Oh, I can't help but include this quote as it made me laugh. As you can tell, Lauralyn talks about Jesus a lot...
Upon celebrating a very successful trip to the potty:
Me: Great job, Lauralyn! Thank you for telling me you had to go! Wonderful!
LL (very seriously): Jesus told me to go potty.
At least she gives credit where credit is due!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Lulu Quote of the Day
A conversation while on our walk this morning:
LL: Mommy where is Jesus?
Me: He's in Heaven.
LL: In heaven? Is he at our house?
Me: In a sense, yes.
LL: Is he making supper?
Me: Hmmm. Well, he is preparing a feast.
LL: He's making pancakes and eggs.
It amazes me how the 2 year old mind works. And how cool that Noah makes Lauralyn a "feast" every Saturday morning of pancakes and eggs, and unknowingly has demonstrated the love of her Heavenly Father by doing so.
LL: Mommy where is Jesus?
Me: He's in Heaven.
LL: In heaven? Is he at our house?
Me: In a sense, yes.
LL: Is he making supper?
Me: Hmmm. Well, he is preparing a feast.
LL: He's making pancakes and eggs.
It amazes me how the 2 year old mind works. And how cool that Noah makes Lauralyn a "feast" every Saturday morning of pancakes and eggs, and unknowingly has demonstrated the love of her Heavenly Father by doing so.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
self feeding = bath time
Kristin is enjoying more and more table food. Cheerios occupy her in a pinch, and the self feeding mesh doohickey is fun until it's time to clean up. She was eating strawberries in the photos, and it was a huge mess! No teeth as of yet, but that doesn't slow Kristin down! She wants to eat what her big brother and sister eat!
After a messy meal, the next course of action is bath time. This is the first (and possibly the last) time all 3 kids were in the bath together. It was a bit wild for mommy, but Kristin didn't bat an eye at all the water action. Isaac has gotten to where he enjoys showers, so thankfully, that makes bath time a little less crowded. I love this photo of Kristin peaking over the side of the tub. She is my sweet brown eyed girl!
After a messy meal, the next course of action is bath time. This is the first (and possibly the last) time all 3 kids were in the bath together. It was a bit wild for mommy, but Kristin didn't bat an eye at all the water action. Isaac has gotten to where he enjoys showers, so thankfully, that makes bath time a little less crowded. I love this photo of Kristin peaking over the side of the tub. She is my sweet brown eyed girl!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Lulu Quote of the Day
LL: Mommy, a lion bit my leg.
Me: A lion?
LL: Yes, a lion. Need a band-aid. Need to air it out. Make it feel better.
(I think she may have dreamed this as this was a early morning conversation. The "air it out" part is hysterical, b/c poor Lauralyn had two bad knee scrapes this summer, and I would tell her to "air it out" to "make it feel better" so that she wouldn't fuss about not having a band-aid.)
Me: A lion?
LL: Yes, a lion. Need a band-aid. Need to air it out. Make it feel better.
(I think she may have dreamed this as this was a early morning conversation. The "air it out" part is hysterical, b/c poor Lauralyn had two bad knee scrapes this summer, and I would tell her to "air it out" to "make it feel better" so that she wouldn't fuss about not having a band-aid.)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Isaac's First Day of School
Is it possible?! I have a child in school! I know it's just pre-school, but still! Today was Isaac's first day of school. His class will be on Mon./Wed./Fri., and I think he is going to love having a chance to routinely get out of the house. His class is just huge...4 children total! I am really happy with a 4 to 1 ratio, as Isaac will get plenty of attention. They learn a letter each week, and they have a Bible verse to go along with each letter.
Here is a picture of Isaac from when I went to pick him up today. He was delighted with his tower building skills. The other photo is of a friend in his class who we know through MOPS. The two boys have known each other since they were babies, and now they get to be in school together!
Here is a picture of Isaac from when I went to pick him up today. He was delighted with his tower building skills. The other photo is of a friend in his class who we know through MOPS. The two boys have known each other since they were babies, and now they get to be in school together!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Kristin @ 8 months
Kristin turns 8 months old today! She is such a gift, we really enjoy every bit of her in our lives. Her hair is just now getting long enough that I can put a hair bow in, and of course she still has her signature rogue curl on the left side of her head. In another 4 months we should be able to tell if she is going to have lots of curls like her sister.
