Well, I had to post one more time tonight just because I am laughing so hard that I had to share. And, I am warning you, it might be a long one.
Tonight looked like it would be a pretty typical night around our house. We got home from church, put the girls in bed, got lunches made for school, and outfits laid out. But, we had no idea what would be waiting for us around 10:00 pm when we were ready to head to bed. We let Annie (our golden retriever/shepherd dog) in the backyard to "do her business" before bed. Mark opened the door to let her back in and she was sniffing and going crazy at the grill. That is NEVER a good sign.
Now, before I continue the story, you have to understand our back yard if you've never been to our house. It backs up to the edge of our neighborhood and behind the stone fence that surrounds our neighborhood is a field with thick trees with a train running through it.....lots of creatures make that area home, I'm sure. So, we've had our fair share of animal experiences around here---many more than we ever wanted or planned on.
For example, any given night when we're heading down our alley, we will see bunny rabbits hopping around. Not a big deal...pretty cute, and Kendyll loves to watch them hop away. We also have a duck pond, so the occasional duck is cute too. But, there are also possums and skunks and I'm sure other things we haven't seen yet running somewhere back there too.
Well, somehow one of those little nasty rodents made it's way into OUR BACKYARD TONIGHT!!!!
To continue my story, Annie would not come in the house after being called repeatedly, which is a rare thing. We realize she has something cornered, and we immediately start freaking out. (I mean, literally.) Mark and I are not animal people OR country folk in any way. Heck, I don't even really like the cute bunnies and I hate squirrels and even birds....I know, I'm weird. So, at this point in the story, I refuse to go near the kitchen, much less the back door. So, Mark, being the brave man of the house, goes back to open the door again to see if he can get Annie away from whatever this creature is. And, the stench that came into our house in that moment was indescribable. It literally smelled like a skunk was on our couch---it was that strong!! It was horrible.
Meanwhile, Annie still won't come in the house. So, what do I do? I call my 7 month pregnant sister at 10:30 to find out what to do. She is the animal lover of our family and always wanted to be a vet. She knows more about animals than anyone I know. She and her husband are true "country folk" and aren't phased in the least bit by a little skunk-action. So, I am frantic and explain the situation to her. She says "Oh no. Just leave Annie outside for tonight and wash her in tomato sauce in the morning." WHAT???????
First of all, our dog barely even knows she's a dog...she has never slept outside and wouldn't know what to do if she had to. She has a feather pillow bed in the corner of our room that she calls a good night's sleep. Secondly, we're supposed to leave her with a skunk all night? Yuck! Third, when exactly do I have time to give her a TOMATO SAUCE BATH while getting ready to go to Sunshine School tomorrow? Oh, Cortni and Adam, we need half of your bravery and all of your calmness when dealing with rodents. We can't do it like you can!
So, we call the neighbors, call the sisters, and then realize that Annie is barking to come in. So, Mark shines a flashlight at her face through the window to make sure she is "clean" and lets her in just to go in the garage until we figure out what to do. My oh my, she reeked to high heaven. I was gagging before she even got outside again!
Then, the funniest part....Mark opens the back door thinking he'll "shoo away" whatever is back there. And, there it is....dead in our grass!!! I have never seen my husband look like that except for the time a friend of ours' son fell down our stairs and landed on his head. He looked as white as a sheet and was shivering. You would have thought he had seen a ghost.
So, we call a 24-hour vet clinic to find out if Annie was in danger---they say to bring Annie in to be cleaned and watched overnight, and that we should call Animal Control first thing in the morning to get the skunk out of here. So, Mark is now gone to the vet with Annie reeking up the car. I laid down two old blankets and told him to throw them away while he was out. He drove with all the windows down to keep the stench as low as possible (and of course took his company car!!)
Wow...alot has happened since 10:00 pm!! Our poor dog...my poor husband....and my poor patio furniture cushions, which I have been thinking about for the last half hour. It probably has to be trashed now. So, who wants to come over for a backyard grilling-out party at our house? YUCK!!
Anyway, I just had to share our stinky story with everyone. And, don't worry, Sunshine School teachers, I will wear perfume AND scented lotion tomorrow to cover up the skunk smell. Hopefully I will get through the night without skunk dreams too.....
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
What's for Dinner?
Okay, ladies (since that's all that really reads this blog), I need some help. I was just in the kitchen making my grocery list and was doing the weekly search for what I will cook for the next week or two. I am constantly revisiting my favorite cookbooks or my recipe box to see what I can do that will be different than what I've been doing. The other thing I always do is check the freezer to see what meats or veggies we already have that I can use.
But, there are so many qualifications that each meal has to have as I plan. Each dinner has to be:
*Something Kendyll will eat. (That alone knocks out anything casserole-ish unless it's something I can separate into different kinds of food--she doesn't like a whole bunch of different stuff mixed together where she can't tell EXACTLY what she's eating. VERY PICKY!)
*Something Mark will eat. (Although he's actually not a picky eater. He's eaten some things I've made even though I know most people would sneak it under the table to the dog! But he does not like any kind, shape, or form of bean or pea, sour cream, or onions)
*Something we haven't already had fourteen times that month. (a little of an exaggeration, but not much.)
