Craft Day

Because we are all feeling a little under the weather these days, we decided yesterday to stay home and have "craft day." Mattea has been dying to make bat puppets that she originally had seen made on Sprouts. So we ran upstairs, checked out the website www.sproutonline.com and then proceeded to raid that craft cart for all the necessary materials.


Paloma got in on the action as well. This allowed her to practice her much needed coloring and cutting skills. I did not post any photos of her though because she has the most "ugly face" on in each photo. Mattea looks much more into it.







Beautiful huh?
For more great ideas, be sure to check out the website.

Blog Hop

It's time to show off your latest photos that you love. Post them up, and don't forget to put captions so we can all enjoy them even more.

Looking back through the albums, I have about 100 or more that could be considered favorites - but here is a sampling.


Despite her eczema, I thought Mattea was an absolutely adorable little baby and this picture (in my eyes) reflects that.


Mattea is sweet and sassy - and this picture says it all.


This just makes me giggle. I guess when you spend enough time doing anything, your kids begin to mimick you. Why would pumping be any different?

Random

My new favorite quote.

"And raising kids requires such a high level of vulnerability, it only makes sense that endurance is a mommy mandate. Being fit for my role as a mother has far larger implications that the latest diet, the size of my jeans, or the number on the scale; it's a healthy reflection of who I am , who I am becoming, the life I am modeling for my children, and the strength I can summon when I am needed most."

Taken from the article
Running For My Life
Kristin Armstrong

*I guess when I begin to feel guilty about how much time, effort, and energy I'm spending on exercise and my running regime and the toll that it has on my kids, I can look back at this quote. It is a reminder that although you make some sacrifices when you decide to have children, you don't have to sacrifice everything. You still deserve to carry on with living as the person you were before - altered of course.

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The girls are finishing out their last week of swimming lessons for the summer - or so I thought. I learned today that Paloma has already passed the Pike class (AKA big girl swimming class) and is ready to advance on to Super Pikes. Yeah Paloma, we are proud of you. But, that means she advances on to big sister Mattea's class which Mattea has repeated about 6 times. I'm hoping she is close but I'm not sure that is going to go over well that M's little 2.5 year old sister is advancing on to the same class she is currently in. I have two options: 1)bag swimming for the rest of the summer and hope next year nobody notices that they are in the same class or 2) bite the bullet and enroll for another session and really see what Paloma can do. Maybe I have a natural swimmer on my hands - oh and pray that Mattea isn't hurt or offended. Buy yahoo Paloma!
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If you haven't been following my tweets, my dear husband left for Butte today. Poor guy had to drive 6 hours to get there tonight after completing a full day at work. He should be arriving in 1.5 hours. But on the flip side, I'm tolerating this travel stint much better than others because I know that we have an exciting and awesome weekend planned ahead. I don't work an hour of it and we are planning some events as a family. Yeah!

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Quote from Paloma today who is battling a pretty nasty cold:

"My snuffy nose made me snort" after her and her sister were being silly and Paloma snorted so loudly we all stopped and turned our heads.

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I just love these guys!


Now do you know why this post was entitled "Random?"

What Every Mom Should Know

Today as I ran to the mailbox expecting nothing but bills to be paid, I unexpectedly received my monthly copy of Parents magazine. Though some information in this magazine is a little hokey, I do enjoy reading through it - getting ideas from other mothers, reading quick and easy recipes, looking though the newest recall list or thumbing through the adds of newly added baby products.
Since my husband cleaned the upstairs of the house, did all the laundry, washed all the dishes, mowed the lawn, fertilized the lawn, towed away the pile of old sod, hung the towel rack, went grocery shopping, and bathed our children over the weekend while I was working, there was absolutely nothing for me to do but pick up my magazine and head outside during nap time today (must note: I'm sure there was stuff for me to do but in all truthfulness, I didn't feel like doing anything.)
I read through from cover and cover and came across a couple of things I'd like to share but the first being an article entitled
39 Things Every Mom Should Know

For space purposes, I won't share the whole list but some of these are way too funny to pass up. If you agree with any or all of these as a mother, do leave me a comment. I laughed my hinder off when I read through this very amusing list.

1) Don't make birthday parties a huge deal

2) Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up nap time to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul crushing.

3) If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or its the middle of the night, ignore this advice.

4) Just throw away the poopy underwear.

5) Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.

6) Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.

7) Embrace their quirks.

8) Know this: That stain won't come out. And its' okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better).

9) Never stifle a generous inclination.

10) Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.

11) Buy kids deodorant before they need it.

12) Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.

13) Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.

14) Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.

15) It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.

16) Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.

17) Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.

18) Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.

19) Do not all the word wienies in your home

20) If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.

By: Kacy Faulconer

This is just a sampling but man, how some of these are true. Made for a good laugh for me this afternoon - hope you have enjoyed as well.

Who Knew About Peter?

This is kind of a random post that I may come back to but certainly wanted to share a couple of thoughts. I've been reading through the Bible - slowly but surely. Sticking with mostly the New Testament, (since Old Testament is extremely difficult for me to read) I have come across some amazing scripture - the latest coming from 1st and 2nd Peter.

Here are a few versus I'd like to share....

~ 1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Gasp - Holy smokes. I'd love to say that I'm doing that on a daily basis. That each and every person who meets me sees and feels the Holy Spirit within me. BUT, I know that I fall short. Time and time again, I act inappropriately and paganous (is that a word?) and I'm sure those around me wonder what in the world has gotten my undies in a bundle. I know I do. The sad thing is I'm conscious of it yet I continue. Why is is so hard to act and be like 1 Peter 2:11-12?

~1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Gasp - Humbling for me. A gentle and quiet spirit I am not. Ugh, how I long to be but I'm simply not. I was not designed to be. But it is true what these 2 versus are saying - our beauty certainly doesn't rest in the outward but rather the inward. I bank on this the many times I head out into public without make up, clean hair or a shower. I try and remember the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit that is important to God.

~1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Easier said than done huh?

~1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If this one doesn't just hit home. Rejoice - in suffering. In my line of work I have encountered families of all walks of life with many different stresses and situations involving their children. I have seen families receive devastating news to whom some react appropriately and others do not. When a family is told their premature infant will not survive and they turn around and put a hole in the hospital wall, I'm not all that impressed. Contrary, a mother who receives the same news but glorifies God rather than becoming overcome in anguish is a sight to see. Truly an inspiration to us all. I do hope that when - not if but when - I am tested, I withstand the challenge.

~2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Amen!

Just a few random thoughts I'd like to share. I find myself reading and rereading the books of Peter. I hope that if you check it out you find it as fascinating as I do.

Discovery Center Date

In an attempt to please my husband and introduce my children to the wonderful world of science (and because my friend Kim blogged about her experience and I thought it looked fun), I took the girls to the Discovery Center yesterday. David firmly believes that if the girls have a strong foundation in the sciences, they will be more apt to go further in their careers if they so desire. I do remind him that I hate science, wasn't very good in science, maybe even cheated in science on a few occasions and I turned out Ok - mute point.




Of course our fist stop - the veterinary hospital. The girls literally spent the first hour doctoring up all the sick animals.



And because we arrived early there were no other kids around playing. That meant my girls had free reign on everything - which suited them just fine. It was so cute to watch. I must say that Mattea is destined to go into the medical field. I'm convinced that it is her calling. She loves doctoring sick "things" whether it be people, her dolls, blankets. She likes to make things better.



The girls checking out some of the other "cool exhibits." Of course, mommy didn't necessarily think it was so cool but I'm really learning to broaden my horizons. I would have loved to have been at the pool or splash pad but instead I was learning about sound waves and electrical currents.





Mattea used all of her muscles to pull herself up this bucket swing thing. She loved it so much she did three rounds - all by herself I might add.



Who knew flip flops could make such beautiful music.

Camping

I can't believe that Dave and I are approaching our 7 year anniversary - crazy. I remember that day so vividly. I remember making a vow to him that I was not a perfect wife but if he gave me a lifetime, I would learn how to be the best wife I could be and to make him the happiest man possible.



Who knew that meant taking up running, hiking in the foothills of New Mexico where I encountered rattlesnakes on more than one occasion, cooking, gardening, wearing no makeup and now - camping. Yes! I finally offered to go camping - in a tent - with my hubby. I know he loves the outdoors and actually spent an entire summer backpacking out west during college. If you know me at all, umm sleeping in a tent with bugs and port a potties is not my kind of thing. But, I wanted to give it a shot - so we did.



This last weekend, we packed up the kids and the dogs and headed to the mountains. We didn't even get 15 minutes out of town and Paloma almost wet her pants. And you can tell by the picture, Kody was unimpressed with his riding arrangements. Because he was so unhappy about riding in the back, he tried to jump over the seat, landed on Paloma instead and put a big gauge on her arm - to which she promptly began screaming at the top of her lungs. We're still not out of town yet!