Kristin is crawling with ease, and enjoys putting everything in her mouth. Too often, I have pulled a piece of mulch, or paper, or a shoe from her mouth. She is eating Cheerios and small pieces of banana, and she can't wait to eat more table food. I have cut nursing back from 4 times a day to 3 times (morning, mid-day, and night). I hope she will continue this until she is at least a year old... but we'll see. I have started to supplement her morning oatmeal with goat's milk, just to give her a little more substance. She certainly isn't lacking in growth, and has plenty of insulation for the future cold months. But I love snuggling a "healthy" baby! Once she starts walking, she'll trim down, as was the case with Lauralyn.
Kristin's nickname has really stuck, and several people call her Smiley. She is a very friendly and happy baby. My own nickname for her is Munchie. I don't know why, but it fits for whatever reason.
I love her brownness. Her brown hair and eyes, and the brown complexion of her skin. She will be one of those "tan in one day" kind of people. Neither her father, nor myself have this trait (we are pretty white)... but I know her uncle David, and Great Grampa Don get dark very easily.
Kristin is starting to babble more, and just today, while sitting at lunch I was laughing pretty hard (on the inside) as a table full of grown people were speaking baby babble in order to engage her in conversation. I wish I had a tape recorder. She has also learned to shake her head back and forth. She thinks it's a lot of fun, and loves it if you shake your head back and forth in response. A simple game, but oh so cute.
I often tell Kristin, "I hope my future babies are as easy as you." She has been so adaptable, and very quick to go with the flow. There are days she will sleep so late, that she only takes one big nap in the middle of the day. Can you believe, she has actually slept from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.? This is of course rare, but she will usually sleep until 8:00 a.m. or later. She loves sleeping in the basement, where it is peaceful and cozy. I suppose once she is old enough to understand the concept of sharing a room with Lauralyn, we'll move her in there. But for now, she is comfortable in the pack-n-play, and if it ain't broke then why fix it? Right?
I know this is a lengthy report, but remember... I don't have time to scrap book, and Kristin's baby book is empty. I blog not only for friend and family to keep up with our lives, but for my kids to have a record of what went on when they were young!
Kristin is crawling with ease, and enjoys putting everything in her mouth. Too often, I have pulled a piece of mulch, or paper, or a shoe from her mouth. She is eating Cheerios and small pieces of banana, and she can't wait to eat more table food. I have cut nursing back from 4 times a day to 3 times (morning, mid-day, and night). I hope she will continue this until she is at least a year old... but we'll see. I have started to supplement her morning oatmeal with goat's milk, just to give her a little more substance. She certainly isn't lacking in growth, and has plenty of insulation for the future cold months. But I love snuggling a "healthy" baby! Once she starts walking, she'll trim down, as was the case with Lauralyn.
Kristin's nickname has really stuck, and several people call her Smiley. She is a very friendly and happy baby. My own nickname for her is Munchie. I don't know why, but it fits for whatever reason.
I love her brownness. Her brown hair and eyes, and the brown complexion of her skin. She will be one of those "tan in one day" kind of people. Neither her father, nor myself have this trait (we are pretty white)... but I know her uncle David, and Great Grampa Don get dark very easily.
Kristin is starting to babble more, and just today, while sitting at lunch I was laughing pretty hard (on the inside) as a table full of grown people were speaking baby babble in order to engage her in conversation. I wish I had a tape recorder. She has also learned to shake her head back and forth. She thinks it's a lot of fun, and loves it if you shake your head back and forth in response. A simple game, but oh so cute.
I often tell Kristin, "I hope my future babies are as easy as you." She has been so adaptable, and very quick to go with the flow. There are days she will sleep so late, that she only takes one big nap in the middle of the day. Can you believe, she has actually slept from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.? This is of course rare, but she will usually sleep until 8:00 a.m. or later. She loves sleeping in the basement, where it is peaceful and cozy. I suppose once she is old enough to understand the concept of sharing a room with Lauralyn, we'll move her in there. But for now, she is comfortable in the pack-n-play, and if it ain't broke then why fix it? Right?