*Something relatively healthy. (Have you noticed that anything you cook that's easy or really yummy is horrible for you? Plus, Mark's watching his cholesterol now, so that cuts out half of the recipes I find or makes them too yucky to eat)
*Something EASY and FAST to make! This is by far the most important factor of all...
*Something that costs less to make than a fast food meal does (otherwise, I get tempted to run up the street to Whataburger instead...or, maybe, Boston Market if I'm feeling guilty about giving my daughters french fries again.)
So, this is my blog question for the day. What did your family eat for the last 7 nights in a row (I'm talking the WHOLE meal...side dishes and all), or what do you have planned to eat for the next 7 days? I need new ideas!!! And, if you have good recipes, I think it's time for a blogging recipe exchange. Post it on your blog and let's get new food ideas.
Thank you in advance for helping this mommy with her food creativity. I thank you, and my family thanks you.
But, there are so many qualifications that each meal has to have as I plan. Each dinner has to be:
*Something Kendyll will eat. (That alone knocks out anything casserole-ish unless it's something I can separate into different kinds of food--she doesn't like a whole bunch of different stuff mixed together where she can't tell EXACTLY what she's eating. VERY PICKY!)
*Something Mark will eat. (Although he's actually not a picky eater. He's eaten some things I've made even though I know most people would sneak it under the table to the dog! But he does not like any kind, shape, or form of bean or pea, sour cream, or onions)
*Something we haven't already had fourteen times that month. (a little of an exaggeration, but not much.)
*Something relatively healthy. (Have you noticed that anything you cook that's easy or really yummy is horrible for you? Plus, Mark's watching his cholesterol now, so that cuts out half of the recipes I find or makes them too yucky to eat)
*Something EASY and FAST to make! This is by far the most important factor of all...
*Something that costs less to make than a fast food meal does (otherwise, I get tempted to run up the street to Whataburger instead...or, maybe, Boston Market if I'm feeling guilty about giving my daughters french fries again.)
So, this is my blog question for the day. What did your family eat for the last 7 nights in a row (I'm talking the WHOLE meal...side dishes and all), or what do you have planned to eat for the next 7 days? I need new ideas!!! And, if you have good recipes, I think it's time for a blogging recipe exchange. Post it on your blog and let's get new food ideas.
Thank you in advance for helping this mommy with her food creativity. I thank you, and my family thanks you.
"When I grow up" pics
I tried to add these to my post last night and couldn't. Here are some of her "dream job" shots. I personally think she looks pretty good at both!! :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
When Kendyll grows up...
Over the last week or two, Kendyll has talked more and more about "when she grows up" and "when you (mom or dad) were little". It is pretty amazing to watch "the way she sees the world", changing every day. She is noticing that she will change and be like us adults someday. And, that we adults used to be like her long ago.
Here is the life plan of Kendyll, as she has laid it out over the last few weeks & months:
"When she is four", she will:
*Go to work with Daddy to save the people at the hospital
*Take swim lessons and not cry (She wasn't so good at that when she was 3!)
*Play soccer with a pink shirt
*Share with her sister (in response to me asking "When are you going to let Carlie start playing with you?" Her response, "How about when I turn FOUR???")
"When she is five", she will:
*Go to New York for a "vay-tation" to ride the Toys R Us ferris wheel and play in Central Park (she learned about this after Mark and I took a trip there this summer)
*Go to "big girl school" like Katie & Maddie (her older & wiser school-age friends!)
*Have a baby brother named Jesus
*Learn to ice skate at the mall
When "she grows up", she will:
*be a teacher
*be a ballerina, like Ms. Tessy and Ms. Joanne (her ballet teacher & a professional ballerina we know)
*carry a big Bible to church
*be a Mommy and have 5 babies
*be on the dance team with pompoms (we see alot of highschool football games...)
The newest additions to the "grownup" list, came in the last 24 hours. We ate at Spring Creek Barbecue and she now wants to be "the Lady who cooks the bread and puts it in the baskets".
And as of this morning, she wants to be "a bus driver who can tell the kids to be good at school today" (We got stuck behind a preschool bus who was driving SO SLOW...I was so busy being mad at them, that I had to have my three year old redirect my thoughts to her dream-world of what is beyond today.)
It's so fun to watch her truly believe she can be anything and everything she wants to be. I hope that never changes....
Here is the life plan of Kendyll, as she has laid it out over the last few weeks & months:
"When she is four", she will:
*Go to work with Daddy to save the people at the hospital
*Take swim lessons and not cry (She wasn't so good at that when she was 3!)
*Play soccer with a pink shirt
*Share with her sister (in response to me asking "When are you going to let Carlie start playing with you?" Her response, "How about when I turn FOUR???")
"When she is five", she will:
*Go to New York for a "vay-tation" to ride the Toys R Us ferris wheel and play in Central Park (she learned about this after Mark and I took a trip there this summer)
*Go to "big girl school" like Katie & Maddie (her older & wiser school-age friends!)
