BabblingBrooks-CD

Fun Ideas for Kids

2012-02-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

5 cheap and fun baby activities

Let 'er rip: Maybe it's that pleasing shredding sound or maybe it's the satisfaction of making a permanent change in something, but babies love to tear up paper. So plunder your recycling box for magazines or junk mail – when you see that gappy smile on your baby's face as she gets to work, you won't even mind the mess.

Dog days: You could take your baby to the zoo, but don't be surprised if he falls fast asleep – or favors the water fountain over the orangutans. Instead, try a park where he can see dogs playing. It's a lot less overwhelming and every bit as exciting, plus it doesn't cost a penny. Just be sure to practice good doggy-and-child safety habits. You might want to carry your baby in your arms or a baby carrier to make sure he's safe when watching and petting the pups (with permission, of course).

Flashlight games Kids' Activities Turn off the lights, close the blinds, grab a flashlight, and lie back on the floor for a rockin' light show with your little one. Dance the light beam along the ceiling and walls as your baby stares in delight. An older baby might like to try holding the flashlight herself (though you shouldn't be surprised if all she does is gum it). Just don't let her shine it directly in her eyes – or, for that matter, in yours.

Dining out For a change of pace, set up your baby's highchair in the backyard or out on the front stoop and, between bites, let him fling the food wherever he likes. He'll feel like he's won the lottery! A bit short in the yard department? No worries – bring a booster chair to the park and set it right on the grass. Throw in some bubbles and you've got a perfect recipe for a fun-filled morning.

Go clubbing In your living room, that is. Turn on your favorite music and dance with your baby in your arms. She'll be in seventh heaven – after all, she'll be enjoying three of her favorite things in the world simultaneously: music, bouncing, and closeness to you.

Hop a freight: Toddlers love transportation, especially if it's a departure from the same-old-same-old car seat. Check out your local airport or hospital – many have a free shuttle or tram that you can ride as often as your little one's heart desires. If you don't usually travel by bus, check your local bus system and take a spin around town, enjoying things from a thrilling new vantage point.

Play dough: Borrow a tip from kid-friendly restaurants and let your toddler play with a gratifying hunk of pizza dough. Not too sticky and not too runny, it's the perfect consistency for little fingers. Get some from your local grocery store or pizza parlor or mix up your own. A rolling pin is the icing on the cake for this activity (or, shall we say, the cheese on the pie). If you're feeling motivated, you can bake a pizza with the rest of the dough while your child plays with his portion. Otherwise, simply freeze or refrigerate the rest for future playtime.

Fancy wrappings: If you've ever watched a toddler open a present, you know that she's likely to ignore what's inside and focus all her attention on the box, wrapping paper, and ribbon. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Wrap up something small, such as a pretty postcard or a toy you already own. Make sure to use lots of ribbon and paper (Sunday comics work great). Present it to her with a flourish.

It's a plane! Check with your local airport to see whether it has an observation tower – or a room with huge windows where your toddler can watch planes take off and land. Bring along some lunch and enjoy the show.

Baker's man: While your toddler isn't yet old enough to wield an electric mixer or flour sifter, he may be ready to be put in charge of the cookie-sprinkle department. So bake up a batch of cookies (you can even buy pre-made dough) and let him go nuts with a container of sprinkles. You'll probably end up with several bare cookies and a few heavily sprinkled ones. Don't forget to take a picture! 5 cheap and fun preschooler activities

Bathing in the pink: Or the green, or the blue… A few drops of food coloring can go a long way toward making bath time something special. It's especially fun to mix a couple of primary colors together, such as blue and red to make purple. And no, your child won't emerge from his bath looking like a grape – a few drops of food coloring diluted in a tub of water won't dye your child's skin.

Time travel: You know those old photographs of your own third birthday party or your ninth-grade dance? Dig them out and snuggle with your preschooler for a trip down memory lane. Wedding videos work well too! Of course, she'll also enjoy seeing pictures and videos of herself when she was "little." So break out the snacks and make an evening of it.

Ravishing radishes: When it comes to instant gardening gratification, radishes are the way to go – they pop up in a matter of weeks! After winter's last frost, take your preschooler to the gardening store and let him pick out the package of seeds with the picture he likes best. (It'll cost just a few dollars.) At home, find a sunny patch of yard and have your child plant the seeds directly in the ground or in a small planter. You can even grow radishes inside in a container set in a sunny south-facing window. Your little gardener will love digging a hole, sprinkling in the seeds, and covering them up. The fun continues as he gets to water the radishes and watch them grow.

Monochrome meal: We grown-ups like a little variety in our meals – but kids, who often love uniformity, get a kick out of having a special dinner in which everything is the same color. So serve up a meal that's entirely orange (macaroni and cheese, sweet potato, orange juice, carrots), green (pesto pasta, limeade, broccoli), or yellow (lemonade, scrambled eggs, corn, pineapple).

Hunting down nature: Give your child a bag or bucket and go on an old-fashioned nature hunt. Take your time and let him collect whatever he likes – pinecones, leaves, rocks, sticks, burrs. When you get home, break out the glue and cardboard and get him started making a collage or sculpture. He may also enjoy painting a rock or two (it could become his new favorite pet).

Bon appétit!: Let your child be in charge of dinner – with you as her helpful assistant. She gets to decide what to make. Some suggestions: English muffin pizzas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, pudding or gelatin for dessert. She can act as the "head cook" and even draw up some fancy menus. She may especially enjoy doing this activity with a friend.

Rest for the weary: You know those nights when you're beyond exhausted, and you just wish someone would put you to bed for a change? Here's your chance! Tell your child that you need a special helper to put you to bed early – and ask if he'd like to do the honors. He can pick out your pajamas, make sure you brush your teeth and wash your face, read you a book, tuck you in, give you a kiss, and turn out the light. It's a safe bet that you'll hear some delighted giggles from beyond your closed door! (Of course, this assumes your partner or another responsible adult has agreed to take on the nighttime duties for your child – and you'll likely find yourself returning the favor sometime soon.)

Camp in: Wait for a dark and dreary day. If your child has a case of the "nothing-to-do" doldrums, all the better! Now suggest that you go camping – in your family room. Make a "tent" with sheets and blankets draped over chairs. If you have sleeping bags, dig them out – or just create some bedrolls with blankets and pillows. Tell stories and sing songs around an imaginary fire. And when the lights go out, make a beautiful galaxy appear on the ceiling of your tent by shining a flashlight through a colander.

Kid's choice day: Let your child "run" the day. She can make the important decisions such as what to eat, what show to watch, and what activities to do. Give this day a special name so that she can plan it, as in, "On my next 'Ali Day,' I want to ride bikes, wash the dog, and eat spaghetti. (Helpful hint: To avoid power struggles with your child's teacher, don't do this on a school day!)

Treasure hunt: Send your child on a treasure hunt, right in your own house. It takes a little preparation, but the excitement is worth it! Give him a note that says something like, "Look in the flour canister." Or make it a bit trickier by writing a clue he has to solve, such as "Look for the white powder that we use for baking." (If your child's reading skills are still primitive, simplify your notes, help him read them, or draw pictures instead.) In the flour canister, he'll find another note telling him where to look next, such as in the refrigerator or under the welcome mat. Let the hunt include a few more hiding places, and put a prize in the very last one (try under his pillow). The prize can be very small – for example, a piece of candy or a pad of paper. As in all true treasure hunts, the real joy is in the search.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_cheap-fun-for-kids-simple-ways-to-make-your-childs-day_10309947.bc?showAll=true#articlesection2

Cabbage Casserole

2012-02-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

(If you like Sarmas, you'll love this Cabbage Casserole - similiar taste with much less work)
1.5# hamburger
1 C. cooked rice
8 slices cooked bacon
1 small onion, diced
Salt, pepper, & basil to taste
1 head cabbage (boil 5-10 minutes until partially cooked)
1 15 oz tomato sauce
1 15 oz sauerkraut

Brown hamburger with onion & spices. Layer roasting pan with cabbage, hamburger mixture, and top with sauerkraut them tomato sauce. Cook 1.5 hrs @ 350 covered.