I know this is a lengthy report, but remember... I don't have time to scrap book, and Kristin's baby book is empty. I blog not only for friend and family to keep up with our lives, but for my kids to have a record of what went on when they were young!
Friday, August 17, 2007
40 Day Challenge...Day 38
Wow! I had to count on the calendar how many days have gone by since starting the 40 Day Challenge! This Sunday will be the last day. I never thought these 40 days would go by so quickly or be so easy. I have lost 12+ pounds during this time which is amazing considering I eat a lot! My goal is to loose another 12 pounds by mid-October, which would put me at my "wedding weight." Ultimately, I don't have a number in mind that I want to weigh. I do, however plan to continue eating just as I have been, maybe adding the occasional meat or bread. I figure my weight will plateau at what is healthiest for me.
What I love most about eating so many fruits and veggies is that I no longer have the whole guilt complex of "I know this is bad for me, but I'm going to eat it anyway." I don't think I could fully enjoy ever eating a hotdog or chips again b/c I know exactly what it does to my insides. It's similar to cigarettes... every once in a rare while, I crave a cigarette (an old college habit)... but I could never again enjoy smoking one b/c all I would think about is the havoc it is reeking on my pretty pink lungs.
This whole food lifestyle is trickling down to my kids' eating habits. They know that treats are rare, and will gladly accept fruit as dessert. As Lauralyn potty trains, it excites her to get her treat for using the potty... it's a JP+ thin (a naturally flavored fiber wafer). They are also learning that meat is a treat. After all, organic deli sliced turkey is over $12 per pound, which is twice the cost of conventional deli turkey. Lately, I just serve one meat dish a week for supper (I skip out on the meat, but Noah and the kids gobble it up, and appreciate it more than ever).
While I don't think I could ever eliminate dairy from the family diet, but I do hope to start Kristin off as dairy free as possible. (It's hard to break the older kids, since they are so used to cow's milk, which they only have one cup of per day.) I think the occasional cheese and yogurt is okay, but once Kristin weans, I will be starting her on goat's milk. A nutritionist told me that goat's milk is more like human milk, and more widely used in the world. While amazingly goat's milk is available at Walmart, I am going to seek out the local goat farmer that is rumored to sell milk among other goat milk products.
So, just 2 more days of this challenge. The real challenge will be to continue eating as healthy as possible. I am striving to "live long and die short." In other words, I want to be vibrant well into those "elderly" years...I want to be able to chase after my future grandchildren and great children without missing a beat. This Monday, I believe I will celebrate the end of the 40 days, and have Noah grill some wild Salmon! Yum!
What I love most about eating so many fruits and veggies is that I no longer have the whole guilt complex of "I know this is bad for me, but I'm going to eat it anyway." I don't think I could fully enjoy ever eating a hotdog or chips again b/c I know exactly what it does to my insides. It's similar to cigarettes... every once in a rare while, I crave a cigarette (an old college habit)... but I could never again enjoy smoking one b/c all I would think about is the havoc it is reeking on my pretty pink lungs.
This whole food lifestyle is trickling down to my kids' eating habits. They know that treats are rare, and will gladly accept fruit as dessert. As Lauralyn potty trains, it excites her to get her treat for using the potty... it's a JP+ thin (a naturally flavored fiber wafer). They are also learning that meat is a treat. After all, organic deli sliced turkey is over $12 per pound, which is twice the cost of conventional deli turkey. Lately, I just serve one meat dish a week for supper (I skip out on the meat, but Noah and the kids gobble it up, and appreciate it more than ever).
While I don't think I could ever eliminate dairy from the family diet, but I do hope to start Kristin off as dairy free as possible. (It's hard to break the older kids, since they are so used to cow's milk, which they only have one cup of per day.) I think the occasional cheese and yogurt is okay, but once Kristin weans, I will be starting her on goat's milk. A nutritionist told me that goat's milk is more like human milk, and more widely used in the world. While amazingly goat's milk is available at Walmart, I am going to seek out the local goat farmer that is rumored to sell milk among other goat milk products.