*Have a baby brother named Jesus
*Learn to ice skate at the mall
When "she grows up", she will:
*be a teacher
*be a ballerina, like Ms. Tessy and Ms. Joanne (her ballet teacher & a professional ballerina we know)
*carry a big Bible to church
*be a Mommy and have 5 babies
*be on the dance team with pompoms (we see alot of highschool football games...)
The newest additions to the "grownup" list, came in the last 24 hours. We ate at Spring Creek Barbecue and she now wants to be "the Lady who cooks the bread and puts it in the baskets".
And as of this morning, she wants to be "a bus driver who can tell the kids to be good at school today" (We got stuck behind a preschool bus who was driving SO SLOW...I was so busy being mad at them, that I had to have my three year old redirect my thoughts to her dream-world of what is beyond today.)
It's so fun to watch her truly believe she can be anything and everything she wants to be. I hope that never changes....
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Today's Bloggable Moments
Well, it's the end of another week. Or, is it the beginning, really? I guess Sunday is "the first day of the week" as the Bible says, but I always think of it as the end. I guess I should change the way I see that----the week should start with Sunday for many reasons.
Anyway, today was a relatively uneventful day around here, but with a few moments that made it a good day. Blogging has been so wonderful for stopping to notice those times that I used to forget. Now, I will think, "man, I should blog about that" when something good happens.
This morning, I actually went to church alone, because both girls were a bit under the weather. That doesn't happen very often, so it was actually really good...Mark and I "watched" first service together at home on the internet (which is a great experience if you've never tried it.) Then, I spent a few minutes driving to church alone, which gave me prayer time and some uninterrupted time to listen to KLTY (Christian music) and get ready for my morning. Then, I got the pleasure of singing to and teaching some precious little babies at church with Holly. We had the calmest morning we've had so far with these 12-18 month kiddos! Then, off to run a couple of errands for my October planning for preschool. Home for lunch where we all ate at the same table, even though we all four ate something different. One of those kind of meals where you find what you can and what you're in the mood for. For Kendyll, this meant she got a "snack lunch" as she calls it, where she can put a hodge podge of things together, as long as all the food groups are represented somehow (sometimes with a stretch). Then, it was playtime, shortly followed by naptime, which is usually the sweetest time of day (except when your 3 1/2 year old is outgrowing naps and fights it all the way...I eventually won though.)
Then, Mark decided to help me out while he watched football and DID ALL OF OUR LAUNDRY!! I mean, at least six loads of it. Washed it, dried it, folded it, hung it, and put it away. Is there some husband-of-the-year contest that I don't know about that he is trying to win? In the last few days, I would guess so! (He also helped me cut out and iron diaper bags last night while we watched our movie!) So, it was a very productive afternoon around here.
The best part of my day was tonight after dinner when Mark and I just played with the girls. Kendyll always starts talking in these times and just makes us smile. Tonight she told us that she loves our family so much and that we should have 10 kids in it. I asked her what we would do with 10 of her, and what we would name them. Here's the list...Ballie (she looked at a ball for that one), Jesus, Pony Pony (looked at "My Little Pony"), Annika, Erica, Breanna (all Barbie Princesses), and Reesie Roo (Carlie's nickname). The funny things from the mouth of a 3 year old. (And, no, we're not having 10 kids....)
Carlie also had a fun night and made us laugh as usual. She started dancing and singing, along with all her other tricks (animal sounds, running and falling down on purpose, and finding all her body parts). But, then she busted out with something new that was so precious. She blew us kisses. Isn't it amazing how something so little can make you so happy in that moment? We always do that to her at bedtime, and tonight when I said "Are you ready to go night-night?" She started singing "night, night, Carlie" (a song Mark made up) and blew kisses to us. It was just precious and made me squeeze her a little harder up the stairs to her bedroom.
Now, all is quiet and I'm about to get back to work on Sunshine School, as well as call back a couple of friends. A great day....and hopefully a start to a great week.
Anyway, today was a relatively uneventful day around here, but with a few moments that made it a good day. Blogging has been so wonderful for stopping to notice those times that I used to forget. Now, I will think, "man, I should blog about that" when something good happens.
This morning, I actually went to church alone, because both girls were a bit under the weather. That doesn't happen very often, so it was actually really good...Mark and I "watched" first service together at home on the internet (which is a great experience if you've never tried it.) Then, I spent a few minutes driving to church alone, which gave me prayer time and some uninterrupted time to listen to KLTY (Christian music) and get ready for my morning. Then, I got the pleasure of singing to and teaching some precious little babies at church with Holly. We had the calmest morning we've had so far with these 12-18 month kiddos! Then, off to run a couple of errands for my October planning for preschool. Home for lunch where we all ate at the same table, even though we all four ate something different. One of those kind of meals where you find what you can and what you're in the mood for. For Kendyll, this meant she got a "snack lunch" as she calls it, where she can put a hodge podge of things together, as long as all the food groups are represented somehow (sometimes with a stretch). Then, it was playtime, shortly followed by naptime, which is usually the sweetest time of day (except when your 3 1/2 year old is outgrowing naps and fights it all the way...I eventually won though.)
