Four is a Great Age...

For us to be having another baby at. Melia is a crack-up!

Tonight, during dinner, she pipes up:
"Mom, I think brother can see that food going down."

Gabe laughed, and it took me a second to process what she had actually said. So clever!

(And then of course we had a little discussion about what he can see, light vs dark like when she closes her eyes and puts her hand over her eyes. She thought that was pretty neat. But still, he's in your tummy, and the food goes to your tummy...sooo? A different part of my tummy, honey....)

The next few months should be really interesting...!

Goji Berry Bush (or Tree? 8-10 ft!)

Here in the Henry Fields Catalog, I found they have Goji berry bushes for sale. This greatly intrigued me, as the "Red Juice," officially named Ningxia Red juice that I buy and swear by-- is made from wolfberries, aka goji berries. These berries are supposed to surpass any other fruit in antioxidant power.... and you can do just about anything with them. I would love to eat them raw, and dry them.... And the bush is only $12.95.

My concern is this, and I know it is "propaganda," but I wonder how valid it is, considering that some geographic areas are just made for growing power foods.... The claims of Ningxia Red are that the Ningxia province in China produces a "nutritional powerhouse.... the highest natural antioxidant levels, complete protein profile, and unique essential sugars, supported by remarkably high amounts of essential vitamins and minerals..."

My question: "Can I possibly grow a bush that produces this miracle fruit as well?" :-) Only if I market it as well as they do!

Prego Food- Another forgotten gem

Onions! The smell of grilling onions... OOOHHHHHHH yum!!!! Grilled red onions on pizza--- melt in my mouth delicioso!

And to think, not so many years ago I would not have touched one!

Preggers Update #2 for 22 Weeks: Stuff I forgot!

Heartburn. Lots and lots of heartburn. I will personally guarantee that this little fellow will share the boisterous head of hair that his sisters had.

And - how weird is this - Ziva (our doberman) is suddenly treating me like I'm the boss. This is COMPLETELY different from before, as Gabe's mom told us that she viewed Gabe as the boss, then her, then me- if she feels like listening. I asked Gabe if he thought it's because I'm visibly preggers (though I would have thought she'd have smelled some hormone difference before) and she recognizes me as the Alpha female? I don't know- I don't know dogs. Any ideas?

Melia, tonight as we were making brownies from scratch, says (because she thinks it's her turn to stir) "Mommy, I think baby brother is getting tired from helping you...."

The girls also got to see brother kick this afternoon- not sure what they thought, but at least Melia was smiling... ;-)

Prego Update: 22 Weeks

Hmm... What to put... Getting bigger. Officially made the transition to maternity clothes, and realizing for some reason I just don't have that many warm shirts...For sure a boy- I spotted it too ;-) Ultrasound measured 2 days ahead of schedule- safe there. Pretty active, but not too "bothersome" keeping me awake or anything. I have had some extremely sharp kicks to my pelvis area, which is different because Melia and Kiera were both head down most of the time. But he's still pretty little, so rolling around a lot I'm sure. (Babycenter says the size of a spagetti squash, but I don't know what that is.... although I have considered planting them next year! :-)

I was starting to have trouble sleeping when Gabe was home, but not so much when he was working... we figured out this week that that slight tilt to the mattress makes a big difference when I tilt on to my belly! Uncomfortable! So we put the mattress topper back on the bed and we'll see how that helps.

We've also started training the girls to let Mommy sleep more in the morning (unless preschool) to help them understand better when brother comes that Mommy will need to not be bothered when she's sleeping. (Thankfully, Gabe has totally stepped up and taken this on- I was harboring guilt over asking them to let me have some rest, but he has been MORE than supportive! How grateful I am for my husband!) He has also been really great in understanding my prego brain- lately in the afternoon, if I don't have a plan, nothing happens. If I mess up dinner, then I just can't think well enough to figure out something else to make (we ended up with PB&J...and then Subway...) I think I need to remember my Omega3s; baby is taking all my brain food! :-)

And how big am I? Depending on who you talk to: I am just starting to show, or I am nearly there. Take your pick. (Literally, a guy at work was counseling me to make sure if I feel weird or anything, let him know, he'll call the paramedics in a flash! And he'll hold my hand, but he won't deliver! Love the concern, but... it's a little early, dontcha think?) I feel like I'm bigger, but also that I'm growing differently. I also really think I am feeling hiccups. I remember them from before, a gentle rhythmic motion, but not this early! Do they get them this early or is it only later?