The rest of the ride was uneventful and we arrived at our campsite early enough. After organizing everything (that was me of course) we headed down the river to cool off. The girls loved it. I was panicking the whole time envisioning a drowning but all was good. The dogs were not so happy to be drug into the river but then again they were not happy about the entire weekend. Appears they are as posh as I am.
That night ended with a home cooked campfire meal (prepared by dad) and smores. We finally packed into the tent (that is after mommy and daddy finished 2 bottles of wine) and attempted to sleep. But there was no sleep to be had by anyone other than Paloma.









The next morning after shivering around a campfire, I headed into town for takeout breakfast and coffee. Apparently we forgot to pack coffee. After playing around a bit in some hot springs we headed home. Car ride was uneventful except that Paloma almost vomited on several occasions - I guess it had nothing to do with the 3 containers of orange juice she drank that morning.
We're already making plans for the next big camping adventure. I'm not sure Dave had envisioned this kind of camping trip. A little bit different with kids!

Wordless Wednesday

Too Cute Tuesday

Blog Hop

This week's Blog Hop is your favorite quote, spiritual passage , life lesson, saying, PHOTO or encouraging thought. Post your favorite or most meaningful, and then include a sentence or two about what it means to you personally, and how it can encourage other people in their lives.



This week is easy for me. There has been one line that I have repeated over and over to myself that has provided encouragement to me in the most toughest of times.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Philippians 4:13


This particular line in Scripture has remained with me during times of both trial and tragedy. I have memorized and recited Philippians 4:13 more times than I can even remember. One of those times that I remember vividly was during the birth of both of my children. I was determined to have a natural, drug free delivery with both of my girls. Of course, with my first I had no idea what to expect. With my second I knew exactly what I was getting into.



After laboring for hours and feeling like my body was about to shatter into a million different pieces, feeling immersed in pain and agony, I lowered myself into the hot tub and began to chant - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I kid you not. It sounds corny. But I remember asking my husband to step out so I could chant in silence. After 14 hours, 4 hours of pushing, 1 dose of medicine, and God's strength, I delivered Mattea Morgan.

Same scenario occurred with my second daughter who was taking her own sweet time arriving. Of course knowing how intense the pain was going to be, I began again calling on God. Lord - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Again, after 14 hours but only 4 minutes of pushing, my sweet Paloma was born.



This has become my life verse. I live and breathe by it. Call on Him who will provide you the strength you need when you physically and emotionally cannot go on.

Daddy & Me

I love this picture and have been meaning to do a blog post on it for awhile. I just haven't really gotten the motivation to compile my thoughts into a post.

This picture captures so much feeling and emotion for me. I look at it and smile. David is looking so lovingly at Mattea with a great big smile on his face. He looks relaxed and at ease and is obviously amused by his eldest daughter.

Mattea also has the most perfect expression. She is standing next her daddy, completely dirty with popsicle all around her face. She probably stinks a bit since she had been outside playing around with friends. But yet when she stands next to her daddy, according to her expression, she doesn't care. She has a great big grin. Her hand is placed just right as to say "this is my daddy and I love him lots and lots and lots and lots."

When I first reviewed this picture on my camera the first thought that came to my head was how analogous this is to the relationship I have with my father - Heavenly Father that is. I come to him dirty, stained - stinky at times - while he stands back with a large smile on his face. Completely at ease and at peace with my imperfections he is happy with me and who I am. And there is a sense of comfort that I have when I am near him. Almost brings me to tears writing it. And I'm sure I'm not quite articulating quite what I mean. But think back for a moment about the relationship that you have/had with your earthly father. Some memories relived are good and some are not so good. Some of us can remember joy and happiness while others of us are festering with hatred and anger. Whatever that relationship is or was it has nothing to do with the relationship with your Heavenly Father. He loves us whole heartily - imperfections and all. He longingly stares at us with a smile on His face - for He created us. I'm sure there are times where He is frowning and looks on with disapproval. As there are times when David is scowling at Mattea. But in the very moment in which this photo was captured, all was well. A sweet, innocent, crazy, dirty little girl ran up to her daddy and was received with open arms and a great big smile. In my times of trial, it is then that I have that desire to run - run to my Father. To be received with open arms and a great big smile. How about you?

Blog Hop

What an exciting post this week. Favorite kid pictures. I could have a post a mile long. I have so many photos that I simply love of my children. I have chosen a couple more recent photos although if I dug far enough back through the baby book I'd find a dozen or so more that I'd be dying to share. So here is a sampling of my favorite photos....



This is my sweet little Paloma right around the time of her birthday. She was born New Years Ever 2006. In this photo she had just turned 2. Totally reflects her personality. Serious and sassy. I love it.