Then, Mark decided to help me out while he watched football and DID ALL OF OUR LAUNDRY!! I mean, at least six loads of it. Washed it, dried it, folded it, hung it, and put it away. Is there some husband-of-the-year contest that I don't know about that he is trying to win? In the last few days, I would guess so! (He also helped me cut out and iron diaper bags last night while we watched our movie!) So, it was a very productive afternoon around here.
The best part of my day was tonight after dinner when Mark and I just played with the girls. Kendyll always starts talking in these times and just makes us smile. Tonight she told us that she loves our family so much and that we should have 10 kids in it. I asked her what we would do with 10 of her, and what we would name them. Here's the list...Ballie (she looked at a ball for that one), Jesus, Pony Pony (looked at "My Little Pony"), Annika, Erica, Breanna (all Barbie Princesses), and Reesie Roo (Carlie's nickname). The funny things from the mouth of a 3 year old. (And, no, we're not having 10 kids....)
Carlie also had a fun night and made us laugh as usual. She started dancing and singing, along with all her other tricks (animal sounds, running and falling down on purpose, and finding all her body parts). But, then she busted out with something new that was so precious. She blew us kisses. Isn't it amazing how something so little can make you so happy in that moment? We always do that to her at bedtime, and tonight when I said "Are you ready to go night-night?" She started singing "night, night, Carlie" (a song Mark made up) and blew kisses to us. It was just precious and made me squeeze her a little harder up the stairs to her bedroom.
Now, all is quiet and I'm about to get back to work on Sunshine School, as well as call back a couple of friends. A great day....and hopefully a start to a great week.
The Power of Antibiotics
I can't believe I'm embarrassing beautiful Carlie with such a horrible picture, but I just had to laugh when I found this in my folder of pictures. It is just amazing to me to see what antibiotics do for this kid. Now, these pictures are not from the last few days, although we are right back at picture #1 right now with the yucky nose, red eyes, and hurting ears. These pics were before and after her LAST round of Amoxicillin...only a few days apart, but oh what a difference it makes! Picture #2 is the Carlie we love. You can only imagine what it is like to try and make Carlie #1 happy at all! This time, I think some of the problem is allergies, but either way, we are getting into the ENT this week somehow. This all goes back to her ears, just like it always did with Kendyll.
I am working on putting more pictures up on my blogs. So, there will be others to come. Just thought I'd add a couple that make me laugh. Poor sick girl. (The worst part is that I'm working hard to get her well enough for school tomorrow....isn't that horrible??)
Friday, September 23, 2005
An Unplanned Day of Pampering
Well, I didn't really plan to have a day off to lay in bed all day, watching TV and taking naps as long as I wanted, but I got it anyway! Too bad it wasn't exactly that way....I'm actually back from the land of the stomach virus. And, boy am I glad! It was a killer this time---and it's always amazing how quickly it comes and how somewhat quickly it goes. Just in the last two hours, I have experienced an amazing comeback--thank the Lord!
So, thank you to Stephanie for taking care of my sweet Sunshine School children while I was home. And, thank you to Alyssa for handling all of our Christian Services stuff without my help! And, a HUGE thank you to my mom who had my little darlins through the worst part of my sick day and a half.
The HUGEST thank you of all goes to my simply amazing husband who truly takes his calling of "in sickness or in health" to heart in times like these. Not only was he willing to completely call off his trip to OKC and stay home to hold my hair back and give me a cold washcloth when I needed him to (was that a nice way of saying what I was doing alot of my day?), but he also took over my roles as Sunshine School teacher (found me a sub), Christian Services volunteer (took ALL of our auction items to the office for me) and was Mr. Mom to Kendyll and Carlie (drove an hour to pick them up, got them fed and changed, laid them down for naps, took them out for dinner, and even STILL made time for the Blockbuster run with his girls---see Post #2) After they got in bed, Mark cleaned up the house and got ready for Tivo watching with me. He was hoping for an easier night with me and the virus monster, I'm sure. But, he wasn't so lucky. My "sickness" continued on into the night last night too. And, once again, he was right there beside me, showing me yet again why I am the most blessed wife anywhere. (I know many of you would argue with that, but I, of course, think I'm right!)
So, thank you for all of your sweet calls and emails to check on me. I have the best friends and family and am so blessed by all of you.
We hope you all have a relaxing---and safe---weekend through the storms and rain that we're all expecting. We are praying hard for all of our friends down South who might be braving Rita. (And, Mark is secretly praying that his Coldplay concert isn't rained out either!) Seriously though, it is hard to imagine what it must be like to be where they are. May God protect them all.
So, thank you to Stephanie for taking care of my sweet Sunshine School children while I was home. And, thank you to Alyssa for handling all of our Christian Services stuff without my help! And, a HUGE thank you to my mom who had my little darlins through the worst part of my sick day and a half.