*I wrote this verbatim how it was given to me. However, I made mine in the crock pot & it turned out great (remember to still brown hamburger & onions prior to crock-potting). I also made the following changes.
** I didn't pre-cook the cabbage, but I did lay it down 1st in the pot & it cooked nicely.
** I dislike the bacon. Next time I'm going to use either just ground beef or ground beef & pork.
** I decreased it to 1# ground beef vs 1.5#.
** Instead of tomato sauce, I used a 15 oz can of stewed tomatoes and added a little water. I liked that much better.
** The whole dish doesn't have much of a strong sauerkraut flavor, but a mild taste of it. My spouse & brother Derik don't care much for kraut, so one 15 Oz can would be good enough for them. For me, I'd recommend the larger can, jar, or bag. Yum

Bon Appetit

Candles & Undies

2012-02-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

The hot topic of Valentines day talk, right? Well...it was the subject line of an email my husband sent to me (WAY out the ordinary for him), but while I was trying to cool my cheeks from their growing blush, I read the following email:

"Basically, The limited brands (Victoria secret, Bath and body, etc) is doing well. Girls like their underwear and candles. This is our best performing stock."

Not exactly what I was thinking, but I still thought "YEAH!". It did give me a good chuckle though. Happy Valentines Day!

The Do-It-All ... Pizza Cutter

2012-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

David makes fun of me because while we rarely eat pizza, we wash our pizza cutter daily, especially when the little Miss started eating solids. It's the do-a-lot tool. One that my mom always used it for was cutting waffles, pancakes, & french toast. You can also cut the crust off sandwiches, esp grilled cheese, make strips for the lattice on pies, cookie cut outs, mill herbs, cut hotdogs or sausage, fruit rollups, cut sheet cake, cut brownies or fudge, cut quesadillas or make steam slits, and defend yourself in a bar fight. (Hey, no one's gonna mess with someone with a razor sharp pizza cutter in her hand.)

Just cause I thought it was a cool pic...

2012-02-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary D&K!

2012-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

Wow! February 1st is Derik & Kelly's 20th wedding anniversary.

Good job, guys. May God continue to bless you over and over and over again!

January Update

2012-01-31T15:28:00.000-08:00

I wear so many hats some days. :) We're re-doing the back bathroom, re-organizing the office, and brewing beer (that's pretty low maintenance, though on our part). Between work, dance, Bible study, & Mom's group I haven't even turned on my computer for fun in 2 weeks. I am thoroughly convinced that if I give up eating and sleeping - I'll have time for everything I want to do in my life :).

Miss Elizabeth is a girl on the go. 14 teeth @ 14 months. "Up" is still her favorite word & she uses it for everything. She can now get on and off most furniture and stack blocks. Her favorite pastimes are playing with Legos, reading her "Baby Can..." books & standing on tippy toes to get into Mommy's utensil drawer. She loves giving hugs & kisses and dancing to 50's & 60's music. We are thankful for our very mild winter which has been kind to us and has allowed for lots of sled rides and down-hill sliding.

And our sweet little Lexiacon, who gets missed in the cyber shuffle. She's a happy, healthy, pudgy puppy. She is so tolerant of Elizabeth and wonderful guard dog. Here you can see her on duty. She is the sweetest lap dog and always willing to please, for a treat.

Thank you God for my many hats.

Homemade Dog Biscuits

2012-01-22T04:34:00.000-08:00

I am reorganizing our office, downsizing quite a bit, and I found this recipe from one of my OT girls I wanted to blog and save before I forgot it again (thanks Heather!).

Homemade Dog Biscuits
2/3 C. bacon grease
2 C. uncooked oatmeal
6 C. whole wheat flour
1.5 C. powdered milk
2 eggs
1.5 C corn meal

Mix ingredients together. Roll out on countertop to ~1/2 inch thickness. Use cookie cutter* to cut out shapes and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 45 min to 1 hr @ 300 degrees. Dogs cannot have milk chocolate, but I have seen these biscuits 1/2 dipped in white chocolate & are pretty cute. Store in plastic baggies or airtight containers.
*If you can find a bone-shaped cookie cutter - even better!

Allergies are Inherited? Yes!

2012-01-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

I am putting this out there so that more people are aware: allergies are indeed inherited. "If you or anyone in your child's family has a food allergy or allergic type disorder (like asthma or eczema) or if your child has had a food allergy in the past, then you should wait to introduce high allergen foods". There's no guarantee that withholding high allergen foods are going to keep your child from acquiring them, but it never hurts. I do have allergies and am susceptible to eczema - very much so as a child, and my food allergies are worse now as an adult. Therefore, I am the mean Mommy who will not allow her child peanut butter until age 3 or eggs until age 2. I don't want my kids to live in fear for their lives every time they go to a picnic, restaurant, or potluck, like I do. Imagine that everytime you put something in your mouth that it has the potential to kill you - even things that you have eaten in the past. That's what I deal with daily. The most common food allergies are to: Milk (got that) Eggs(nope) Fish(got that) Shellfish(got that) Tree Nuts(got that) Wheat(nope) Peanuts(nope) Soybeans(nope)
All I ask is this - don't take offense when someone doesn't take a scoop of whatever you brought to a potluck because they may just be afraid of taking their last bite of food & having their throat close and die. Or that of their children. I've actually had people roll their eyes when I won't eat a dish they made that is peppered with almonds. And if I can do this small thing for my child, putting off certain foods until she's more mature, I know that I've done the best I can.

For (Wo)men Only by Shaunti (& Jeff) Feldhahn

2012-01-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

So I was doing my Christmas shopping at the Christian book store and stumbled upon these two books. One is for women only. And the other for men only. The author originally wrote "for women only". It's a book on what your spouse desperately wants you to know, but has difficulty saying it. They polled over 400 straight men and interview even more for this book. Some parts were expected - yes, I knew that already. While other parts were - WHAT?! You really think that?!

What he learned: Men say "I do" at the alter, thinking that it should make a woman feel secure & loved all the days of her life, while a women needs to hear & feel it on a daily basis. Inside every women is that little girl- twirling around in her pretty dress, wanting her dearly beloved to say, "you are so beautiful. I love you". Yes men - DAILY. David does very well at this, but he found it funny that we actually need it to hear it to feel loved and desired.

Another was that true definition of "multi-tasking". The author describes a woman at dinner w/ her spouse & another couple. The kids are in the next room, playing, and she knows that there is a lighter on a high shelf. She cannot relax knowing that the kids and the candle lighter are in the same room. (Been there, done that.) Women's minds are like computers with 4-9 open windows on the desk top - flashing between all of them, but still conquering them all. Men generally have 1-2 windows open at a time, but form a deep focus on one task at a time.