We'll Take Them...

Do any of the rest of you have those little "bath oil beads" that come in bath sets which dissolve in the bath? Specifically, ones you don't use, and won't use, and don't know what to do with?

I have your solution. Melia and Kiera love them, so I go through them pretty quick. My supply is running low. If you have some I can help you out with by taking them off your hands, I'd be happy to assist!

(Or, if you know where to buy giant packs on the cheap, then you'd be helping me!) :-)

Save this Junk Mail: Arbitron!

Gabe opened ours up, and there was $2 in there! Plus, if you finish a really easy survey, you get another $5!

Hey, it's seven dollars! That will pay for.... uh, umm. Gee... Pop and popcorn at the movies? Or a couple of Starbucks? Or another trip to Albies! Yea, that's it! More cereal ;-) Hee hee!

So Excited!

I tried a few months ago to start reading to the girls (or just Melia) from the Magician's Nephew (one of the books of Narnia, technically the one CS Lewis says is first...) but she really didn't get into it. I think we maybe did three chapters? Not much, so I didn't force it.

This last week, we started again into The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Three times we have done two chapters in one sitting, and a couple other singles. She is seeming to enjoy it, asking questions and such. Kiera, well, she sits quiet with us, playing or snacking, which is plenty for me to ask at this point.

But the best part is that tonight, on the way home from Gramps' house, at almost 9 pm (late for them!) Melia requested that we read from our story tonight when we got home! I could not possibly refuse, but of course did only one chapter :-) I was just so thrilled that she remembered and wanted to read more!

Another plus is that I was hoping to be able to do this while nursing so the girls don't feel "ignored" or be frustrated that the baby gets more attention. Thank you Lord!

Hermeneutics

I've been pondering this post for a long time- It is difficult to put faith into words sometimes! After a request to more fully explain what to take literally and not, we enrolled in a Hermeneutics class. I gleaned a great deal from the class, but have been unsure of how to verbalize it. I think sharing notes is the easiest way to explain it? We'll see.

Hermeneutics refers to your method of interpreting the Bible.
I don't know what I'm classified as- when I read things about "literalist," they are terribly limiting by their own definitions and assumptions- This may just be the different authors or what, but I would say that their perspectives definitely skew their opinions!

However, I do agree with these statements regarding Bible study:
* God means what He says, and says what He means.
* The Bible is an integrated whole: Every detail is there by design.
* Nothing is trivial: All things are for our learning.
* God is His own interpreter. (Not such and such teacher, or translation, or denomination!)

I also have been long vexed by the arguments for the different translations, as they all have their pros/cons, but obviously, none is perfect. Some are better than others, *most* all can be used to bring someone to faith, but for study purposes, it's better to get as close to original as possible, right? The conclusion I believe I was given is that no matter what "translation" I am using, none of them are the direct word of God. The Words of Scripture are God's own- in the original languages. (That's why I look up what the Greek definition is, not Websters!)
This is why I find it so exciting that I do not have to know Hebrew or Greek to be able to find out what God was originally saying; we live in an age where research is open to all, and thanks to computers, I don't have to have a personal library to do it. (Not to say I shouldn't be building one, but you know...) Example: blueletterbible.com with just a click you can access lexicons, translations, concordances.... It's amazing!

A few other notes:

All Scripture is given by inspiration [Godbreathed]
of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
I like this expansion....
“All Scripture is . . . profitable” in four ways: for
doctrine—that’s what’s right; for reproof—that’s
what’s not right; for correction—that’s how to get
right; and for instruction in righteousness—that’s
how to stay right.

*What about figures of speech?
There are over 200 different types of figures of speech in Scripture- No, we don't take them literally, as they are not meant to be. But they are more than worthy of study and consideration; the deeper meanings are such a treasure! Often, they can be used to help interpret a different scripture because of the correlating figures of speech... it's a treasure hunt!