This picture was taken last summer at the beach. I love it. Captured at the most perfect moment. Daddy had completely sent Mattea air borne causing mommy to almost wet her pants.



And who can resist this photo. Simply stunning. Taken on our trip to Disney at the beginning of May, Mattea and Paloma couldn't wait to see their favorite princesses. We love Cinderella here at our house and I absolutley love this photo. This photo is the one that brings back all of our Disney memories. I hope it works just as well with the kids as they get older.

Weekly Wrap

I need to start this post by simply saying this...

I love these two little girls more than words can possibly express.
I may have my moments where I sincerely believe parenting is not all that it is cracked up to be (some weeks produce more moments than others) but that does not negate the fact that I love these little girls and there is nothing that I won't do for them.

We had a somewhat stressful week at our house and that is why I feel like I've been a bit out of touch. Despite having Dave gone at the beginning of last week, I worked way more hours than I normally do. In fact, when I told Mattea that our babysitter Julie would be coming over for a couple of hours on Thursday to help us out until Dave got home from work, her reply was "were having a lot of Julie time and not a lot of mommy and daddy time." That one hit pretty hard. But I guess kids don't lie - and she's true. We didn't have a lot of family time.

Dave arrived safely home on Tuesday night from the second week in a row of traveling. Then we were off as a family early Wednesday morning to have a CT scan done on Mattea to rule out a brain tumor/aneurysm. After having a couple bizarre headache/eye pain episodes Mattea was taken to a pediatrician who consulted with our pediatric neurologist and believed it would be in our best interest to rule out "all the bad stuff." Not really having a whole lot of time to really comprehend, I was in complete denial up until Tuesday night when it finally dawned on me that our lives could be changed in less than 24 hours.

We are very happy to report that Mattea is neurologically intact. CT scan was normal and we will be continuing to monitor her headaches. With that very scary test behind us, Dave and I took the rest of the week to fully enjoy and appreciate every single minute with our children. They are such a blessing and I guess this little incident simply reminds us that our earthly time is limited and only our Maker knows when our time here is through. We have been so blessed and can't thank God enough for all He has done for us.

Finishing out last week with work was absolutely no fun. It has been crazy on the floor. Some very sick, sad, and complicated kids have been among us. I am finding that as my kids get older I am having a harder time with work. I am sure I will learn to suppress my feelings from work when I arrive home but it is hard not to look into the eyes of a dying toddler or a sick baby and not think of your own children.

With that, I'll end this rambly post with simply a thank you for prayers lifted up on Mattea's behalf. We are grateful for the wonderful news and hopeful these headaches will pass. We appreciate your concern. Have a fantastic week - I know I will be. Nothing but fun and relaxation on the agenda AND a camping trip next weekend. Y'all know I'm not quite the camping kind of girl but Dave emailed me the reservation. I will be sure to keep you posted.

Blessings

A Day Of Fun

Today after church, the girls and I packed up and headed over to the beach to meet daddy for his work picnic. It was a perfect day - 90's with a nice breeze. The girls have been looking forward to "da beach" for quite some time now. I couldn't wait to take them out.

Despite missing their nap, my babies were great. They played, splashed, ate, mingled, and made sand castles until they were literally on their last leg. We all got a whopping dose of Vitamin D and enjoyed a fantastic BBQ. Needless to say, bedtime took only about 5 minutes tonight. They are sleeping soundly.

Wordless Wednesday

Too Cute Tuesday

Blog Hop

What a fun theme this week - submitting your favorite recipe.
Well, as many of you may know - or not know - I can't cook. I don't like to cook, I don't take the time to cook, nor am I patient enough for cooking. But, I do have a recipe that I'd love to share and it is one that I have successfully prepared over and over again. It is healthy, 0 points (for all you weight watchers fans), and downright good. AND, I can run out to the garden at any time and pick all of the ingredients needed. Sounds good huh?
So without further ado.....



Marinated Cucumbers

2 medium cucumbers
1 small red onion
1/2 red bell pepper
2/3 cup distilled white vinegar
6 packets sucralose non-caloric sweetener
dash of cayenne pepper

1) Cut cucumbers into thin slices. Add onion and bell pepper








2) Combine vinegar, sweetener and cayenne pepper in a pot. Bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

3) Pour vinegar mixture over cucumber mixture. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled. Serve with a slotted spoon!

*Quick note. My red peppers have not turned red yet - so in a pinch we have used our green peppers. The dish is not as pretty but still tastes yummy.