What I learned: Men have a visual Rolodex. (Arg!) As much as I hate to admit it, they do. So I talked to my girlfriends. "There's nothing you can do. They're all like that," one friend stated. Au contraire. Like Shaunti said, you can (1) pray for your husband and his struggles. The sight of a pretty girl is a temptation, but not a sin. Once he thinks of her lustfully, then he has committed a sin. Jesus was tempted in the desert - but he did not sin. And (2) dress modestly so that you are not a temptation to other men.

And something else I didn't know: men are providers. (Ya, so, right?) No really, they think about this a LOT. "For most men, the need to provide is so deeply rooted that almost nothing can relieve this feeling of duty." Wow, really? I never knew how burdened (for lack of a better word) men were with providing. Providing is at the core of a man's identity.

Men want respect. Women want love. Which is funny because that is what the Bible tells us: Ephesians 5:33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

My question always was: well, I know how to show love, but how do I show respect? The book answers this.

David & I had a few really good discussions after reading these books. Not everyone likes "self-help" books, but this one...I highy recommend.

This is not a book for couples who need counseling - it says so in the first few chapters. It is something every woman (& man) should read in order to better understand their spouse & make for a better relationship. I give a lot of books away, but these are two that will nest on my bookshelf. What did I ramble on and on? Because I would love to lend these books out to anyone interested in reading them, but I do not believe everyone will ask me for them. They are a quick 190 pg weekend read. http://forwomenonlybook.com/BooksStudies/ForWomenOnly/tabid/137/Default.aspx

Mama's Sick

2012-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

I haven't turned on my computer to blog or email for about a month now. While David & Elizabeth are off at church and I'm laying in bed with the flu, I'm catching up on some blogging and holiday emails I received. I wanted to post that I have the most awesome husband in the world. He has taken care of the house and baby all weekend. Granted he gave E some pepperoni pizza I wouldn't have approved on, but she liked it and left the dinner table unscathed.

I wish I could read when I'm ill, but my eyes hurt so bad, all I can do is listen to books on tape or watch DVDs in my room. I am thankful that it happened on a weekend so that I don't miss work and that David is willing & available to take care of me. So in all this, thank you Lord for protecting my loved ones and for (all) the beautiful people you have placed in my life.

Merry Christmas

2012-01-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend held our Christmas at home with Grandma & Grandpa Ely. The Makis were unable to attend d/t illness, but we had a fun-filled evening and day as G&G spent the night. Elizabeth discovered Papa Earl's head and likes to pat it. We received some very wonderful presents and enjoyed watching Grandma & Grandpa open theirs. The next day, the tree came down along with all the decorations. Months of preparring just for Elizabeth to get the hand of opening presents and then it's all done. It was a very blessed holiday and awesome to share with loved ones. My sweetie was wonderful enough to get me my Clutterbuck jersey and ring I wanted. I don't remember what I got him, but I'm sure it was something nice...:) haha, I just remembered: game camera.

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

2011-12-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Marjorie Pay Hinckley - “I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”
Cute

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Christmas Eve we went to 4:15 Mass with family. It was so packed and it was standing room only now that the 3 churches have combined into one. Luckily we showed up way early to get a good seat. The kids all behaved themselves and even Adelynne & Elizabeth were giggling and cooing together, but nice and quietly. Jesus made his way into the manger and our hearts once again this year.

Off to the Brooks' for some good food and fellowship. Once again it was a houseful, with lots of laughter and the kids did so well. We enjoyed watching everyone open the gifts we worked so hard at shopping for and were surprised with the beautiful and generous gifts we received.

Dear John

2011-12-24T04:04:00.000-08:00

I just finished the book "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks. This author is such a talented writer and no two books are alike. It is the story of two very different people - a rebel army grunt and a God-fearing innocent valedictorian - with an intense love for one another, separated by his enlistment in the army and being stationed in Germany for years. She helps him heal his very delicate relationship with his father before the father dies. And whenever there is a full moon, they both stand under it and know that they are standing under the exact same moon. When he's set to come back home to be with her, 9/11 happens & he stays overseas - challenging their already fragile relationship.

While the book had a slow start, it quickly took a faster pace and I sat in bed, tears streaming down my cheeks, unable to go to sleep until I finished the book in the late hours of the night.

It was made into a movie, but I have not yet seen it. I highly recommend this book by Sparks - he's done it again!

What would a 13 mo. old like for Christmas?

2011-12-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, I've been a very good girl. I am writing to ask for some of my favorite things I like to play with: boxes, milk cartons, tissue paper, and a bucket. Oh wait, I already have those things. Just bring Mommy candy.

Love, Elizabeth

Now THAT's a Good Idea

2011-12-16T04:38:00.000-08:00

We were chatting @ work the other day and I had mentioned that when I make something in the crock pot, it usually gets overcooked because I'm gone well over 8 hrs a day. I usually come home and whatever I cooked is beyond falling off the bone. "Low" was still too hot and "keep warm" was not hot enough. I have gone home at lunch time to turn it on, but that is still a waste & kinda defeats the "time saving" purpose.

So I started using a light-timer to cook my food. I keep it plugged in all the time since I do not use that outlet otherwise - so it keeps the hourly time correct. I usually set it for 8 or 9 o'clock to start cooking. Even if it's just a couple of chicken breasts - I can make the rest of my meal with already-cooked meat without having to defrost and cook the meat prior to putting it in whatever I'm cooking. I do this for stir fry as well as some casseroles.

The girl at work said, "Now THAT's a Good Idea. You should tell everyone about this."

Another girl said that her daughter wanted a programmable crock pot for Christmas. But, this way you can keep your old crock pot and buy a $5 timer to go along with it.

So, take it or leave it, but I was told to share it.

Define Necessity

2011-12-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hmmm.....

Elizabeth talking to Grammy on the Phone

2011-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Mary, Did You Know?

2011-12-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

My ULTIMATE favorite Christmas song - and not played nearly enough, in my opinion.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

It Finally Happened

2011-12-06T05:13:00.000-08:00

It finally happened: I went to work in my robe. I was waiting for the day that I would make that mistake. Often times I walk out of the house with my "house shoes" on or leaving w/o breakfast, but this? In the mornings I put my robe on over my clothes since the house is chilly. Today, I also kept it on as I put on my coat to load the car before work. I got to work, took off my coat, and wha-la, black & white leopard-print robe. Luckily I did have my work clothes on underneath, but for a split second my mind went, "OH MY!" Also in my favor is I'm the first one here in my dept, so no one was the wiser, but it will definitely be something I remember in the future.
Well, on the bright side, I did have a nice cozy drive in to work in our first -10 morning. :) What else can you do but laugh at yourself -- and then blog about it to let everyone else chuckle at your expense? Hope this isn't a prelude to the rest of the day....

