because I could see what it was at the time, but now it's so freezer burned I just have a slight inclination that it some type of meat, maybe... You know, that task you avoid as long as possible because it just hurts to throw it all out? Well, it felt good :-) So go do it. I found a tub of veggie soup from last fall, so I thawed that out along with a recognizable steak, and made some beef and veggie soup for dinner with pinwheel macaroni for fun.

She ate it like a snail, with tiny bites. Drove Gabe nuts, but he had to leave for work. After he was gone, I thought I would try to listen carefully and interpret her explanation of why she eats so slow. Here's the results:
She, like me, doesn't like her food mixed because she can't recognize what's in it. She's not sure she likes it, so each bite is thoughtfully analyzed. She's afraid something in it is going to make her "mad." So we talked about what mommy puts in the soup, and what she likes (tomatos/meat/noodles) and doesn't like (onions/peppers/spicy), but when they are all mixed together, she can't taste the difference anyway, so it's ok to like all her bites.
After our talk, she slurped up the rest quickly and was ready for their "bug show" before bed. Through this, I realized that I have to involve her more in what I am making for dinner, unless it is all different and easily recognizable items, so that she isn't afraid of something "making her mad."

Now, if we can just get past the "easily distracted" problem.....

Exciting Week Ahead

I hope my excitement translates into energy, because I have a weekfull planned for the next few days. Today, we are going to see if we can roll our $10 frozen food catalina at Safeway a few times, and I have a chiropractor appt this afternoon for my annoying hip problem. Tomorrow we have Melia's parent/teacher conference in the morning, and basically a free day. Thursday I have a dr's appt, and then a special trip to Yakima that I am going to save the details on until we get back-- Hopefully I will have a wonderful surprise for you! After that the week slows down... but I am happy to have a week off from preschool- getting around early is just not my specialty, so it's nice to have a little break.
:-)
I also want to pursue starting the ball rolling on our church's Passover meal this week. We've never done it before, but several members have felt led to do it this year. If you have any resources, I'd love to hear about them, especially for Christian celebrations (more recognizing Christ's fulfillments).
Just a rabbit trail: Last night I read an article at work about passover preparations at Costco, and they mentioned something about cleaning the house to rid it of leaven, because leaven is the "traditional symbol for the negative ego." Hmmphh. Hardly. Sounds more like mystical Kaballah instead of Mosaic Judaism. But then we learned in our last class also that Talmudists/Masoretic Judaism differs greatly from Mosaic anyway. Interesting- drifting further from God's ordinances, all around the world....

Song Thoughts

Anyone else liking this new song on KLOVE

"God of this City" by Blue Tree?

I really like it. Makes me think of Jerusalem...

Remembering....

Melia has really been suprising me with the things she remembers. She'll tell me the details, and I'll say something like, "You remember that?!! It was two years ago!" She remembered our camping trip over to the rainy Thousand Trails (can't remember the place name... almost 2 summers ago) where she fell down... and the waterslides, and the beach, and camping w/ certain people... I should start telling her things that I need to remember and know I will forget!

So, yesterday, she says she wants to go shopping (not to the store, but "shopping.") I asked her what she wanted to buy.... "toys" with a shy grin. I told her that we aren't going to buy more toys; she has plenty! AND SHE SAYS..."But remember? One of my grandpa's gave me and Kiera cards for Christmas?" Um, yes, he did... they each got a little gift card for Christmas... and both of them were still in my purse. (I have a tendency to hoard these types of things, cash values, and not spend them right away, 'cause then I know if I need them later because we are short on cash, I have them.)

So, after our cleaning projects today (she had her room to finish from yesterday, and I cleaned our master bedroom so I could vaccuum. *we are cluttered and messy people- my apologies*) we headed off to Walmart to spend their gift cards. It went much better than I expected. They knew how much they could spend (subjective to toddler logic and mommy's flexiblity) and each did very well picking out within their price range. We only had one incident where I had to say No, we are not getting that because it is not appropriate. Not sure if Melia understood, but it was definitely a Barbie that was WAY too old for her. Kiera got a "Teenie Whinnies" set of Breyer horses and multipack of sunglasses, and Melia picked a polly pocket type princess set of Sleeping Beauty. Not bad, especially for something I was a little afraid of.