So, just 2 more days of this challenge. The real challenge will be to continue eating as healthy as possible. I am striving to "live long and die short." In other words, I want to be vibrant well into those "elderly" years...I want to be able to chase after my future grandchildren and great children without missing a beat. This Monday, I believe I will celebrate the end of the 40 days, and have Noah grill some wild Salmon! Yum!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Jamaica (by Noah)
Our Jamaica mission trip has been a blessing. There were no major injuries and no travel problems or delays. We worked hard on the school for the deaf working on the security wall and cleaning the dorms for the children to return to. Isaac and I had plenty of bonding time and I will always remember this trip. It is good to be back and have AC and hot showers. I miss the fresh fruit from the trees. I have plenty of stories and photos to share, but here are journal entries if you are interested.
Thank you for your prayers and support and making this possible. Isaac is ready to go back next Saturday.
Saturday 8/4/07
This was our travel day to Jamaica. Our flight went smoothly and showed up early. The customs guy gave me a real hard time about bringing Isaac to a foreign country without written proof from his mother. For a moment I thought we would have to turn right back around, but he let us on through. We got our luggage and the group packed into hot minivans and went for a cultural lunch at BK [Burger King]. After a short ride through the streets of Montego bay we arrived at campus and Isaac was ready to work. He quickly broke out the shovels he brought and found some dirt. We had orientation, had a devotional and Isaac and I took a very uncomfortable ice-cold shower.
Sunday 8/5/07
We got up early and had eggs for breakfast. We went to a Jamaican church in the morning. Isaac did real well for the first hour and then he got restless. We went outside for about a half hour then retreated to a room where the kids could play. Isaac does not like to be inside and he was not excited about this idea, but a boy came out of a room with rubber balls attached to rubber bands that velcroed around your wrist. There was enough for all of the fifteen children in the small room. I spent most of the remaining hour and a half in a very uncomfortable game of dodge ball taking breaks to untangle strings. It was good to see the kids having fun and playing together.
We had the opportunity to spend the remaining afternoon at the beach. Isaac brought his shovel and dug away at the sand. I also swam him out the the big inflatable trampoline to go jump off of out in the ocean. He liked it until he realized that salt water was not fun to get in your face.
When we returned Isaac and I took a very uncomfortable ice-cold shower.
Monday 8/6/07
We got up early and had eggs for breakfast.
Today was our first work day. Isaac was excited and ready to go. I was put on a wall team and I started shoveling gravel into wooden boxes to be then lifted into the mixer. After mortar or concrete was mixed I wheelbarrowed it off.
Isaac got bored with shoveling, went to paint, went to play, went to paint, went to dig.....
That evening Isaac and I took a very uncomfortable ice-cold shower.
Tuesday 8/7/07
We go up early and had eggs for breakfast.
Today was our second work day. Isaac was excited and ready to go. I started shoveling gravel into wooden boxes to be then lifted into the mixer. After mortar or concrete was mixed I wheelbarrowed it off.
Isaac got bored with shoveling, went to paint, went to play, went to paint, went to dig.....
That evening I tried to convince Isaac to take a very uncomfortable ice-cold shower.
Wednesday 8/8/07
We go up early and had eggs for breakfast.
Today was our third work day. Isaac was excited and ready to go. I started shoveling gravel into wooden boxes to be then lifted into the mixer. After mortar or concrete was mixed I wheelbarrowed it off. I also worked with Greg and Jesse on building the glass top of the wall.
Isaac got bored with shoveling, went to paint, went to play, went to paint, went to dig.....
That evening I took a very uncomfortable ice-cold shower. I wiped down Isaac with a washcloth.
Thursday 8/9/07
We go up early and had eggs for breakfast.
Today was our last work day. Isaac was excited and ready to go. Since a majority of the grunt work was done I wanted to see what Isaac wanted to work on and work with him. We started sweeping and he helped a lot using his scraper to clean out gutters and helping pick up trash. I spent the rest of the day doing odd jobs and Isaac spent the afternoon playing and having a good time with this friends.
That evening we used the solar showers that we found. We took a luke-warm shower with no water pressure.
Friday 8/10/07
We go up early and had eggs for breakfast.
We went for a couple hour drive out to Dunns River Falls to climb the cascading waterfalls. It was some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen and Isaac loved it. We also got to see where Columbus landed in Jamaica and spent some time at a craft market.
That evening Isaac wanted to take a shower, but we had no warm water due to the cloudy conditions. He still wanted to take one thinking it would be warm, so we took a very uncomfortable ice-cold shower.