The HUGEST thank you of all goes to my simply amazing husband who truly takes his calling of "in sickness or in health" to heart in times like these. Not only was he willing to completely call off his trip to OKC and stay home to hold my hair back and give me a cold washcloth when I needed him to (was that a nice way of saying what I was doing alot of my day?), but he also took over my roles as Sunshine School teacher (found me a sub), Christian Services volunteer (took ALL of our auction items to the office for me) and was Mr. Mom to Kendyll and Carlie (drove an hour to pick them up, got them fed and changed, laid them down for naps, took them out for dinner, and even STILL made time for the Blockbuster run with his girls---see Post #2) After they got in bed, Mark cleaned up the house and got ready for Tivo watching with me. He was hoping for an easier night with me and the virus monster, I'm sure. But, he wasn't so lucky. My "sickness" continued on into the night last night too. And, once again, he was right there beside me, showing me yet again why I am the most blessed wife anywhere. (I know many of you would argue with that, but I, of course, think I'm right!)
So, thank you for all of your sweet calls and emails to check on me. I have the best friends and family and am so blessed by all of you.
We hope you all have a relaxing---and safe---weekend through the storms and rain that we're all expecting. We are praying hard for all of our friends down South who might be braving Rita. (And, Mark is secretly praying that his Coldplay concert isn't rained out either!) Seriously though, it is hard to imagine what it must be like to be where they are. May God protect them all.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
My Lingering List...
Well, I realized why it is not a good idea to publish your to-do list on your blog. WAY too many people know what you're supposed to be doing, instead of what you're actually spending your time doing instead!! It has been hillarious to me to hear so many friends asking "So, did you get all of your things done today?" And, of course, to all of them, I say "Well, not yet, but I'm still planning to work on it!" The truth is, I have had much more fun today than I would have had sewing and cutting out diaper bags all day....but, the other truth is, I have barely started on that project. :) I got seven bags cut out and they are laying out all over the floor, and I plan to tackle a few more after I finish "blogging". But, why is it that you never have enough hours for all the things you think you'll get to in a day's time?
Instead, what I did today was talked to old friends on the phone, along with two of my three sisters. Visited with my friend Sarah and her precious new baby boy(and tried to learn Coldplay songs on the way there). Shopped with my friend Alyssa for wonderful auction items that will hopefully make many kids--and parents--very happy on October 1st, and had dinner with one of my favorite mini-friends, Lauren. (and her Mommy, of course.) Alyssa and I literally shopped until we dropped, but that's nothing a little waffle fries and Cokes can't cure from the old favorite Chick-fil-A.
So, after all of that, I am now home and just about to tackle THE sewing project...for the third time today! All the while, I have been missing my girls like crazy. To the point where I actually considered (for about 45 seconds) picking them up a day early! What is my problem? As I blogged a few days ago, I knew I would do this!
It doesn't help that my mom calls to tell me every cute thing they do, and I can just picture them doing it and I just want to hug them right then!....and then I want to squeeze that little place at the top of their thigh where it's all nice and pudgy and kiss them in that spot where their neck meets the bottom of their ear....oh it's irresistible even typing it!! Since leaving yesterday, Carlie has learned how to "hee haw" while at the farm, along with perfecting her already adorable "mooo", "baaa" (this sounds like a very slow machine gun an octave too low for a sheep's voice...it's hillarious), "neigh" (just like a 'baa' only an octave higher), and she can't stop giving her Gammy and Maw Maw her famous open-mouthed kisses that are to die for.
Kendyll has worn her red cowgirl hat and boots since they walked in the door and has been to ride the horses, feed the cows, and drive the Gator countless times already. My favorite story is from yesterday, about an hour after they arrived. My mom said she busted out in a prayer in the middle of the horse barn, thanking God for everything she saw around her. So funny, but yet so precious. It is a wonderful thing to hear that your daughter was so happy that she just started praying out loud for the blessings of the moment. She also makes me laugh because any time she goes anywhere else to stay, she always has to check out the "rules" there, even though it's usually family who know the same "rules" from our house. What's funny is that she's not trying to get out of the rules---she is making sure they are remaining exactly the same as our rules at home. I think it's so cute to hear her make sure that she gets "one long story or two short ones" at bedtime, that she can get out of her bed only to go potty, and has to take a nap to get a movie or show. (along with a host of other rules, that will bore you to tears.)
So, as you can tell, even though I'm without children tonight, I am spending more of my time thinking about them than anything on my original list "to do". But, right now, as I type my last sentence, I am on my way to the sewing room to "get my rear in gear"!! Wish me luck.
Instead, what I did today was talked to old friends on the phone, along with two of my three sisters. Visited with my friend Sarah and her precious new baby boy(and tried to learn Coldplay songs on the way there). Shopped with my friend Alyssa for wonderful auction items that will hopefully make many kids--and parents--very happy on October 1st, and had dinner with one of my favorite mini-friends, Lauren. (and her Mommy, of course.) Alyssa and I literally shopped until we dropped, but that's nothing a little waffle fries and Cokes can't cure from the old favorite Chick-fil-A.
So, after all of that, I am now home and just about to tackle THE sewing project...for the third time today! All the while, I have been missing my girls like crazy. To the point where I actually considered (for about 45 seconds) picking them up a day early! What is my problem? As I blogged a few days ago, I knew I would do this!