Tylenol Changes

2011-11-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

Tylenol has changed its dosing. To all Moms out there, you may wish to read the following article. I was not aware of the changes until I bought a new bottle of baby acetaminophen the other day and opened this huge bottle. It pretty much concludes that it is less concentrated to reduce medication errors by standardizing dosing across products.
The only inconvenience is that I personally prefer the dropper to the syringe - less messy & less clean up, but whatever.
http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/children/subfsafety_convenience.inc

Trusted Web Sites

2011-11-19T04:46:00.000-08:00

I google or yahoo search a lot when looking for advice on many things. When doing this, however, one has to be aware of what information they're receiving and the accuracy of it, especially regarding childcare. Here's a couple of websites I try to frequent when searching the health care of children. Also, anything that ends in ".gov" or ".edu" (government/education) is more strictly regulated than a lot of the ".com".

http://www.drgreene.com/

http://www.askdrsears.com/

Just food for thought. Take it or leave it. :)

Work Halloween Pics

2011-11-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

Introducing: the butcher, the baker, and the candle-stick maker. Bahahaha! :)

The Birth Order Book

2011-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished The Birth Order Book by Dr Kevin Lehman. I borrowed it from the library and liked it so much I bought it used online from Amazon for cheap. Needless to say, I liked it and highly recommend it to everyone. It pretty much as 4 parts: this history of the author and his birth order, your birth order and what it says about you, your spouse and how to best communicate with their birth order, and your children and how to treat them - including adoptions and mixed families. The author states that one tends to empathize more with their child of the same birth order, but tend to be attracted to a different birth order. I like the last part especially because he reminds you to spend 1:1 time with your children and how each is an individual and they need that time with Mom & Dad. He takes into account genders and age-spacing between kids, so while I may be the "baby princess", he would also deem me a functional first born since there was more than 3 years between me and the next in line and a different gender.

While it's kind of like reading your horoscope and saying "that's me!", it also has a lot of good suggestions from a positive, upbeat Christian psychologist on how to analyze yourself and change yourself for the better. Two thumbs up from this baby of the family, but also functional first-born (you'll understand if you read the book).

1 Year Check-Up

2011-11-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

1 Year Checkup today:

Height: 30.5" (87%-tile)

Weight: 21lb, 2 oz (49%-tile)

Head: 18.5" (92%-tile)

Shots: chicken pox & pneumococcal. Blood taken to test for lead. Flu shot - next week. She was SUCH a good girl. Nurse offered Itty-Bitty a sucker, but I declined her first taste of high fructose corn syrup - :).

My Toddler, but Always My Baby (sniff, sniff) :)

2011-11-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

The day after her birthday, Elizabeth decided that big girls walk, and so she started pushing her walker around the house - including the back-up. She just amazes me more and more each day!

Elizabeth's Birthday

2011-11-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Pics from E's B-day. The one thing we forget through all the prep and excitement was our presents to Elizabeth. We bought her a new car seat (22-80 lbs - yeah!), a name plaque, and her 1st birthday angel from Great Grandma Betty.

2011-11-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

A year ago, we welcomed
A baby of our own.
Nervously and sleepily,
We took her to our home.

We figured out the nursing.
This goes how? and where?
We were told there would be crying,
And how to show we care.

A year has gone so quickly,
Yet we have learned so much.
We've felt a love so strongly,
In a baby's gentle touch.

Her laughs and smiles.
Herpouts and tears.Wow!
She can get so mad!
But we wouldn't trade a minute,
As a thankful mom and dad.

1st Halloween

2011-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

David & Elizabeth went trick or treating with the Brooks cousins. Pictured here is my little (bear) bumblebee and her bee keeper.

Christi's Birthday

2011-10-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

I had so many people make my birthday such a special day. Making it easier to let go of my 20's and embrace my 30's. David and I went to the Duluth Zoo (the shopping & lunch). We had so much fun. It was a beautiful day and many of the animals were out and about. They have so much there, here are just a few pics.

Monday David was sweet enough to send me flowers at work. The card read (sniff - are you ready?) "Remember to call the vet". Is he sweet or what? (Sidenote: Lexie needed to see the vet and I had to call.) So I brought the flowers home that night. David asked me why I brought them home. I said - so he could see them. The next day I get another bouquet, it reads "something for your desk". Here's a pic a few days later (a little wilty by this point, but they're both still pretty.) Here's a pic of my birthday party from Elizabeth & Daddy - complete with dinner, paper hats, cupcakes, and birthday onesie. My bible study also gave me a party, along with a cake (with walnuts - so I couldn't eat it), cards with scriptures, and roses & a balloon. All in all, I was overwhelmed and felt very loved and remembered by friends and family through thoughtful presents, cards, and prayer. 29 was great - 30 will be even better!

Mmmm, what to wear?

2011-10-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Mmmm, what shoes would go with my birthday suit?

Momma's Turning 30

2011-10-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

David gets E dressed every morning. Here pictured is the most wonderful surprise in the world. (Click on pic to enlarge).

A year ago at this time I was 30 pounds heavier and 6 days away from having my life change forever. I have a feeling the next 30 years are going to just be getting better and better.

This morning I laid in bed, counting my blessings. Wow. Thank you to all who have been my blessings.

Tim McGraw's "My Next 30 Years"

I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age

The ending of an era and the turning of a page

Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here

Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years I’m gonna have some fun

Try to forget about all the crazy things I’ve done

Maybe now I’ve conquered all my adolescent fears

And I’ll do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years I’m gonna settle all the scores

Cry a little less, laugh a little more

Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear

Figure out just what I’m doing here In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, I’m gonna watch my weight

Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late

Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers

Maybe I’ll remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life

Raise a little family and hang out with my wife

Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear

Make up for lost time here, In my next thirty years

First "Words"

2011-10-18T03:21:00.000-07:00

Miss Elizabeth has started mimicking our words. Even though I wouldn't truly consider them her real "first words", it's still funny to hear her talk. She says dog, ook (book), Dad, Mom, num num (food), & baba-wawa (bye-bye water when the tub water goes down the drain). She's especially funny when David tells her to stay out of the dog dish and she replies with a "bla, bla, bla". It's so hard to keep a straight face when disciplining her at times.

Here's a picture of Daddy's girls reading before bed.

Product Review: JanSport Bags

2011-10-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

David bought a JanSport backpack in 1996. It's still in great condition, but the zipper went out on it last month so I called JanSport because they have a lifetime guarantee. She told me to send it in. They fixed it for free and even repaired the stitching where the bag was separating from the rubber bottom - which we hadn't noticed. All I can say is: Two thumbs up JanSport! You sell a quality product and when it fails or tears, you back your product up! Good for you!

Grandma & Grandpa Brooks

2011-10-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

Grandma & Grandpa came over for a dinner the other day. Grandma bought Elizabeth a new onesie from their most recent trip to Arizona; perfect for our little November Pumpkin! Thank you!

Love (Poem)

2011-10-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

Love

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with

everything in place, but have not love -

I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and

decorative achievements, but have not love -

my children learn of cleanliness, not godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through trials.

Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.

As a mother there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is

Love.

This is a poem a friend gave to me the other night. I thought it was too beautiful not to put in my journal.

Elizabeth & Mark

2011-10-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

Cousin Mark has been here a couple of times to play while Jackie helps David in the garage (putting the ceiling in - which David, Gary, & Jackie finished yesterday). He does really well with her and is gentle with her. She is 11 mo and he is 7 years.

Our Wii Family

2011-10-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hehe, this is just for fun. Here's our Wii Family: Lexie, David, Christi, & Elizabeth. Both "girls" are about 20#.

Change in the Mass

2011-10-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

The mass is changing. A new translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, is coming out this November with the start of Advent. This is huge. Why change it after all these years? So that the mass more closely follows the original Latin text. And who says the Catholic church is old fashion & unchanging? :)

"Lectio divina, the practice of prayerfully reading over and meditating upon the words of Scripture, an ancient Catholic tradition, is recommended by the wisest of spiritual directors. It's also a practice one can apply to reading the Roman Missal." OSV Aug 2011.