Saturday 8/11/07
We go up early and had eggs for breakfast.
We waited to go to the airport. We waited at the airport. We waited on the plane. We waited for our luggage. We got home.
That evening Isaac wanted to take a shower. He had a warm shower and slept.
Jesus meets our needs
Lauralyn loves watching Christmas videos. We have several that are geared for babies and toddlers, full of Christmas images and music. I suppose there are several snow scenes as well. While playing with the hose on a hot day, Lauralyn thoughtfully says, "Mommy, Jesus needs to buy me some snow."
And then again, late one night as I was reading in bed (Noah was still in the living room), Lauralyn snuck into my room and climbed into the bed stating, "Mommy, I want to sleep in your bed."
I explain, "Lauralyn, Daddy sleeps in my bed too, and there is not enough room for all three of us."
Without missing a beat, she answers, "Well, Jesus needs to make me some room."
How cute! At least she is getting a 2 year old's version of the truth that Jesus is the provider of our needs... and our wants.
And then again, late one night as I was reading in bed (Noah was still in the living room), Lauralyn snuck into my room and climbed into the bed stating, "Mommy, I want to sleep in your bed."
I explain, "Lauralyn, Daddy sleeps in my bed too, and there is not enough room for all three of us."
Without missing a beat, she answers, "Well, Jesus needs to make me some room."
How cute! At least she is getting a 2 year old's version of the truth that Jesus is the provider of our needs... and our wants.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
The Boys are Back!
Noah and Isaac arrived home at around 7:30 last night, and all 4 of us girls (Jezebel included) were very happy to see them! No major battle wounds to speak of with exception of the hundreds of bug bites on poor Isaac. Apparently he met a little boy there who liked to wrestle as much as he does, and rolling in the grass gives little bugs a chance for a yummy meal. Noah (and Isaac)worked hard all week, building a security wall, painting dorms, and cleaning. What a great experience for them, and certainly a time for father/son bonding!
Isaac was very excited to bring gifts home for the girls, but he was most proud of his shark's tooth necklace. Lauralyn and I were also given necklaces, and Lauralyn got a little purse with her nickname on it (Lulu). Daddy brought home a small bottle of Jamaica Rum Cream for himself.
Noah took lots of photos on his work's old digital camera, so hopefully he will send me some that I can post. Isaac asked me this morning, "When am I going back to Jamaica?" I guess that means he really did have a great time. :-)
Isaac was very excited to bring gifts home for the girls, but he was most proud of his shark's tooth necklace. Lauralyn and I were also given necklaces, and Lauralyn got a little purse with her nickname on it (Lulu). Daddy brought home a small bottle of Jamaica Rum Cream for himself.
Noah took lots of photos on his work's old digital camera, so hopefully he will send me some that I can post. Isaac asked me this morning, "When am I going back to Jamaica?" I guess that means he really did have a great time. :-)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Homeward Bound!
My boys are coming home today! They have been in Jamaica this week on a missions trip helping to do repairs and maintnance for the Christian school for the deaf. I haven't spoken with them since they left at 4:30 a.m. last Saturday, and I have struggled all week not knowing how they are doing. I would have blogged more this week, but all I had to write about was how things were going on my own with the girls, and lest a boogie man be out there reading my blog, I didn't want advertise that I was alone in my house for a week.
The girls are pretty easy to take care of without help, but I certainly have missed Noah's company! And while the house has been so peaceful and quiet, life is just not the same without my Isaac around! Lauralyn has missed them, too. While she has enjoyed more one on one time with me, she has grown tired of entertaining herself.
The hardest part of the week has been not having contact with Noah. Since the team was told not to bring a cell phone and had no access to a landline (with exceptions of emergencies), I had to assume no news was good news. Of course I worried all week, especially about Isaac. It will be a huge relief to know they are finally safe at home.
We have experienced a HEAT WAVE this week, breaking records, and sweating a lot. The past 3 days have had triple digit temperatures, and the pool feels like bath water, not at all refreshing. I have been struggling to keep everything watered as the afternoon heat wilts just about everything. Lauralyn has enjoyed playing in the hose!