It doesn't help that my mom calls to tell me every cute thing they do, and I can just picture them doing it and I just want to hug them right then!....and then I want to squeeze that little place at the top of their thigh where it's all nice and pudgy and kiss them in that spot where their neck meets the bottom of their ear....oh it's irresistible even typing it!! Since leaving yesterday, Carlie has learned how to "hee haw" while at the farm, along with perfecting her already adorable "mooo", "baaa" (this sounds like a very slow machine gun an octave too low for a sheep's voice...it's hillarious), "neigh" (just like a 'baa' only an octave higher), and she can't stop giving her Gammy and Maw Maw her famous open-mouthed kisses that are to die for.
Kendyll has worn her red cowgirl hat and boots since they walked in the door and has been to ride the horses, feed the cows, and drive the Gator countless times already. My favorite story is from yesterday, about an hour after they arrived. My mom said she busted out in a prayer in the middle of the horse barn, thanking God for everything she saw around her. So funny, but yet so precious. It is a wonderful thing to hear that your daughter was so happy that she just started praying out loud for the blessings of the moment. She also makes me laugh because any time she goes anywhere else to stay, she always has to check out the "rules" there, even though it's usually family who know the same "rules" from our house. What's funny is that she's not trying to get out of the rules---she is making sure they are remaining exactly the same as our rules at home. I think it's so cute to hear her make sure that she gets "one long story or two short ones" at bedtime, that she can get out of her bed only to go potty, and has to take a nap to get a movie or show. (along with a host of other rules, that will bore you to tears.)
So, as you can tell, even though I'm without children tonight, I am spending more of my time thinking about them than anything on my original list "to do". But, right now, as I type my last sentence, I am on my way to the sewing room to "get my rear in gear"!! Wish me luck.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Home Alone...and Oh So Happy!
Today is an exciting day at the Jacobs house. First of all, both kids are sleeping right now, which makes my day! There is something so peaceful about your little ones asleep, along with your husband, after having a busy morning at church and company over for lunch. It's a rewarding feeling to see them all happy....and very quiet!!
The second reason I'm excited is because I am packing a suitcase for the week ahead. I know, I know, that sounds like I have some fun vacation coming my way...but that's not the case. And, although I usually HATE packing our family for trips, it's not so bad when packing means you have a kid-free house for a few days in a row. (Actually, I say that, and then I'll miss them by tomorrow!) You see, Mark and I will be home alone this week while Kendyll and Carlie go play at Gammy's house ALL WEEK LONG! (Well, until Thursday night, but that seems like a long time right now!) So, I am about to begin the chores of washing clothes and piling play clothes in a suitcase for my two precious girls.
I am looking very forward to this week, because there is so much to do while they're gone! Isn't it funny how long your to-do list looks when you have a few days to yourself? Right now, I think I can conquer the world in the next 3 1/2 days, because I'll just have this unlimited time to accomplish tasks with. But, I should prepare myself that it may not happen exactly that way.
My list for a mere three days includes:
1) Design, cut out, and sew 40-50 bags, 15 hooded towels, and 15 changing pads for the Hyer Elementary Craft Bazaar that I somehow got myself into. (obviously, I should stop here with my list, since I won't even get #1 done...but maybe I'll get them at least cut out!)
2) Finish gathering donations with Alyssa for the Christian Works for Children Auction. We have a shopping spree scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to finish up the items we needed by last Friday...oops!
3) See Sarah's new baby boy!! I still haven't met little Owen, and I'm dying to get up there to see the whole family....so, Sarah, if you get to read this, I promise I'm coming soon!!
4) Learn all the Coldplay songs from the latest album, before Mark and I go on a date this Saturday to their concert. (I don't exactly get to listen to REAL songs as much as Mark does, so I don't know many of them yet. But, now I get a whole week of adult music!)
5) Plan the entire month of October for Sunshine School. I've started the process, but the real work is still ahead. :) (Anyone have good ideas for Halloween crafts????)
6) Send two birthday presents and four birthday cards to friends who had birthdays ALREADY this month! (late...I know....Sara and Jenise, please forgive me. I'm a horrible roomie.) PLUS, five "new baby on the way/ pregnancy" congrats to mail out. We have a busy months ahead with all the babies!
7) And, finally, catch up on hubby time! Even though we both have a busy week ahead, we are looking forward to the simple things that come with a quiet house. Dinners together without any "Ummm, excuse me, I need some attention" comments---Yes, our three year old really does say that!! And, being able to be loud at 9:00 pm if we want to. Heck, maybe I'll learn my Coldplay songs by BLASTING them through the house on our surround sound with NOONE to wake up! We might even have time to take a walk without a stroller, wagon, or tricycle to take along.
8) Oh, and, somewhere in there, I plan to have some time set aside for reading too. I have all kinds of books and magazines that I am only halfway through!
So, there goes my week...more like month or two! :) But, the best part of this entire week will be Thursday evening, when I meet up with my mom and get those two precious girls back in my arms...both at the same time...for the biggest hugs and squeezes ever. Those moments make the rest of my to-do list seem inconsequential and silly. I love my girls so much, and I'm missing them already.