Pitfalls to be aware of regarding bible study:
1. Analysis Paralysis: Data lacking relevance- This is a spiritual study, not intellectual only.
2. Textual Doubts: Founded in "scholarship" or arrogant skepticism?
3. Relying on Church History: Set aside your traditional teaching and read the Word!
4. Not "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth"
5. Distinguish between Israel and the Church: the Lord deals with Israel and the church mutually exclusively; their origin, mission, and destiny are each unique.
6. The Hazards of Presuppositions: Examine the texts for yourself- sometimes we are taught theories that are more simplistic than accurate. Line them up Biblically and make your own decision.
7. Lacking the Whole Counsel of God: the entire Word is the final test, don't let single contexts drag you down without comparing them to what the whole context says.

Preconditions to Study:
* Are you saved? Essential prerequisite.
* Prayer! Always! Be under the tutorship of the Author!
* Obedience. Be pre-commited and surrendered, not in a rebellious frame of mind.

A love of the Bible requires knowing your Bible; Knowing your Bible leads to a deeper love of Him.

Why would I say this method of interpretation is correct? I find freedom in making God responsible for what I believe because of what He has inspired instead of having myself be responsible to decide what in the Bible is truth and what isn't.

Why would I say I'm right in my understanding or learning? Other than the obvious written Truths, such as the Gospel, I wouldn't, not for sure. This is a lifelong journey! But you know those little bites of wonder that the Spirit shares with you? Those I will cling to with certainty, until the Spirit or the Word tells me differently. There is no greater high than having Him give me a treasure, and that alone will keep me on my journey. They may sometimes be far and few between, but the Word has lots to keep me busy! :-) It's probably a good thing, because some lessons take years to fully grasp and apply in obedience- that is definitely a personal experience! It's hard to "put off the old... and put on the new" but it is a blessing to obey!

And a further note: I don't agree with everything that one person teaches. Oftentimes I have this persistent thought to reconsider and examine something myself which makes me not immediately agree; than later as I research it, there is a deeper lesson or a different perspective that I need to consider, either for or against. The Word needs to be our prioritized reference, not man.

I hope this encourages most of you! I find that it helps me to be able to reiterate what I have learned, and this was certainly an exercise! And feel free to agree to disagree- with me! Not with Him! ;-) Your comments and questions are welcome, as there was tons of info and examples I did not include in the interests of brevity. (I know...what brevity?!!)

Our New Neighborhood Critter

For about two weeks, our cat food had been getting tipped over and spilled on our deck, every night. I assumed it was our completely annoying neighbor MinPin wanna-be, so Gabe was ready with his paintball gun to take him out- when and if we caught him.

But New Years Eve, we were up and heard a crash on the porch. We had placed our leaky cast iron teapot on top of the food bucket; this was the noise. Gabe jumped and grabbed his gun, only to open the door and shout, "IT'S a RACCOON!" I made it to the door in time to see "something" run around the corner of the house. Gabe said that he did definitely hit it, so he probably won't be back.

But he was. Every night, like clockwork. One night, we arrived home especially late (after 11pm) in separate cars. Gabe pulled in first, as I had stopped to get the mail. When I pulled in and got out, he asked if I had seen it. Nope- I had missed him again. Bummer. I really wanted to see it!

I had my hopes up for Monday night, as when Gabe is working when I get off, I go get the girls and normally don't get home until at least after 10:30, more like 11. But, I picked up the mail, pulled in slowly, walked sneaky-like to the front porch, and....

didn't spook anything out of anywhere....

However, I finished doing my Genesis copy for the night, and peaked out the window as a last chance before heading to bed, and he had just arrived! I watched him pull the bucket over, move the pot out of the way, turn the bucket towards himself with one paw (we're talking five gal bucket here!) and start in on his nightly treat.... Then I thought, I wonder if I can get some pictures through the window.... grabbed (quietly) the camera, and shot. Total flashback from the window. And he saw me. He moved to the stairs, and we proceeded to have a little showdown- but he never left, and I took several pictures, flash off w/ manual focus. Now, I just don't have the mental capacity for remembering ISO and all that stuff... so be gracious, but here are two that I did get. First one is during our showdown through the window....

and second is after I left him alone to his meal. :-)

He came Tuesday night during the storm, and the next night the food was tipped over but not opened, and now he has not come for two nights. Maybe he only comes when there is lots of snow.... At least now Leo feels it is safe enough to come home...