"The entire Church in the United States has been blessed with this opportunity to deepen its understanding of the Sacred Liturgy, and to appreciate its meaning and importance in our lives."
Here's a web site that was recommended by OSV (Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly) to prepare oneself for this change. http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/

If you look at the mass without wondering what we do why we do it, all you see is kneeling, standing, recited prayers, blah, blah, blah, it's boring. But, if you learn the why, it's actually quite moving and beautiful. The bells ring to signify transubstantiation. We genuflect & kneel to signify respect & adoration to our king of kings. We recite the aords Jesus taught us to pray.
My favorite of all is the Stations of the Cross. Nothing throughout the year touches me to the core of my being as the 12 Stations. Whether you're Catholic or not, I'd highly encourage you to attend one of these Stations on a Friday night during Lent. It goes through the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus.

So, back to my point, check out the website mentioned above and gear yourself up with the changes that will be taking place Nov. 27th. And learn for yourself the why to dig into a more rich and meaningful prayer life.

Next on the Baby Food Prep List: Peaches

2011-10-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Miss Elizabeth tends to have a delicate palate. It takes some encouragement to get her to eat somethings and while she's a good eater, she likes it all mixed with cereal to take the "bite" out of what she's eating. Last week was peaches. She seems to like the tangy taste, which surprised me. Still her favorites are sweet peas and avocados. Bananas make her gag. It's like watching Uncle Troy eat eggs. :) We haven't done factory-made baby food, only home-made. I think home made has more robust flavor - be it good or bad. Maybe she'd do better with the bland flavors of commercial baby food and we can always try that too because I don't know how I'm going to stomach pureeing meat, gross!

Day Off for Mama & Baby

2011-09-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

David took some vacation this week to work on the decks. The last two nights have been horrible with Elizabeth wailing every time we put her down to bed & keeping us up all night. Then she started digging in her left ear, but we chalked it up to teething pain. Two nights of sleeping with Mommy & Daddy lead up to missing work today and a diagnosis of an ear infection. She's on a 5-day antibiotic and while she has a continuous snotty nose, she's an otherwise happy kid. That's why we thought it was teething; she's fine during the day. Poor little girl. But we did spend a nice day together and got to watch Daddy mix cement and pour the footings today.

September Updates

2011-09-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

September has been a busy month. I wanted to journal so I don't forget what we completed. We finally got carpet in the SE bedroom. The walls are tan and I wanted to get away from brown and brown, so I did a green carpet in this room. (I think) it looks good. Yeah! 3/3 spare bedrooms completed! Almost - still have to finish the molding, but yeah!

We replaced three windows on the front of the house. This was supposed to be a 2012 project, but a rock through the widow via lawnmower boosted it up a year. And if you do one, you may as well do an adjacent one too! Two thumbs up on the Jeld Wen window! Great quality.

Here is a picture of the garage. If you look closely you'll see something that wasn't there before. No, not the broken windows that were replaced...the snow bar on the roof & the gutters (front, back not pictured). Good teamwork, Babe!

And here's out little helper. This is the view she usually gets with most recent household projects since she's a girl on the go and everything goes in the mouth. It's just easier to strap her on and let her supervise our work! :)
With the 3 days of 22 degree nights, our garden was pretty much shot - what was left over - but we snapped a few pictures of what we nibbled on this summer. I really missed out on our eggplants this year. Phoey on freezing temps! Luckily my Mom blessed us with tomatoes galore, so we'll still get tomatoes on our lunches and also my favorite: fried green tomatoes! Mmmmm.

Night @ Grandma & Grandpa Ely's

2011-09-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Boo Boo & Mommy spent the night @ Grammy Koney's & Papa Earl's. They took us out for a super dinner. Miss Elizabeth was such a good girl, eating her crackers and chewing on straws. In the morning we had a yummy breakfast and a little relaxation and "garage sailing" before the ride home. Here's a picture Grammy took of her wiped out on the couch. Thanks for the fun time and the hospitality. Hope to see you again real soon! XOXO

Mommy's Helper Cushie Toilet - Works!

2011-09-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

10 months old, 8 teeth, and first dookie in the potty last night (Daddy's words). We bought Mommy's Helper Cushie Toilet so we wouldn't have to empty a floor potty, and received it in the mail yesterday. Miss E used it for the first time last night. Could have been a fluke chance that we got her on the pot in time, but she did it, had her little book sitting in her lap and everything. :) I won't post pics so as not to embarrass her...I'll print those out for her graduation party. JK. Anyhow, to review the potty, we've only had it a day, but it's (fairly) sturdy (we'll see when a 3 y.o. comes to sit on it), it's simple, easy to don & doff from the toilet, cushie on the bottom, and only $22 @ Amazon.com. 2 Thumbs up I say.

Motivation...

2011-09-07T05:30:00.001-07:00

Ban Puppy Mills!

2011-09-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

I was watching the Dog Whisperer and he had a special on Puppy Mills. What I didn't realize is that any puppy you buy can be from a puppy mill - or their parents, and this includes any dog from the classified ads and especially pet stores (the worst). Unfortunately, puppy mills are not illegal. Many claim the pups and parents are free reign with good exercise. This is not true. Some of these dogs never get to see the light of day and are kept in small cages - only used to breed. They are abused, missing limbs due to chicken-wired cages, can be inbred and have infections. Sick. I encourage you, adopt from a shelter. What a sick world we live in.
These people had 400 hundred dogs when they were only licensed for 100 dogs. They were forced to get rid of 300 dogs overnight. Luckily, they they humanelygave them to kennels and shelters versus putting them down, but still:
http://worldkennelusa.com/home.php?xid=209e308feb03795a178a63696a3c1adf
http://network.bestfriends.org/6832/news.aspx

First Trip to the Park

2011-08-29T07:33:00.001-07:00

We brought the girls to a nearby park this weekend and went sliding and swinging. Little Bits did very well. The higher we pushed her, the louder she giggled.

Flowers Just Because

2011-08-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, flowers "just because" from my Dearly Beloved. Maybe because I rescued my husband, baby and father in law from a broken-down van?

Dinner from the Garden

2011-08-28T04:36:00.001-07:00

We had a beautiful dinner last night from our garden: corn-on-the-cob, breaded zucchini fries, fried green tomatoes, beans, kohlrabi, and leftover tuna & potato salad. Miss Elizabeth started on oatmeal this week and ate 1/2 cup all gone. Dessert: blueberries & strawberries & blackberries, oh my! (Atop of ice cream, that is!) No leftovers, so no pics. :)

Here's an update on my garden for my journal: this year we moved the garden from the SE side of the house to the driveway turnaround. It did much better there with more sunlight and new black dirt. Unfortunately a few deer have jumped my 4' fence and ate my potato, cabbage, strawberry, tomato, squash, & raspberry plants and whatever else they ate that I haven't yet noticed. Solution? Deer hunting this year and a higher fence next year. So, even though they nibble on the plants, we have still been pretty fruitful. David also had his own garden at the end of the drive and while the deer cleaned out his sunflowers and beans, he has a lot of corn, potatoes, and onions.

Mommy's Little Kitchen Helper.

Date Night

2011-08-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

D&I went out on a date night and Auntie Jackie was kind enough to watch Miss Elizabeth. On the ride home we stopped for ice cream. Let's just say Missy E wanted some of auntie's blizzard.

God's Minute for August 25th:

2011-08-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

Precious Lord, as the thirsty flowers lift their heads to receive moisture from the heavens, and then dance in the wind in praise to you, so nourish my thirsty soul and cause blossoms of joy to burst forth within me. Amen

Isn't that just, ahhh...refreshing and uplifting. Nourish me, Lord. Nourish me I pray.

Curtains = Energy Savers? YES!