The second reason I'm excited is because I am packing a suitcase for the week ahead. I know, I know, that sounds like I have some fun vacation coming my way...but that's not the case. And, although I usually HATE packing our family for trips, it's not so bad when packing means you have a kid-free house for a few days in a row. (Actually, I say that, and then I'll miss them by tomorrow!) You see, Mark and I will be home alone this week while Kendyll and Carlie go play at Gammy's house ALL WEEK LONG! (Well, until Thursday night, but that seems like a long time right now!) So, I am about to begin the chores of washing clothes and piling play clothes in a suitcase for my two precious girls.
I am looking very forward to this week, because there is so much to do while they're gone! Isn't it funny how long your to-do list looks when you have a few days to yourself? Right now, I think I can conquer the world in the next 3 1/2 days, because I'll just have this unlimited time to accomplish tasks with. But, I should prepare myself that it may not happen exactly that way.
My list for a mere three days includes:
1) Design, cut out, and sew 40-50 bags, 15 hooded towels, and 15 changing pads for the Hyer Elementary Craft Bazaar that I somehow got myself into. (obviously, I should stop here with my list, since I won't even get #1 done...but maybe I'll get them at least cut out!)
2) Finish gathering donations with Alyssa for the Christian Works for Children Auction. We have a shopping spree scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to finish up the items we needed by last Friday...oops!
3) See Sarah's new baby boy!! I still haven't met little Owen, and I'm dying to get up there to see the whole family....so, Sarah, if you get to read this, I promise I'm coming soon!!
4) Learn all the Coldplay songs from the latest album, before Mark and I go on a date this Saturday to their concert. (I don't exactly get to listen to REAL songs as much as Mark does, so I don't know many of them yet. But, now I get a whole week of adult music!)
5) Plan the entire month of October for Sunshine School. I've started the process, but the real work is still ahead. :) (Anyone have good ideas for Halloween crafts????)
6) Send two birthday presents and four birthday cards to friends who had birthdays ALREADY this month! (late...I know....Sara and Jenise, please forgive me. I'm a horrible roomie.) PLUS, five "new baby on the way/ pregnancy" congrats to mail out. We have a busy months ahead with all the babies!
7) And, finally, catch up on hubby time! Even though we both have a busy week ahead, we are looking forward to the simple things that come with a quiet house. Dinners together without any "Ummm, excuse me, I need some attention" comments---Yes, our three year old really does say that!! And, being able to be loud at 9:00 pm if we want to. Heck, maybe I'll learn my Coldplay songs by BLASTING them through the house on our surround sound with NOONE to wake up! We might even have time to take a walk without a stroller, wagon, or tricycle to take along.
8) Oh, and, somewhere in there, I plan to have some time set aside for reading too. I have all kinds of books and magazines that I am only halfway through!
So, there goes my week...more like month or two! :) But, the best part of this entire week will be Thursday evening, when I meet up with my mom and get those two precious girls back in my arms...both at the same time...for the biggest hugs and squeezes ever. Those moments make the rest of my to-do list seem inconsequential and silly. I love my girls so much, and I'm missing them already.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Friday Night Traditions
Well, I'm back already...to finish my first day of blogging before Mark and I enjoy "movie night" at home. (By the way, this is one of my favorite things to do on a weekend night....or any night, for that matter!) Of course, tonight the movies of choice at Blockbuster were not my favorites, but we'll see how it goes....
The Weekend Blockbuster Trip has now become a daddy & daughter tradition, which is just the cutest thing. Movie watching has always been their favorite thing to do together, so it shouldn't be any surprise, really, that they've started this together. Today, when Kendyll woke up from her nap, and Mark got finished with his work for the day, the three of them (Carlie is only allowed SOME of the time) headed out to get the weekend's rentals. Now, I have to give credit to Pam B. for this relatively new habit in our family. She got us hooked on renting movies after her kids would bring a new one every time they visited us! And, of course, if Mark is going to start something, it's not going to be in a small way. He has now become one of the "frequent flyer" members of Blockbuster, so we can get in on all the latest deals (and ads) that they have. We get all these free "non-new release" movies, so Kendyll gets her choice of any of the old classics for free...tonight the choice was American Tail. (Cortni & Cassie, does it make you want to go to a "wowwy"?) All the movies we end up with either remind me of my childhood or my sisters' childhoods, so it's pretty fun for Mark and me too to go back in time. Except for the new addiction of Barbie movies that she has become hooked on too (I give that credit to Alisa P...) For those of you who haven't been so lucky to get to watch these, they have great lessons and morals, but REALLY annoying music.
So, as you can tell, I am only able to blog right now, in the middle of a Friday evening, because Mark and Kendyll are completely distracted by their daddy/daughter movie time. This involves microwave popcorn with extra "orange stuff" (aka popcorn salt), an ACU sweatshirt blanket, two big pillows, and "toes touching" on the couch, with a remote control handy to fast-forward any "not nice" or "scary" parts...which happen way too much for kid-rated Disney movies--but that's a whole other soapbox for me!!
Wow....I am way too good at rambling with this blogging thing. That's not even what I meant for my first post to be about! And, look! I just spent WAY too long talking about that! So, I guess I better change the title to this post from what it was originally planned to be, and go with what started coming out as I typed! Wow...this is way too much fun! :)
We hope everyone has a great weekend!
