Marjorie Pay Hinckley

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

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

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?

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

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

Hmmm.....

Elizabeth talking to Grammy on the Phone

Mary, Did You Know?

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

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

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

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

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

The Birth Order Book

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

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) :)

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

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.

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

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

Christi's Birthday

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?

Mmmm, what shoes would go with my birthday suit?

Momma's Turning 30

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"

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

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

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)

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

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

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

Change in the Mass

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

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

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

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.