2011-08-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

I bought Eclipse Blackout Energy Efficient Curtains from Walmart for my house. They work wonderful! On hot summer days, the house stays 5-10 degrees cooler on the inside than it did before we bought the curtains. We have them only on the South-West side of the house because that's where the hot afternoon sun really does it's work. What I like about these is the color & length varieties. What I do not like is that they only come in 42" widths - which is too narrow for one window and too wide for another. K-Mart has the 52" widths, which I have in my bedroom - better. They're about $9.95 per curtain and I have 2 on each window. Definitely worth it when you consider the amount of energy it takes to heat/cool your home. Overall, I give this product 2-green thumbs up.

Quick & Easy Teriyake Chicken

2011-08-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

Quick & Easy Teriyake Chicken

Ingredients:
2 T EVOO
1 Onion, chopped
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts - cut to large bite-sized pieces
3 T ketchup
2 T soy sauce
3 T white sugar (I used 2 and it was still a little too sweet - I may cut back to 1)
2 T lemon juice
1 t black pepper

Directions:
Saute onion in oil until translucent
Add chicken and brown lightly
Combine other ingredients, mix well & pour over chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 min. I served over rice and also added 1/2 a bag of frozen California blend veg. Next time I may try a splash of Worchestershire sauce as well for a little tang.

Time Marches On

2011-08-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

My Grandma Betty (AKA: Elizabeth Jane), before she died when I was 2, bought me a whole set of birthday angels, which my Mom gave to me each birthday. A few were broke and repaired, but priceless to me just the same. Now that Elizabeth Angel is going to be 1 in less than 3 months, I read the poems attached to each angel one last time for me and carefully packed them away for her. I hope she cherishes them like I do. Elizabeth Angel = makes sense to give them to her, right?

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a nut for anything Irish. In the Angels' place in the curio cabinet went my Belleek Irish Pottery & Swarovski crystal (something I also fell in love with when I visited Ireland). Time to put away the dolls and display my big-girl pottery. :)

Getting More and More Fun!

2011-08-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Miss Elizabeth standing with the support of the dog.

A new form a Peek-a-Boo-Boo
9 Months is so much fun!

To help Mommy with her cardio workouts, Elizabeth now rides in the back carrier while Mommy walks the dog 2 mi. (Lately she was falling asleep in the stroller and then not going to bed until 9). When we started using Auntie Kelly baby back pack, she was staying awake until one day she was overly tired and just konked out at the 1.5 mi mark. Here's a pic after I took her off. Her little arms are tucked in and folded and Baby is fast asleep.

9 Month Check UP

2011-08-10T05:56:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth had her 9 month check up today. No shots, yeah! Here are her measurements:
Head 18": 90th %-tile
Length 28": 50th %-tile
Weight 19#, 10 oz: 65th %-tile

Catch-Up

2011-08-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

We haven't had the Internet at our house for 2 weeks, so therefore I have not been able to blog. But now we do so here's a little blog I'd like to entitle "Catch Up".
We bought a new van (2005 T&C) and traded in Dad's. It's wonderful! My family has always named their vehicles, so while I sold "Snow White" to my niece, and inherited "Trusty Rusty", we traded him in for, hmmm "Great White?" Maybe. But when the license plates came in, they read GBK "Great Big Kar". Welcome to the family, Kar.

We celebrated David's birthday last week. We just did a little dinner of chicken monarae and ice cream cake to follow with Gary & Candy. David was a little under the weather, but tolerated our celebrating him well. :) Apparently David is a Saturday Baby, per Candy. Didn't know that. Gary build David a beautiful table for the front room. I believe it's oak (D's fav), with a cabinet down below, pull out shelf, and on the right side; two magazine racks (on D's side, of course). Very beautiful, crafty, and functional. As you can see, Elizabeth has already made herself comfortable with the new furniture.

Daddy & E love to read together. David also taught her how to make hats out of newspaper. This is what happens when Mommy is done with the paper Sunday nights.

Here's a pic of the Brooks/Maki/Schaefer kids at a family BBQ. "Cheese" (Not pictured baby Zane)Here's a pic of Grammy Koney & Elizabeth at Earl & Mom's family get-together. I didn't do well at taking pictures that day, but here's a great one of my two favorite girls.

And here's a pic of the Schaefers with new baby Zane Ryland Schaefer, 1 mo. old.

I'm sure there's stuff I've missed. Our gardens are doing well, however the deer ate David's sunflowers, but we'll have an abundance of potatoes to make up for it. We've picked plenty of tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, peas & zucchini. The back bedroom is coming along with the new doors put in and framed and hopefully we'll get carpet in there this month. David is planning on putting up the 3 decks this and next month. Glad I had a chance to catch up on my journal. OH! And Elizabeth turned 9 months old on the 1st and got her 4th tooth! Her 1st top one to boot! Yeah, frozen pea cubes!

Minnesota Government Shutdown: Grandmas and Grandpas Speak Out

2011-07-14T06:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WdpRuIHrK0
What's at Stake in Minnesota
We are now 13 days into a state government shutdown, with the eyes of the nation and even the international community upon us. We are face to face with the structural deficit that budget analysts predicted more than two years ago. Even while services to seniors rank among the highest of priorities, we will not come away from this stand-off between the Legislature and the Governor without cuts. Still, we can shape the final outcome – our immediate goal is to secure about $20 million that would close the gap between the Governor’s and the Legislature’s budgets for the spectrum of senior care.

As the closed-door negotiations between Governor Dayton and legislative leaders continue, we must return to our core messages and remind policymakers of the $6.7 billion economic impact of older adult services on the state economy, the 142,000 jobs we generate, the demographic changes that are sweeping our state and the names and faces of those we serve and those we employ.

Thanks Father Ryan!

2011-07-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Our very dear Friend and Priest, Fr. Ryan is leaving our parish and moving on to another. He was only with us a few years, but surely touched a lot of lives in such a short amount of time. He is very gifted, talented, knowledgeable, and spiritual. He has such a zest for the Lord and is on fire for Him. I always kidded him, saying that he has the background and knowledge of a priest, but the enthusiasm of a protestant. I think he liked that. He did not say goodbye, only “thanks”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the congregation during his last homily, at least not amongst the women as we wiped away tears. Maybe someday he’ll come back. Until then, we’ll be praying for him and God’s Will and eternal blessings for him and all our priests. (Here pictured is Elizabeth pulling out his Roman collar.)

Boo Boo's First Sleep Over

2011-07-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth had her first over night stay at Grandma Candy's and Grandpa Gary's house last Friday night. I cried since we have not ever been apart since conception :). She was a very good girl, besides choosing not to take a bath and even ate all her cereal & applesauce for them (this is new for her). Grandma said maybe next time she could stay the whole weekend. Maybe when Mommy is more ready! Here's a pic with her and her over night bag (Mr. Musical Seahorse made his first overnight visit too).

Peas Please

2011-07-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.
Can't you just read her mind by the look on her face?
"Oh Mother!"

Hahahaha

Tuesdays with Morrie

2011-07-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

I just finished a book on tape. I like these because I can still work in my garden, cook, or do whatever and still "read". :)
I just finished Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom. It was truly fantastic. I love how Mr. Albom writes and how everything he seems to say ... just flows. His story jumps from the past to the present multiple times, and he always does well as bringing the reader in to the current tense. I've always wanted to read this book and it held up to the standards I was expecting. It is about the final interview of a professor in the last few months of his life. On one hand, he's dying (from Lou Gehrig's disease) and losing the capability to do things for himself. On the other hand, he's still living and sharing what he has learned. I cannot remember how Morrie quoted it, but it's like his life was a bridge between the current life and the after life. I highly recommend this book if you want a slightly sad, yet uplifting quick read.