Jezebel really likes Kristin, especially now that Kristin is learning to eat Cheerios on her own. Kristin thinks Jezebel is a giant toy, despite the occasional injury like getting whacked with a tail, or accidentally knocked over. I found it slightly humorous when Lauralyn tattled on Jezebel saying, "Jezebel knocked Kristin down, No, no Jezebel!" Kristin will grow up to be a tough cookie if nothing else.
The girls are pretty easy to take care of without help, but I certainly have missed Noah's company! And while the house has been so peaceful and quiet, life is just not the same without my Isaac around! Lauralyn has missed them, too. While she has enjoyed more one on one time with me, she has grown tired of entertaining herself.
The hardest part of the week has been not having contact with Noah. Since the team was told not to bring a cell phone and had no access to a landline (with exceptions of emergencies), I had to assume no news was good news. Of course I worried all week, especially about Isaac. It will be a huge relief to know they are finally safe at home.
We have experienced a HEAT WAVE this week, breaking records, and sweating a lot. The past 3 days have had triple digit temperatures, and the pool feels like bath water, not at all refreshing. I have been struggling to keep everything watered as the afternoon heat wilts just about everything. Lauralyn has enjoyed playing in the hose!
Jezebel really likes Kristin, especially now that Kristin is learning to eat Cheerios on her own. Kristin thinks Jezebel is a giant toy, despite the occasional injury like getting whacked with a tail, or accidentally knocked over. I found it slightly humorous when Lauralyn tattled on Jezebel saying, "Jezebel knocked Kristin down, No, no Jezebel!" Kristin will grow up to be a tough cookie if nothing else.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Mid-summer Blahs
It happens every year. Two months into the summer break and I get the mid-summer blahs. This entails me being amazed at how fast the summer has gone by one moment, and the next moment talking about how I look forward to a "routine." Then, in an instant I am sad because I know my semi-relaxed schedule will be no more, and yet, I don't feel like lugging the kids to the pool because it just takes so much effort.
I am focusing this week on some cleaning out. This means, mainly cleaning those areas that are hidden to the average house guest... closets and under beds! Maybe a good purging of things we simply don't need to hold on to will refresh me! Also, I need to do some clothing organization. Thankfully, I need to pull out SMALLER clothes for myself, and BIGGER clothes for the kids! Of course, the big clothing switch will happen with the change of seasons this fall, but I still need to get some things switched around and organized so that come this fall, I don't have a nightmare waiting for me in the closets.
Another side note: Lauralyn is potty training. For real this time. Last week I bought another $20 box of diapers for her and I instantly determined to put my foot down and demand the potty training to commence. While several months ago, I thought she would train herself, she changed her mind and would have nothing to do with said potty for 2 months. Knowing full well that she simply was being lazy and stubborn, I pulled out the panties and vinyl covers, and bought pull-ups for when we leave the house. She was pretty uninterested in the whole concept, but after a "You will potty train, or else!" sort of discussion, she is using the potty about 80% of the time, and hopefully will improve with practice. This is one strong-willed little girl, and sassy at that. I admit she gets her strong will from me, but the sass has to be from Noah :-)
I am focusing this week on some cleaning out. This means, mainly cleaning those areas that are hidden to the average house guest... closets and under beds! Maybe a good purging of things we simply don't need to hold on to will refresh me! Also, I need to do some clothing organization. Thankfully, I need to pull out SMALLER clothes for myself, and BIGGER clothes for the kids! Of course, the big clothing switch will happen with the change of seasons this fall, but I still need to get some things switched around and organized so that come this fall, I don't have a nightmare waiting for me in the closets.
Another side note: Lauralyn is potty training. For real this time. Last week I bought another $20 box of diapers for her and I instantly determined to put my foot down and demand the potty training to commence. While several months ago, I thought she would train herself, she changed her mind and would have nothing to do with said potty for 2 months. Knowing full well that she simply was being lazy and stubborn, I pulled out the panties and vinyl covers, and bought pull-ups for when we leave the house. She was pretty uninterested in the whole concept, but after a "You will potty train, or else!" sort of discussion, she is using the potty about 80% of the time, and hopefully will improve with practice. This is one strong-willed little girl, and sassy at that. I admit she gets her strong will from me, but the sass has to be from Noah :-)
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