The Weekend Blockbuster Trip has now become a daddy & daughter tradition, which is just the cutest thing. Movie watching has always been their favorite thing to do together, so it shouldn't be any surprise, really, that they've started this together. Today, when Kendyll woke up from her nap, and Mark got finished with his work for the day, the three of them (Carlie is only allowed SOME of the time) headed out to get the weekend's rentals. Now, I have to give credit to Pam B. for this relatively new habit in our family. She got us hooked on renting movies after her kids would bring a new one every time they visited us! And, of course, if Mark is going to start something, it's not going to be in a small way. He has now become one of the "frequent flyer" members of Blockbuster, so we can get in on all the latest deals (and ads) that they have. We get all these free "non-new release" movies, so Kendyll gets her choice of any of the old classics for free...tonight the choice was American Tail. (Cortni & Cassie, does it make you want to go to a "wowwy"?) All the movies we end up with either remind me of my childhood or my sisters' childhoods, so it's pretty fun for Mark and me too to go back in time. Except for the new addiction of Barbie movies that she has become hooked on too (I give that credit to Alisa P...) For those of you who haven't been so lucky to get to watch these, they have great lessons and morals, but REALLY annoying music.
So, as you can tell, I am only able to blog right now, in the middle of a Friday evening, because Mark and Kendyll are completely distracted by their daddy/daughter movie time. This involves microwave popcorn with extra "orange stuff" (aka popcorn salt), an ACU sweatshirt blanket, two big pillows, and "toes touching" on the couch, with a remote control handy to fast-forward any "not nice" or "scary" parts...which happen way too much for kid-rated Disney movies--but that's a whole other soapbox for me!!
Wow....I am way too good at rambling with this blogging thing. That's not even what I meant for my first post to be about! And, look! I just spent WAY too long talking about that! So, I guess I better change the title to this post from what it was originally planned to be, and go with what started coming out as I typed! Wow...this is way too much fun! :)
We hope everyone has a great weekend!
The Jacobs Go "Online"....
Wow....as I sit here staring at this big, empty text box, I feel a little bit like I do every time I open the door to the "scrapbook closet" at my house....so much unchartered territory leaves me more than overwhelmed! All of these possibilities lie ahead of me if I would just sit down and start!!
I have to admit that I have been a blog-reader for months...taking sneak-peeks at everyone else's daily life. But, I have finally committed myself to the blogging world. After reading so many friends' blogs, I have come to realize that this is something I just have to try. Like many of you, I want a place where all my thoughts and stories are in one place (besides my head) for my family and friends to read about our life as a family. And, more than anything, for my own children to someday be able to see what daily life for them and their parents was like. I have beat myself up so many times over not having a journal of "the little things" that happen daily around here, and for neglecting to capture those special moments that I notice, appreciate, and then forget because I don’t write them down.
But, the weird part is that all of that has somehow kept me away from journaling or "blogging". As crazy as that sounds, I have never known where to start! But, all of you out there who I keep up with through your wonderfully entertaining blogs, have inspired me to "just start with today". (This might be my new motto, to add to my other favorite of "Be still and know"...can you tell what I have a hard time doing?) So, here I am, with an already not-s0-empty text box, starting with right now, today....
I have learned from this that I can't take some things so seriously (a problem I have quite often, as many of you may know...), but that I should enjoy this time of blogging as a way to capture those little things that matter most! So, I hope this is a great place for me to write the sometimes-too-serious "musings" of my heart and mind, but also the downright hysterical things that happen in this house. There is a whole lot of both around here, believe me!
So, "here's to blogging"!! And, before I get the award for the longest first blog ever, I will go....and I'll be back after dinner!!
I have to admit that I have been a blog-reader for months...taking sneak-peeks at everyone else's daily life. But, I have finally committed myself to the blogging world. After reading so many friends' blogs, I have come to realize that this is something I just have to try. Like many of you, I want a place where all my thoughts and stories are in one place (besides my head) for my family and friends to read about our life as a family. And, more than anything, for my own children to someday be able to see what daily life for them and their parents was like. I have beat myself up so many times over not having a journal of "the little things" that happen daily around here, and for neglecting to capture those special moments that I notice, appreciate, and then forget because I don’t write them down.
But, the weird part is that all of that has somehow kept me away from journaling or "blogging". As crazy as that sounds, I have never known where to start! But, all of you out there who I keep up with through your wonderfully entertaining blogs, have inspired me to "just start with today". (This might be my new motto, to add to my other favorite of "Be still and know"...can you tell what I have a hard time doing?) So, here I am, with an already not-s0-empty text box, starting with right now, today....
I have learned from this that I can't take some things so seriously (a problem I have quite often, as many of you may know...), but that I should enjoy this time of blogging as a way to capture those little things that matter most! So, I hope this is a great place for me to write the sometimes-too-serious "musings" of my heart and mind, but also the downright hysterical things that happen in this house. There is a whole lot of both around here, believe me!
So, "here's to blogging"!! And, before I get the award for the longest first blog ever, I will go....and I'll be back after dinner!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)