"Don't hang on too long, but don't let go too soon." -Morrie

PS: Other good reads by Mitch Albom are One More Day and The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Just a Few Cute Pictures

2011-07-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Iz & Eliz at our house.

My Beautiful, Smiley 8 month old Baby.

Itty Bitty in her outdoor playpen, supervising Mommy's gardening.

Daily Devotional - Children

2011-07-05T05:51:00.001-07:00

This is the prayer in my daily devotional for today. I thought it was nice and that I'd share it.
Father, thank you for children - Your special gift to my world. Thank you for their laughter, their innocence, and their unquestioning trust. Protect them from sickness, injuries, and sin. Make straight their paths and lead them into Your sunlight. Amen.

Third Tooth!

2011-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth popped her 3rd tooth tonight. I would take a picture, but holding her mouth open and taking a picture are impossible, so I'll just say: congratulations Little Bits!

Grandma Koney Comes for the Week

2011-06-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Grandma Koney came to stay with us for the week while daycare was closed. Grammy & Elizabeth played, read, cooked, cleaned, napped, and even dyed daisies. Thanks for taking care of all three of us, Mom!

Summer Wedding

2011-06-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

We went to a backyard wedding this weekend. (You always have to get pics together when you're all gussied up, right?)

Title X Cuts Cause Six Minnesota Planned Parenthood Clinics To Shut Down

2011-06-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

"The Republicans are scoring yet another victory on their war on contraception, as Title X funding cuts cause multiple Planned Parenthood clinics in Minnesota to shut down. Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota has announced that they will be shutting down clinics in Thief River Falls, Brainerd, Red Wing, Owatonna, Albert Lea, and Fairmont while increasing staff in larger clinics in different cities in an attempt to consolidate manpower and costs."

An 11% budget cut was made and it affected 6 clinics. Of course they are increasing staff at the larger facilities since patients will have to go to other clinics, but at least they are still shutting down and if 11% cuts down 6 clinics, I say keep cutting!
While the news reports that none of these clinics that shut down performed abortions, they did provide the morning after pill. They may not consider that abortion, but the fact is: it is abortion.
(Happy Dance)

MIB - Book Review

2011-06-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

I was disappointed by Men in Black. The story was engaging at first, but the characters are all so cynical and sarcastic. The reviews I read portrayed it as "funny, moving, poetic, and fast-paced". I don't agree at all. I was going to give up on it 1/2 way through, but I thought it may take a turn for the better. Nope. The ending of the book left me feeling unsatisfied and thinking "what the ...?". He constantly switches between the past and present without introduction. It was filled with crude language, cursing, adultery, lying and had hardly nothing to do with the Men in Black themselves. It mainly focused on the life of an author who wrote a fictional story about the MIB. Overall: disappointing.

Bry Graduates and Turns 18

2011-06-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Bryanna turned 18 and celebrated her highschool graduation. She will be going to college in the fall. Congratulations Bry, we're proud of you!

Great Grandma with her Great Grand Girls

Grandma and her Great Grandchildren -- 3 & 3 Boys and Girls

Grandma Brooks and her Big Grand Babies :)

Baby Schaefer #2 is Born

2011-06-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Derik, Kelly, & Ruby welcomed a baby boy into their lives 6/18/2011 @ 12:19 PM. 8# 3oz, 20.5" long. Welcome to the world Zane Rylan Schaefer. We got to meet you and kiss you and hug you! Congratulations Schaefers!

Elizabeth & Ady Mae

2011-06-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Auntie Jenny & Cousin Adelynne came to stay with us for a week while our daycare was closed. Elizabeth was surprisingly gentle with the baby. Adelynne would suck on Elizabeth's fingers until Elizabeth would pull her little sharp fingers back and Ady would cry. All in all the week went well with the two little ones in the house.

Electronic Nasal Aspirator

2011-06-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

We love our electric booger sucker! It was $20 @ Walgreens, but definitely worth it. The manual bulb syringe is terrible and it is horrible getting Little Bits to hold still to perform multiple sucks from each nostril. This is wonderful, even plays music (if you want) as a distraction. Easy to clean. Efficient. Thorough. Gentle. Runs on (2) AA batteries. Highly recommended by this Mom. (And no, I'm not going to try it on myself. My husband offered to, though. Ewe! I'm not cleaning that one out!)

Recent Findings by This Blog's Author

2011-06-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Have you looked at the ingredients in coffee creamer (corn syrup solids, vegetable oils, dipotassium phosphate, etc)? Ick. Now look at dry milk. Milk & Vit D. This is what I now use in my coffee. I buy it the large box and keep some in Tupperware for my daily coffee. Much healthier than the other coffee creamer -- even though I am a sucker sometimes for the flavored, liquid ones. I will not be using the plain, powdered type anymore.

Where are the worst germs in your house? In the drain of your kitchen sink! Gross! So the next time you drop a grape down there...rewash it or toss it, don't just pop it (in your mouth).

And why do we dust with a wet rag vs. just using a feather duster? "There are three main components of dust: first, dead skin cells, second, the dried feces and dessicated corpses of dust mites lovely thought, eh? When people develop a house-dust allergy, this is usually the component they are reacting to), and the last component by volume is tiny fibers shed by clothing -- cotton is bad for this, and jeans are the worst. This is for ordinary house dust. (Incidentally, dust mites are not generally visible, except with a microscope; they are 200-300 microns long, they eat dead skin cells and live in bedding, carpets and soft furnishings.)"

OK, I'm getting off my soap box now...and going to clean with its contents. :)

Sing, Sing a Song, Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Strong!

2011-06-09T19:58:00.001-07:00

Little Bits is trying out her singing voice. She's gotten to such high notes lately that I think only the dog hears them. It's so much fun watching her learn different things now. (We had to post something. Grammy wanted to see something new on the blog. Figured we'd do something extra cute.)

Trip to Urgent Care

2011-06-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Miss Elizabeth came down with her first ear infection today. She had a 103.8 fever so we took her to urgent care after trying a cool bath - which she hated. We had the choice of 10 days of an antibiotic or a shot. We chose the shot, even though she didn't like it. After a long nap, feeding, and acetaminophen, she's smiling, babbling, and playing on the floor. Thank God we brought her in to make sure the fever wasn't just a cold, flu or teething. To all parents out there: trust your instincts.

Isabella turns one!

2011-05-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Baby Bella, our Littlest Lou Lou. A year ago you came into our family and forever changed it. Loves you, Princess!

Wet Cleaning Latex Gloves Remove Dog Hair

2011-05-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have a lint remover brush to get rid on the dog hair on my couch and then I finish with one of the sticky-back lint removers. What I tried recently was wearing my latex cleaning gloves, wet, and wiping down the couch. Works wonders (but keep the bucket of water near so you can redunk and rewipe). Also works on carpets, hard floors, under furniture, and on my bathroom rugs to pick my own hair.

Lexie's Hair Cut

2011-05-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Miss Lexie got her first haircut the other day. Now she looks less like a pomeranian and more like a terrier/chihuahua, hahaha. But she likes it! Here's a few before and after pix.

Sheet Rock on the Garage Ceiling

2011-05-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Getting the sheetrock on the garage ceiling.

Iz & Eliz

2011-05-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

11 mo. old Isabella has never really been one for a paci, but when the Makis came to visit, my little creeping niece went right up to her cousin in the bouncer and gave the paci a try. Elizabeth didn't mind sharing and Isabella didn't seem to mind that it was still attached to Elizabeth. What a couple of cuties if I do say so myself. And it's my blog, so I can, so there! :)

6 Month Appt

2011-05-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Height: 27.25" (88th %tile)
Weight: 18lbs, 2 oz (80th %tile)
Head: 17.5" (90th %tile)

Here's a pic of Little Bits sitting in her Bumbo whilst I get ready for work. I set my portable mirror up so I can see her behind me and she can see my face as I put it on, hehe.

A Royal Coincidence?

2011-05-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Modified Head Support

2011-05-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

We still put Elizabeth in her infant carrier for travel purposes. I really liked the head supports we have for her, however she grew out of them so fast. So I modified them a little bit by cutting another loop parallel to the higher loops to let the harness through. I then sewed the edges w/ a zig zag stitch to prevent fraying and put dots of velcro to keep them closed around the harness. Now its higher and it supports her little noggin during travel.

Yeah! Clothesline

2011-05-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a Mother's Day gift to myself: This is my favorite household task -- hanging laundry out to dry. I ended up getting rid of my old umbrella style and David was kind enough to hook up my new retractable 5-line clothesline to the house and it pulls out 30' to the new pole. I did some research on it and while some people love it and others dislike it because the brake can break if tightened too far. So far, I love it. I highly recommend it and it holds SO many clothes.

19 Minutes

2011-05-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

...is the amount of sleep a woman loses if she has just one drink before bed. (Per Parenting magazine.) Hmmm, interesting.

Timber!!! Good-bye 5 Red Pines

2011-05-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

We had 5 red pines in our front yard that were looking pretty sickly and made a mess with their long needles.

So Mr. Brooks hacked them down (with the assistance of his brother) and gave the wood to my brother. Good bye pines! Hello annoying stumps. How do you decompose stumps anyhow?

First Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something David & Elizabeth did for me. Apparently I just about ruined the surprise by walking in on the photo session, so they had to take the pictures quick and finish when Dave went to change her diaper. Hahaha. Thank you guys. You're so sweet.

To My Better Half....

2011-05-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

This is an email I received today. Seems fitting for the occasion:
I know someone who grew up in the 40's/50's with practical parents.

A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it...

A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.
Their marriage was good, their dreams focused.

I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress -- lawn mower in one hand, and dishtowel in hers. It was the time for fixing things -- a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress --things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy -- all that re-fixing, eating, renewing. I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my father died, and on that clear spring morning, in that hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return. So, while we have it, it's best we love it and care for it and fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage... And old cars... And children with bad report cards..... And dogs with bad hips.... And aging parents..... And grandparents.
We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep them close.
Happy 4th Anniversary, Honey. Thank you for your love, support, and for bringing out the best in me. I'm keeping you.

OBL Killed -- Really?

2011-05-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

OK, so unless you've fallen off the face of the earth, you've heard that Osama Bin Ladin, founder of the jihadist organization al-Qaeda, responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States and numerous other mass-casualty attacks against civilian and military targets, was shot and killed. (1) It's suspicious how he was shot and buried at sea right away (I'm not thoroughly convinced that it was him). (2) Obama is taking credit, when he was in fact determined to pull troops back and stop searching for him. (3) It was wrong to kill him. He should have been captured, not killed. (4) The TV has been nothing but rejoicing and bragging, Americans boasting that he was killed. That's asking for trouble -- might as well paint a target on our heads. The cocky, prideful attitudes that they're showing on TV is disgusting. No one should rejoice over someone else's death.
Yes, he was a terrorist. Yes he was bad. But you know what? We have no right to kill anyone. It is not our place to judge when it is someone's time to die. We as humans have no right to take anyone else's life. That's God's job, not ours. Be it Hitler, Hussein, or Bin Ladin, it is not our duty to play God. Why? Because this takes away the person's right to reconcile with God. Someone at work today said "oh, he'd never reconcile for his sins." You don't know that. And especially now, he'll never get that chance. I don't believe in the death penalty. Not only do you have to take into account the killed, but the killer. The person who pulled the trigger, flipped that switch, or injected that poison has committed a mortal sin. May God have mercy on their souls.
And I still think it all sounds very staged and suspicious. But, hail our government, right? Arg!

6 Months Old Today

2011-05-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is now 6 months old. Having her has been so wonderful. It amazes me how she takes the simplest things and analyzes them. She tries to grab pictures in a book, not yet realizing that they are just flat drawings. She also tries to grab the water when I pour it from a cup. Isn't it amazing in the process of teaching your child how many things you realize they are just seeing for the first time?
She can now sit by herself (with pillows around her) for a few minutes at independent play. Her favorite song is the alphabet. And she just finished her first bowl of rice tonight. It's amazing how 6 months can absolutely flip your world upside down. Just when you think you have it good, God can be so generous and give you a baby. Happy 1/2 birthday, Little Bits. We love you.

Family Get-Together

2011-04-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Cute Pictures:

Prince William & Princess Catherine

2011-04-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth & I watched the Royal Wedding this morning. I love weddings and always get teary-eyed, especially at the vows.
I loved what the Honerable Richard said. Today is the Feast of St. Catherine of Ciena. Regarding weddings: Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God wanted for one another. Beautiful.

A visit to see Grammy & Grandpa Ely :)

2011-04-29T02:14:00.000-07:00

Trading a Bounce for a Smile

2011-04-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

Hahaha, it's almost like she pauses for me to "take the picture". My smiley girl.

Happy 64th Birthday, Dad

2011-04-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

"Someday you might know what I'm going through,
When a miracle smiles up at you.
I loved her first."
I think Dad & Elizabeth have already met in heaven. Happy birthday, Dad. We miss you.

Christ's Chore List

2011-04-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

After doing some research, making an initial template, and trying it for a few months, I've finally temporarily finalized (yea, I said that) my weekly chore list. It's really helped me to not be overwhelmed on Saturdays and when I would try to do it all with the hopes of being able to relax and enjoy my family on the weekends.
I debated whether or not to blog this, but I looked at numerous other blogs, so I figure...why not post what worked for me? And actually, Elizabeth and I get most of our chores done in the morning before work so we can focus on dinner and walks w/ puppy after work.
Sunday:
Cut coupons
Make weekly menu
Empty compost buckets

Monday:
Shake out rugs
Mirrors & windows
Microwave
Groom Dog

Tuesday:
Garbages
Kitchen drain
Water Plants

Wednesday:
Dusting
Ironing

Thursday:
Stove top
Fridge – inside & outside

Friday:
Sweep & mop kitchen
Bathroom: sinks, toilets, floors
Water Plants

Saturday:
Laundry
Vacuum crevices of house
Scrub tubs & shower

Monthly:
Bathe dog
Wash dog's linens
Fridge drawers & door shelves

(I never dusted pictures before until I saw someone else post it. I then went to my pictures and saw what they were talking about -- ewww! Who knew picture frames needed to be dusted...I do, now.)

Honey, I think we need to add a little color to your wardrobe. :)

2011-04-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

David was kind enough to add a tension rod in the mudroom so that I can hang clothes right out of the dryer and avoid wrinkles. But I noticed something 1/2 way through folding the white load. Hmmmm.

Little Bits Pics

2011-04-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Your Mama wore this same outfit, Little One!

My Unsupported Sitter: